How to Make Delicious Super Soft Bread: A Step-by-Step Guide
There’s nothing quite like the smell of freshly baked bread filling your kitchen. Bread-making might seem intimidating, but with this easy recipe, you can make soft, warm, and delicious bread in no time using just basic ingredients. Whether you’re new to baking or an experienced baker looking for a simple recipe, this guide will walk you through every step of the process. By the end, you’ll have a loaf of soft, pillowy bread perfect for sandwiches, toast, or just enjoying with butter. Let’s dive in!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple ingredients: You don’t need fancy ingredients to make this bread—everything you need is likely already in your pantry.
- Super soft texture: The milk and butter in the dough ensure a tender, soft bread that’s perfect for any occasion.
- No fancy equipment needed: You won’t need a stand mixer or bread machine. All you need is a mixing bowl and your hands to knead the dough.
- Quick prep time: With minimal hands-on time, this recipe is great for busy schedules.
Ingredients
Let’s take a look at what you’ll need for this soft and delicious bread:
- 250 ml of warm water (about 1 cup + 2 tablespoons): The right temperature will activate the yeast, allowing the dough to rise properly.
- 6 grams of sugar (about 1 ½ teaspoons): Sugar feeds the yeast, helping it to activate and rise.
- 7 grams of dry yeast (about 2 ¼ teaspoons): Yeast is the key to making your bread rise and become airy.
- 50 ml of milk (about 3 ½ tablespoons): Adds moisture and richness to the dough.
- 350 grams of all-purpose flour (about 2 ¾ cups): The main structure of the bread, providing the necessary gluten.
- 15 grams of butter (about 1 tablespoon): Softened butter helps give the bread its soft texture.
- 1 teaspoon of salt: Enhances the flavor and balances the sweetness of the bread.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Activating the Yeast
Before you start, it’s important to activate the yeast. This step ensures that the bread will rise properly and have a soft texture.
- Mix the ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and dry yeast. Stir until everything is completely dissolved. This mixture should start to bubble slightly after a few minutes, indicating that the yeast is active. Tip: Make sure the water is warm but not hot (around 110°F/43°C). If the water is too hot, it could kill the yeast, preventing the bread from rising.
- Add milk: Once the yeast is activated, pour in the milk and stir well to combine. This will add richness to the dough and make the bread extra soft.
Preparing the Dough
Now that the yeast is ready, it’s time to prepare the dough.
- Sift and add flour: Sift the flour to aerate it and remove any lumps. Gradually add the flour to the liquid mixture, stirring with a spatula or wooden spoon as you go. This ensures that the flour is evenly incorporated.
- Add salt: After adding the flour, mix in the salt. Be careful not to add the salt directly to the yeast mixture before the flour, as salt can inhibit yeast growth.
- Incorporate the butter: Once the flour and salt are combined, add the softened butter. Use your hands to knead the dough gently until the butter is fully incorporated and the dough is soft and slightly sticky. Tip: If the dough is too sticky to handle, add a small amount of flour (a tablespoon at a time) until it reaches a manageable consistency. Be careful not to add too much, as this can make the bread dense.
Kneading and Resting the Dough
Kneading is essential to developing the gluten, which gives bread its structure.
- Knead the dough: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 3-4 minutes. The dough should become smooth and elastic. If it’s still sticky, sprinkle a little more flour, but avoid over-flouring. Tip: To test if the dough is ready, poke it with your finger. If the dough springs back, it’s properly kneaded.
- Rest the dough: Place the dough back in the bowl, cover it with a tea towel or plastic wrap, and let it rest in a warm place for about an hour. The dough should double in size during this time. Tip: If your kitchen is cold, you can place the dough in the oven with the light on, which creates a warm environment.
Shaping and Baking the Bread
After the dough has risen, it’s time to shape and bake your bread.
- Punch down the dough: After the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release any air bubbles.
- Shape the dough: Form the dough into a round or oval shape, depending on the type of loaf you want. You can also divide the dough into smaller portions for individual rolls.
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while you let the shaped dough rest for another 10-15 minutes.
- Bake: Place the dough on a baking sheet or in a greased loaf pan, and bake for 25-30 minutes. The bread is done when the top is golden brown, and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped.
Serving Suggestions
Once your bread is baked, let it cool on a wire rack for about 10 minutes before slicing. This bread is incredibly versatile and pairs well with:
- Butter and jam for breakfast
- Sandwiches for lunch
- Soup or salad for dinner
You can also toast it for a crispy, buttery treat!
Tips for Success
- Use lukewarm water: The ideal temperature for activating yeast is around 110°F (43°C). Too hot, and you risk killing the yeast; too cold, and the yeast won’t activate properly.
- Soft butter: Make sure your butter is soft but not melted. This helps create a soft and tender crumb in the finished bread.
- Don’t rush the rise: Give your dough enough time to rise. If it hasn’t doubled in size after an hour, give it more time. A proper rise is key to a soft texture.
- Check for doneness: Tap the bottom of the bread to see if it sounds hollow—this is a good sign that it’s fully baked.
FAQ Section
1. Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour, but keep in mind that the bread might be denser. You may want to use a 50/50 mix of whole wheat and all-purpose flour for a lighter texture.
2. How do I store the bread?
Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want it to last longer, you can freeze the loaf for up to 3 months.
3. Can I add other ingredients to this bread?
Absolutely! You can add seeds, herbs, or even cheese to the dough for extra flavor. Just mix them in after you’ve incorporated the butter.
4. Can I make this bread without dairy?
Yes, you can substitute the milk with a plant-based milk (like almond or soy), and use a dairy-free butter or oil in place of regular butter.
5. Why didn’t my dough rise?
If your dough didn’t rise, it could be due to inactive yeast, water that was too hot or too cold, or a cold environment. Make sure your yeast is fresh, and let the dough rest in a warm place.
Conclusion
Making homemade bread doesn’t have to be difficult or time-consuming. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can enjoy fresh, soft, and delicious bread straight from your oven. Whether you’re serving it as a side for dinner or using it to make sandwiches, this bread recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household. Happy baking!