There’s nothing quite like the comforting aroma of freshly baked bread wafting through your kitchen. This recipe for fluffy homemade bread is quick, simple, and absolutely delicious—perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a warm afternoon snack. In just a few simple steps and minimal ingredients, you’ll achieve soft, pillowy bread that melts in your mouth and leaves everyone asking for seconds.
This recipe is designed for ease and flavor. You don’t need a bread machine or any fancy techniques. It’s a foolproof process that produces beautiful, golden bread with a light texture, slightly chewy crust, and subtle tang from yogurt. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a complete beginner, this one’s for you.
Ingredients
All measurements are listed in both cups/ounces and grams/milliliters for accuracy and ease.
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour (10.6 oz / 300 g)
- 1 teaspoon salt (5 g)
- 1 teaspoon sugar (5 g)
- 1 heaping tablespoon bread yeast (0.9 oz / 25 g)
Wet Ingredients:
- ¾ cup warm milk (7 fl oz / 200 ml)
- 2 teaspoons vegetable oil (10 ml)
- 1 tablespoon plain yogurt (0.7 oz / 20 g)
Step-by-Step Preparation
Mixing the Wet Ingredients
Start by combining the sugar, salt, vegetable oil, and plain yogurt in a large glass bowl. Stir with a spoon or whisk until the mixture is smooth and all components are fully dissolved. This blend creates the flavorful and moist foundation for your dough.
Now, add the warm milk. Make sure the milk is warm—not hot—to activate the yeast properly without killing it. Mix again until the liquids are fully incorporated into one consistent mixture.
Incorporating the Dry Ingredients
Add in the all-purpose flour and the heaping tablespoon of bread yeast. You can sift the flour if you’d like a lighter texture, but it’s optional. Begin mixing everything together using a spoon or spatula until the dough comes together into a sticky mass.
Kneading the Dough
Once a rough dough forms, use your hands to knead it inside the bowl or on a lightly floured surface. Knead for about 5–8 minutes until the dough becomes soft, elastic, and smooth. It should no longer stick to your fingers or the bowl. If it’s still sticky, sprinkle in a little more flour as needed.
Letting the Dough Rise
Place the kneaded dough back in the bowl and cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Let it rest for about 20 minutes in a warm area. During this time, the yeast will activate, causing the dough to rise and double in volume. This resting phase is crucial for the fluffiness of the bread.
Shaping the Dough
After rising, gently punch the dough down to release any air bubbles. Divide it into 12 equal pieces and shape each one into a small ball.
On a floured surface, use a rolling pin to roll out each dough ball into a flat, round disk. The thickness is up to you, but slightly thinner rounds will result in puffier bread with a light, airy interior.
Prepping the Baking Dish
Grease a heatproof glass baking dish with a small amount of oil and dust it lightly with flour, or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Baking the Bread
Preheat your oven to 482°F (250°C) for at least 15 minutes to ensure it’s piping hot. Once preheated, place the rolled-out bread dough in the prepared baking dish, leaving a little space between each piece.
Bake the bread for approximately 6 minutes. Keep a close eye—it should puff up slightly and turn lightly golden without browning too much. Because the baking time is short, this bread stays super soft and fluffy on the inside.
Serving the Bread
Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and let it cool slightly on a wire rack. Serve while still warm for the best experience. It pairs beautifully with butter, jam, cheese, or honey—but it’s delicious even plain.
You can also brush the tops with a bit of melted butter for added flavor and softness.
Tips for Perfect Fluffy Bread
- Warm Milk Matters: Ensure your milk is warm to the touch—not hot. Hot milk can kill the yeast, while cold milk won’t activate it properly.
- Don’t Skip the Yogurt: The yogurt adds moisture and a slight tang that enhances the softness and flavor of the bread.
- Use Fresh Yeast: Check the expiration date on your yeast. Inactive yeast will result in dense, flat bread.
- Rest Time is Key: Allowing the dough to rise helps create that airy, pillowy texture we all love.
- Oven Temperature is Crucial: The high heat gives the bread a quick rise in the oven (oven spring), creating a fluffier texture.
- Roll Thin for Even Puffiness: Rolling the dough slightly thinner encourages more even cooking and a puffed appearance.
FAQs
Can I use instant yeast instead of bread yeast?
Yes, you can. Just use the same amount and skip the proofing step. Instant yeast can be mixed directly into the flour.
What can I use instead of yogurt?
Sour cream or Greek yogurt are excellent substitutes. If unavailable, you can add a tiny splash of vinegar or lemon juice to milk as a quick replacement.
How do I store the bread?
Store the cooled bread in an airtight container or wrap in foil. It stays fresh at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze and reheat as needed.
Can I add herbs or cheese to the dough?
Absolutely. Add dried herbs like oregano, thyme, or rosemary to the flour mixture. For cheesy bread, fold in grated cheese during shaping or sprinkle on top before baking.
Why didn’t my bread puff up in the oven?
Likely reasons include inactive yeast, too-cold dough, or an oven that wasn’t hot enough. Always let the dough rise fully and ensure the oven is properly preheated.
Is this bread good for sandwiches?
While it’s best served fresh and warm, you can slice thicker rounds and use them as sandwich bread. Toasting also works well.
Can I make a sweet version of this bread?
Yes! Add a bit more sugar to the dough and top with cinnamon sugar before baking for a sweet twist.
Enjoy this homemade fluffy bread as a go-to recipe that brings warmth and comfort to your kitchen. Its simplicity, speed, and incredible flavor make it a family favorite you’ll return to time and time again.