Soft and Fluffy Homemade Bread

Homemade bread is the ultimate comfort food, made with simple ingredients you likely have in your pantry. This easy-to-handle dough yields a perfectly soft and airy loaf that complements any meal. With a bit of patience, you can achieve bakery-quality bread right in your own kitchen.

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Rise Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Bake Time: 30-35 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes

Ingredients

Wet Ingredients:

• 200 ml warm milk
• 200 ml warm water
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 7 g dry yeast
• 30 ml vegetable oil

Dry Ingredients:

• 500 g all-purpose flour (for initial mixing)
• 100 g all-purpose flour (for adjustments)
• 1 teaspoon salt

Directions

1. Activate the Yeast:

In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm milk, warm water, sugar, and dry yeast. Stir until the yeast and sugar are fully dissolved. Cover the bowl with a kitchen towel and allow it to sit for 5-10 minutes, or until the mixture becomes frothy.

2. Prepare the Dough:

Once the yeast is activated, add the vegetable oil and mix well. Sift 500 g of all-purpose flour into the bowl, followed by the salt. Use a spatula to mix until the dough begins to come together. Then sift in an additional 100 g of flour, mixing with your hands until the dough is medium-soft and forms a cohesive ball.

3. Knead the Dough:

Lightly flour your work surface and knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes until it is smooth and elastic. Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly oiled bowl. Cover with cling film or a kitchen towel and allow it to rise in a warm place for about 45 minutes, or until it doubles in size.

4. Shape the Dough:

After the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release the air, then knead briefly until smooth. Divide the dough into two equal portions and shape each into a ball. Cover and let them rest for another 20 minutes.

Dust your work surface with flour and roll each ball into a rectangular shape. Fold the edges inward and tightly roll the dough into a log. Shape each log into a ball and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Repeat this process with the second dough ball.

5. Final Rise and Bake:

Cover the shaped loaves with a towel and let them rise for an additional 20 minutes. Preheat your oven to 180°C (356°F). Brush the surface of each loaf with water and lightly dust with flour. Using a sharp knife or blade, make a shallow incision on top of each loaf.

Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the loaves are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped. Allow the loaves to cool slightly on a wire rack before slicing.

Serve and Enjoy

This soft and fluffy homemade bread is perfect for any occasion. Slice it up and enjoy it fresh, or use it to complement your favorite meals!