Introduction
This is the bread that will never fail you. Soft, fluffy on the inside, lightly golden on the outside, and easy enough for beginners. With simple ingredients and reliable steps, this bread is perfect for everyday sandwiches, toast, or enjoying warm with butter.
Ingredients
4 cups all-purpose flour
2¼ teaspoons instant yeast (1 packet)
2 tablespoons sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1¼ cups warm milk (not hot)
2 tablespoons vegetable oil or melted butter
Instructions
In a large bowl, mix warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
Add oil (or melted butter) and salt. Mix well.
Gradually add flour, mixing until a soft dough forms.
Knead dough on a floured surface for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Punch down dough and shape into a loaf.
Place in a greased loaf pan and let rise again for 30–40 minutes.
Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
Bake for 30–35 minutes until golden brown and hollow-sounding when tapped.
Remove from pan and cool on a rack.
Description
This bread is soft, airy, and perfectly balanced in flavor. It slices beautifully without crumbling and stays fresh for days. The crust is lightly crisp while the inside remains tender and fluffy.
Tips
Make sure the milk is warm, not hot, to activate yeast properly.
Knead well to develop gluten for a soft texture.
Let the bread cool before slicing to avoid a gummy interior.
Brush the top with butter after baking for a softer crust.
Variations
Whole Wheat: Replace half the flour with whole wheat flour.
Herb Bread: Add garlic powder or dried herbs to the dough.
Cheese Bread: Fold in shredded cheese before shaping.
Dinner Rolls: Shape into rolls instead of a loaf.
Sweet Bread: Add an extra tablespoon of sugar and a little vanilla.
Correction
If bread is dense: Dough may not have risen long enough.
If bread is dry: Reduce baking time slightly or add a bit more milk.
If bread doesn’t rise: Yeast may be expired or milk too hot.
Enjoy
Enjoy this reliable, homemade bread fresh with butter, as toast, or for sandwiches. Once you make it, it will become your go-to bread recipe every time.