Homemade Bread Recipe: Super Soft, Melt-in-Your-Mouth Deliciousness
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Yield: 12 servings
There’s nothing quite like the aroma of fresh, homemade bread baking in the oven. This homemade bread recipe creates a loaf that’s incredibly soft, fluffy, and downright irresistible. Whether you enjoy it warm with a pat of butter, use it for sandwiches, or savor it on its own, this bread is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. The best part? It’s surprisingly easy to make, even if you’re new to bread baking. Let’s dive into the process and see how you can create this deliciousness right at home.
Ingredients for Homemade Bread
- Wet Ingredients:
- 1 egg
- 1 cup of warm milk (approximately 110°F or 43°C)
- 3 tablespoons of butter (room temperature)
- Dry Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon of sugar
- 3 cups of wheat flour (all-purpose flour works best)
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 10g of organic yeast (approximately 2 teaspoons)
Step-by-Step Instructions for Homemade Bread
Step 1: Prepare the Wet Ingredients
- Mix in a Blender: Begin by gathering your ingredients and setting up your blender. Add the warm milk, butter, egg, sugar, salt, and yeast to the blender.
- Tip: Ensure the milk is warm but not hot. If the milk is too hot, it could kill the yeast, preventing the bread from rising properly.
- Blend the Ingredients: Process the ingredients in the blender until you achieve a smooth and homogeneous mixture. This step helps to ensure that the yeast is evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Step 2: Form the Dough
- Combine with Flour: Pour the blended mixture into a large mixing bowl. Gradually add the wheat flour, about half a cup at a time, mixing with a spatula or wooden spoon after each addition.
- Tip: You may not need all 3 cups of flour, or you may need a little more, depending on the humidity and other factors. The dough should be soft and slightly sticky but still manageable.
- Knead the Dough: Once the dough starts to come together, you can begin kneading it in the bowl or on a lightly floured surface. Knead for about 5-7 minutes until the dough is smooth, elastic, and no longer sticky.
Step 3: Let the Dough Rise
- Rest the Dough: Cover the dough with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it rest in a warm, draft-free place for about 30 minutes.
- Tip: The dough should rise slightly during this time. If your kitchen is cold, you can place the dough in a slightly warmed (but turned off) oven to help it rise.
Step 4: Shape and Bake
- Shape the Dough: After the dough has rested, punch it down gently to release any air bubbles. Then, shape the dough into small balls, about the size of a golf ball.
- Tip: You can make the bread in any shape you prefer. Loaves, rolls, or braided bread are all good options.
- Prepare the Pan: Grease a baking pan with butter or non-stick spray. Place the shaped dough balls into the prepared pan, leaving a little space between each one for expansion.
- Bake the Bread: Preheat your oven to 356°F (180°C). Once heated, place the pan in the oven and bake for about 25 minutes or until the bread is golden brown on top and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Tip: For an extra soft crust, brush the top of the bread with melted butter immediately after it comes out of the oven.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
- Cool the Bread: Allow the bread to cool slightly in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps the bread finish baking and makes it easier to slice.
- Serve: Serve the bread warm or at room temperature with butter, jam, or your favorite toppings. Enjoy the melt-in-your-mouth softness with every bite!
Tips for Perfect Homemade Bread
- Use Fresh Yeast: Always check the expiration date on your yeast before using it. Fresh yeast is crucial for a good rise and fluffy texture.
- Don’t Over-Knead: Kneading is essential, but over-kneading can make the bread tough. Stop once the dough is smooth and elastic.
- Proper Rising: The dough should double in size during the resting period. If it doesn’t, your yeast might be old, or the environment might be too cold.
- Check Doneness: Bread is done when it reaches an internal temperature of about 190°F (88°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, tap the bottom of the loaf—it should sound hollow.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
A: Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for some or all of the all-purpose flour. However, keep in mind that whole wheat flour will make the bread denser. You might need to adjust the amount of liquid slightly to achieve the right dough consistency.
Q: Can I make this bread without a blender?
A: Absolutely! If you don’t have a blender, you can mix the wet ingredients together by hand or with a whisk. Just make sure to mix until smooth before adding the flour.
Q: How do I store leftover bread?
A: Store leftover bread in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. It will stay fresh at room temperature for 2-3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the bread for up to 3 months.
Q: Can I add other ingredients to the dough?
A: Yes, you can add ingredients like herbs, garlic, cheese, or even dried fruits to the dough for different flavor variations. Just fold them in during the kneading process.
Q: What if my bread doesn’t rise?
A: If your bread doesn’t rise, it could be due to old yeast, too cold of a resting environment, or not enough time. Make sure your yeast is fresh and that the dough is resting in a warm place.
Conclusion
Making homemade bread might seem intimidating at first, but with this simple recipe, you’ll be baking like a pro in no time. The result is a soft, fluffy bread that’s perfect for any meal of the day. Whether you’re enjoying it as toast for breakfast, a sandwich for lunch, or a side for dinner, this bread is sure to please. So grab your ingredients and get baking—there’s nothing better than the smell of fresh bread wafting through your home!