Homemade bread is always a treat, and there’s something special about soft, pillowy milk bread that can be used in a variety of ways—from sandwiches to toast, or even enjoyed on its own. This Soft Homemade Milk Bread is incredibly easy to make and results in a loaf that is both soft and flavorful. The milk and butter in this recipe give the bread a rich texture and a subtly sweet taste, making it perfect for any meal.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (200 ml) warm water
- 1 cup (200 ml) warm milk
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 10 g yeast (about 2 teaspoons)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 30 g butter (about 2 tablespoons), softened
- 600 g flour (about 4 ¾ cups)
- 40 g butter (about 3 tablespoons), for brushing
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- Activate the Yeast: In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of warm water, 1 cup of warm milk, and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Stir well and sprinkle the 10 g of yeast over the mixture. Let it sit for 10 minutes until the yeast becomes frothy and bubbly.
Step 2: Mix the Dough
- Add the Salt and Butter: Once the yeast mixture is ready, stir in 1 teaspoon of salt and 30 g of softened butter. Mix well to combine.
- Add the Flour: Gradually add 600 g of flour to the mixture, stirring continuously until the dough starts coming together.
Step 3: Knead the Dough
- Knead Until Smooth: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes. The dough should become smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, but be careful not to add too much, as this can make the bread dense.
Step 4: Let the Dough Rise
- First Rise: Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl. Cover it with a towel or plastic wrap and place it in a warm, draft-free area. Let it rise for about 45 minutes or until it has doubled in size.
Step 5: Shape the Dough
- Punch and Rest: Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Let it rest for another 15 minutes to relax the dough.
- Shape the Dough: Sprinkle a little flour onto a clean surface and divide the dough into your desired shape. You can either shape it into a loaf or divide it into smaller rolls. Place the shaped dough into a greased baking tray, making sure it has enough space to rise.
Step 6: Bake the Bread
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F).
- Bake the Bread: Place the shaped dough in the preheated oven and bake for about 25 minutes or until the bread is golden brown on top and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. If you prefer a softer crust, you can bake it for a slightly shorter time.
Step 7: Brush with Butter
- Add Butter for Extra Softness: While the bread is still hot, brush the top with the 40 g of melted butter. This will give the bread a beautiful sheen and make the crust even softer and more flavorful.
Step 8: Cool and Serve
- Let the Bread Cool: Allow the bread to cool slightly before slicing. This helps it retain its soft texture. Once cooled, slice the bread and serve.
- Serve: Enjoy the bread warm with your favorite spread, or use it as a side dish to complement soups, salads, or any meal.
Serving Suggestions
- For Breakfast: Serve this soft milk bread toasted with butter, jam, honey, or cheese for a delicious start to your day.
- For Sandwiches: Use the bread for sandwiches—its softness makes it ideal for holding any filling, from deli meats to veggies and spreads.
- As a Side Dish: Pair it with soups, stews, or salads for a comforting meal.
Cooking Tips
- Activating Yeast: Ensure the water and milk are warm (about 40°C or 100°F) but not hot. Hot liquids can kill the yeast, while cold liquids will prevent it from activating.
- Kneading: Knead the dough thoroughly to develop the gluten, which gives the bread its fluffy and airy texture. The more you knead, the softer the bread will be.
- Customizing Sweetness: For a sweeter bread, you can increase the sugar to 2 tablespoons instead of 1 tablespoon.
- Flour Type: For best results, use all-purpose flour or bread flour for a better texture. Avoid using cake flour, as it may not provide the necessary structure for the bread.
Nutritional Benefits
- Homemade Bread: Unlike store-bought bread, homemade bread contains fewer preservatives, allowing you to enjoy a fresher and more natural product.
- Milk and Butter: The addition of milk and butter in this bread provides essential calcium, vitamin D, and healthy fats, which contribute to stronger bones and overall health.
- Yeast: Yeast adds essential B vitamins and minerals like iron and magnesium, which are beneficial for energy production and maintaining a healthy body.
Dietary Information
- Vegetarian: This bread is suitable for vegetarians, as it contains no meat or animal byproducts (except dairy).
- Contains Dairy and Gluten: This bread is not suitable for those with lactose intolerance or gluten sensitivity.
Nutritional Facts (Per Serving, 1 Slice)
- Calories: 210
- Protein: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fats: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
FAQ
Can I use a bread machine for this recipe?
Yes, you can use a bread machine to knead and rise the dough. Simply add the ingredients to the bread machine according to the manufacturer’s instructions and let it do the work.
Can I freeze this bread?
Yes, this bread freezes well. After it has cooled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil and place it in a freezer-safe bag. It will keep for up to 3 months. To serve, simply thaw and reheat.
Can I make this bread dairy-free?
To make this bread dairy-free, substitute the milk with a plant-based milk (such as almond milk or soy milk), and use vegan butter in place of the dairy butter.
How do I know when the bread is fully baked?
The bread is fully baked when it turns a golden-brown color, and when tapped on the bottom, it sounds hollow. You can also check the internal temperature; it should reach around 90°C (190°F).
Conclusion
This Soft Homemade Milk Bread is a delightful recipe that results in a soft, fluffy, and flavorful loaf. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a delicious homemade bread that is perfect for any occasion. Whether you enjoy it as a standalone snack, a sandwich base, or a side dish, this bread is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Happy baking!