There’s nothing quite like the smell of freshly baked bread filling your home—it’s warm, comforting, and oddly satisfying. Making soft bread from scratch may sound intimidating, but this simple, rich bread recipe is beginner-friendly and yields a beautifully tender loaf with a soft, fluffy interior and a light golden crust. Whether you’re preparing it for breakfast, sandwiches, or as a side with your favorite soup, this homemade bread offers a wholesome, delicious alternative to store-bought loaves, which are often filled with preservatives and additives.
The recipe requires only a handful of pantry staples and a little patience for the dough to rise, but the results are well worth the wait. It’s also wonderfully customizable—you can add herbs, cheese, or even a swirl of cinnamon if you’re feeling creative. Ideal for both savory and sweet pairings, this bread can be enjoyed fresh out of the oven, toasted, or even transformed into French toast the next day. Making your own bread not only adds a personal touch to meals, but it’s also a rewarding way to reconnect with traditional home cooking.
Ingredients (Serves 6–8):
- 3 cups (400g) all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (200g) milk or water
- 1/4 cup (40g) sugar
- 2 teaspoons (7g) active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup butter or vegetable oil
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
- Start by adding the milk or water into a mixing bowl.
- Stir in the yeast, sugar, butter or oil, and salt.
- Gradually add in the flour and begin mixing until the dough starts to form.
- Knead the dough by hand or with a dough hook for about 15 minutes, or until the dough becomes elastic and stretchy. A properly kneaded dough will resist tearing when pulled.
- Place the dough into a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm place until it doubles in size.
- Once risen, punch down the dough to release trapped air.
- Shape the dough into a rectangle, then roll it to fit your loaf pan.
- Place the dough in the pan and allow it to rise slightly again while preheating the oven.
- Bake at 170°C (325°F) for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the top is golden and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped.
- Let the bread cool completely before slicing.
Nutritional Insights & Dietary Considerations:
This bread provides a balance of carbohydrates and a bit of fat, making it a good energy source. Using milk adds extra richness and some calcium, while water keeps it lighter. It does contain gluten, so it’s not suitable for those with gluten intolerance. You can use plant-based milk and oil to make it dairy-free.
Sharing and Commenting is Caring:
If you gave this soft bread recipe a try, we’d love to hear how it turned out! Did you add your own twist or enjoy it as-is? Leave a comment to share your experience, and don’t forget to send this recipe to someone who loves a good homemade bake.