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Fluffy Homemade Bread

Fluffy Homemade Bread
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Fluffy Homemade Bread is a simple yet irresistible recipe that yields soft, airy bread with a golden crust using basic pantry ingredients. Perfect for beginners and seasoned bakers alike, this comforting loaf is versatile for sandwiches, toast, or sweet and savory variations.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 ¼ cups warm water (around 110°F or 43°C)
  • 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 1 ½ teaspoons salt
  • 3 tablespoons butter or oil (melted)
  • ¼ to ½ cup milk (optional)

Instructions

  1. Activate the Yeast: Dissolve the sugar in warm water (110°F or 43°C). Sprinkle the active dry yeast on top and let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes until foamy, indicating the yeast is active and ready.
  2. Mix the Dough: In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture, melted butter or oil, and milk if using. Stir until a shaggy dough forms.
  3. Knead the Dough: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for 8 to 10 minutes until smooth and elastic, feeling the dough firm and stretch easily.
  4. First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and allow it to rise in a warm, draft-free spot for 1 to 1.5 hours until doubled in size.
  5. Shape the Loaf: Gently punch down the risen dough, shape it into a loaf by folding and rolling, and place it into a greased loaf pan or on a baking sheet for a free-form shape.
  6. Second Rise: Cover the shaped dough and let it rise for another 30 to 45 minutes until it puffs up and nearly doubles in size again.
  7. Bake Your Bread: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the bread for 25 to 30 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
  8. Cool and Enjoy: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 20 minutes before slicing to set the crumb and fully develop flavor.

Notes

  • Use warm water at about 110°F to properly activate the yeast without killing it.
  • Allow the dough to fully rise during both proofing steps for best texture and fluffiness.
  • Knead dough until smooth and elastic to develop gluten and a light crumb.
  • Use room temperature ingredients to help the dough come together evenly.
  • Don’t skip the second rise; it improves flavor and loaf volume.
  • For variations, you can swap half the flour for whole wheat, add herbs, sweet spices, or use plant-based milk and oils for dairy-free versions.
  • Sprinkle seeds on top before baking or brush melted butter after baking for extra flavor and appearance.

Nutrition

Keywords: homemade bread, fluffy bread, easy bread recipe, soft bread, beginner bread recipe

Find it online: https://recipesemilly.com/fluffy-homemade-bread/