This foolproof bread recipe produces a loaf that smells amazing and tastes significantly better than store-bought options. It results in a soft, warm bread that is perfect when paired with fresh butter.
Ingredients
• 1 cup warm milk
• ½ cup warm water
• 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
• ¼ cup sugar
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 4–4½ cups all-purpose flour
Instructions
1. Bloom the Yeast
In a large bowl, combine the warm milk, warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast. Let the mixture sit for about 5–10 minutes until it becomes foamy.
2. Mix the Dough
Stir in the melted butter and salt. Gradually add the all-purpose flour, one cup at a time, mixing until a dough forms. You can see the initial ingredients and the resulting risen dough in the top panels of image_17.png.
3. Knead and First Rise
Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5–8 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place it in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
4. Shape and Second Rise
Punch the dough down and divide it into two equal portions. Shape them into loaves and place them into greased loaf pans. Cover and let them rise again for about 30–45 minutes.
5. Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Before placing them in the oven, you can brush the tops with a little extra melted butter or an egg wash for a golden finish, as shown in the bottom-left panel of image_17.png. Bake for 30–35 minutes until the loaves are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped.
6. Serve
Allow the bread to cool slightly before slicing. Serve with generous pats of fresh butter for the best experience, as displayed in the final panel of