Classic Homemade Bread: Simple, Soft, and Delicious

Ingredients

3 ½ cups (440g) all-purpose flour (or bread flour)

2 tsp instant yeast

3 tbsp sugar

1 tsp salt

1 cup warm milk (240 ml)

¼ cup warm water (60 ml)

3 tbsp melted butter (plus more for brushing)

1 egg (optional, for richer dough)

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough
2. In a bowl, mix warm water, warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let rest 5 minutes until frothy.
3. Add melted butter, salt, and egg. Mix.
4. Gradually add flour and knead 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
5. First Rise
6. Shape the dough into a ball.
7. Place in an oiled bowl, cover, and let rise 1 hour or until doubled in size.
8. Shape the Loaf
9. Punch down the dough and roll it into a rectangle.
10. Roll tightly into a log and place in a greased loaf pan.
11. Make 3–4 shallow slashes on top (as in your photo).
12. Let rise again 30–40 minutes.
13. Bake
14. Preheat oven to 180°C / 350°F.
15. Brush the loaf with milk or egg wash.
16. Bake 25–30 minutes until deep golden brown.

✨ Finishing Touch

Brush the hot bread with melted butter for that shiny, soft crust.