✔ In a bowl, mix warm milk, sugar, and yeast.
✔ Let sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy.
✅ If no foam appears, your yeast may be inactive—start over!
2️⃣ Make the Dough
✔ In a large bowl, combine flour and salt.
✔ Add the yeast mixture, softened butter, and egg (if using).
✔ Mix until a soft dough forms.
✅ If sticky, add 1-2 tablespoons of flour until manageable.
3️⃣ Knead for Softness
✔ Knead dough on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes, until smooth & elastic.
✔ Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with a cloth, and let rise for 1 hour (or until doubled in size).
✅ A warm spot speeds up the rising process!
4️⃣ Shape & Second Rise
✔ Punch down dough and shape into a loaf or rolls.
✔ Place into a greased baking pan.
✔ Cover and let rise for another 30 minutes.
✅ This second rise makes the bread extra fluffy!
5️⃣ Bake Until Golden
✔ Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
✔ Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
✔ Brush with melted butter for a soft crust.
✅ For a richer golden crust, brush with an egg wash before baking!
6️⃣ Cool & Enjoy!
✔ Let cool slightly before slicing.
✔ Serve warm with butter, jam, or as a sandwich base.
✅ Best enjoyed fresh, but still delicious for days!
🔥 Variations & Customization
🔹 Garlic Herb Bread – Add 1 teaspoon garlic powder & dried herbs. 🌿
🔹 Cheese Bread – Fold in grated cheese for a cheesy loaf. 🧀
🔹 Sweet Honey Bread – Swap sugar for honey for a natural sweetness. 🍯
🔹 Whole Wheat Version – Replace half the flour with whole wheat flour. 🌾
🥡 Storage & Tips
✔ Store at room temp in an airtight bag for 3 days.
✔ Freeze for up to 2 months—slice before freezing for easy use.
✔ Reheat in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes for fresh texture.
🏆 Final Thoughts: Soft, Fluffy & Absolutely Delicious!
This homemade bread is soft, airy, and incredibly easy to make! Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned baker, this recipe guarantees perfectly fluffy bread every time.
💡 Will you try this recipe? Let me know how it turns out! 🍞
