Homemade Soft Bread Loaf
You’ll never want store-bought again! Soft, fluffy, golden crust, and the smell while baking is absolutely amazing. Fresh warm butter on top? Perfect.
🛒 Ingredients
1 cup warm milk (about 110°F / 43°C)
½ cup warm water (about 110°F / 43°C)
2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
¼ cup sugar
2 tablespoons butter, melted
1 teaspoon salt
4–4½ cups all-purpose flour
👩🍳 Full Step-by-Step Instructions
1️⃣ Activate the Yeast
In a large bowl, combine warm milk, warm water, sugar, and yeast.
Stir gently and let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
(If it doesn’t foam, the yeast may be inactive.)
2️⃣ Add Remaining Ingredients
Stir in melted butter and salt.
Gradually add flour, one cup at a time, mixing until a soft dough forms.
3️⃣ Knead the Dough
Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface.
Knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
(The dough should be soft but not sticky. Add a little flour if needed.)
4️⃣ First Rise
Place dough in a lightly greased bowl.
Cover with a towel and let rise in a warm place for 1 to 1½ hours, or until doubled in size.
5️⃣ Shape the Loaf
Punch down the dough to release air.
Shape into a loaf and place into a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan.
Cover and let rise again for 30–45 minutes, until doubled.
6️⃣ Bake
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Bake for 25–30 minutes, until golden brown on top.
Tap the top — it should sound hollow.
7️⃣ Finish
Brush the top with melted butter while warm for a soft crust.
Let cool slightly before slicing.
Homemade Soft Bread Loaf
