Homemade Soft Bread Recipe

There’s something incredibly satisfying about the smell of freshly baked bread filling your home. This Homemade Soft Bread recipe delivers a soft, slightly chewy loaf with a golden-brown crust. Whether you’re enjoying it with butter, using it for sandwiches, or serving it alongside soups and salads, this bread will quickly become a staple in your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Bread Recipe

Soft and Light: The dough is perfectly soft and fluffy, with a light, airy texture.

Versatile: You can enjoy this bread on its own, with spreads, or as a base for sandwiches.

Homemade Goodness: Making bread at home allows you to control the ingredients and avoid preservatives found in store-bought options.

Simple Ingredients: This recipe uses basic pantry staples, making it easy to whip up without special equipment.

Ingredients

Dry Yeast: 10 grams (1 packet)

Warm Water: 200 ml (1 glass)

Flour: 720 grams (6 cups) + 120 grams (1 cup) for initial mixing

Salt: 10 grams (1 teaspoon)

Egg Yolk: 1

Milk: 1 tablespoon

Instructions: How to Make Homemade Soft Bread

1. Activate the Yeast

Start by dissolving the dry yeast in 200 ml of warm water. Stir it gently until the yeast is fully dissolved. This step is crucial for ensuring the yeast activates properly, so make sure the water is warm but not hot to avoid killing the yeast.

2. Mix the First Dough

Add 120 grams of flour to the yeast mixture. Stir until smooth and well-combined. Once the mixture forms a paste, gather the dough together, cover it with a cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rest for about 15 minutes.

3. Add More Flour and Knead

After the dough has rested, add 400 ml of warm water to the mixture and stir. Gradually add 720 grams of flour and salt, continuing to mix until the dough begins to come together. Knead the dough for 3-4 minutes until it forms a soft, slightly non-sticky dough. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour.

4. Let the Dough Ferment

Cover the dough with a clean cloth and set it aside in a warm place to ferment. It should double in size. This typically takes about 1 to 1.5 hours. Once it’s risen, punch the dough down to remove the air and divide it into two equal parts.

5. Shape the Dough

Roll each portion of dough into a ball and let them rest for 10 minutes. This allows the gluten to relax, making it easier to shape.

6. Form the Loaf

Lightly flour your work surface. Take one dough ball and use your fingers to expand the dough gently. Roll it inward to form a loaf. Repeat the same process with the second dough ball.

7. Rest Before Baking

Place the shaped loaves on a baking tray, cover them with a cloth, and let them rest for about 20 minutes. This gives the dough time to rise slightly again before baking.

8. Brush and Bake

Preheat your oven to 200°C (392°F). In a small bowl, mix the egg yolk and milk to create an egg wash. Brush the tops of the loaves with the egg mixture for a golden, glossy finish. Bake the loaves in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until they are golden brown. The internal temperature should reach about 190°F when fully baked.

9. Cool and Serve

Once baked, remove the loaves from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack. Slice and serve warm for the best experience!

Serving Suggestions

Warm with Butter: Serve slices of this soft bread with a pat of butter for a simple, satisfying treat.

Sandwich Base: Use this bread for sandwiches, from classic ham and cheese to veggie-packed creations.

Side to Soups and Salads: This bread pairs perfectly with soups, stews, or fresh salads. Try it alongside a bowl of creamy tomato soup or a hearty chicken stew.

Cooking Tips

Yeast Temperature: Ensure the water is warm (about 100°F or 37°C) but not hot, as too much heat can kill the yeast and prevent the dough from rising.

Kneading the Dough: Don’t over-knead the dough. Knead it just enough to bring it together into a smooth ball. Overworking the dough can make the bread tough.

Adjusting Flour: If the dough feels too sticky, gradually add a little more flour. However, keep in mind that a slightly sticky dough is often ideal for soft, airy bread.

Nutritional Benefits

Carbohydrates: This bread provides a solid source of carbohydrates, giving you energy throughout the day.

Lower Preservatives: Homemade bread allows you to enjoy a fresh, preservative-free product.

Protein: The bread also provides some protein from the flour and egg yolk.

Nutritional Facts (per serving)

Calories: 150

Total Fat: 1.5g

Saturated Fat: 0.5g

Cholesterol: 20mg

Sodium: 300mg

Total Carbohydrates: 30g

Dietary Fiber: 1g

Sugars: 1g

Protein: 4g

Storage

Room Temperature: Store the bread at room temperature for up to 3 days in an airtight container or wrapped in a cloth.

Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the bread in a resealable bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm it in the oven for a fresh-baked experience.

Final Thoughts

This Homemade Soft Bread recipe brings the joy of freshly baked bread into your home without the need for special skills or equipment. The soft, fluffy texture and golden crust are sure to make this bread a family favorite. Whether you enjoy it with butter or as a base for your sandwiches, this simple recipe is a winner every time. Happy baking!

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