Soft loaf recipe

Here’s a simple and reliable recipe for a Soft Loaf of bread that’s perfect for sandwiches, toast, or just enjoying with butter. This recipe creates a soft, fluffy texture with a tender crumb.

Soft Loaf Recipe

Ingredients:

• 3 ¼ cups all-purpose flour (or bread flour)
• 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
• 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F/45°C)
• 2 tbsp granulated sugar
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 large egg, room temperature
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened

Instructions:

1. Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm milk, sugar, and active dry yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for 5-10 minutes, or until it becomes frothy and bubbly (this means the yeast is active).
2. Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and add the yeast mixture, egg, and softened butter. Mix until the ingredients come together to form a soft dough.
3. Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes, or until the dough becomes smooth and elastic. You can also use a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment to knead the dough for about 5-6 minutes.
4. First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
5. Shape the Loaf: Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and shape it into a loaf by rolling it into a tight cylinder.
6. Second Rise: Place the shaped loaf into a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan. Cover loosely with a damp cloth or plastic wrap and let it rise again for about 30-45 minutes, or until it has doubled in size.
7. Preheat the Oven: While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
8. Bake the Loaf: Once the dough has risen, bake the loaf in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
9. Cool: Remove the loaf from the pan and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 15-20 minutes before slicing.

This soft loaf is perfect for sandwiches or enjoying fresh out of the oven with butter!