Introduction
Homemade bread is comforting, economical, and far better in taste and texture than store-bought. This recipe produces a tender crumb and golden crust using simple pantry ingredients and active dry yeast.
Ingredients
4 cups all-purpose flour (or bread flour)
1 cup warm milk (about 110°F / 43°C)
2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
2 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons melted butter (plus more for brushing)
1 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- In a large bowl, dissolve the yeast and sugar in warm milk. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
- Add melted butter and salt to the yeast mixture.
- Gradually add flour, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Knead on a floured surface for about 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Punch down the dough and divide into 2 equal portions.
- Shape each portion into a loaf and place into greased loaf pans.
- Cover and let rise again for 30–40 minutes until the dough rises just above the pan edges.
- Brush tops lightly with melted butter.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25–30 minutes until golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
- Remove from pans and cool on a rack before slicing.
Method
The yeast ferments the dough, creating air pockets that give the bread its light texture. Double rising improves flavor and structure, while brushing with butter adds softness and color.
Benefits
Fresh and preservative-free
Soft and fluffy texture
Great for sandwiches and toast
Budget-friendly
Freezes well
Formation
Flour provides structure, yeast creates lift, milk adds tenderness, butter enriches flavor, and sugar feeds the yeast while lightly sweetening the loaf.
Nutrition (approximate per slice)
Calories: 130
Carbohydrates: 24 g
Protein: 4 g
Fat: 3 g
Fiber: 1 g
Conclusion
This homemade sandwich bread is a kitchen classic that never disappoints. Soft inside with a golden crust, it’s perfect with butter, jam, or savory fillings.
If you want, I can also give you:
Whole wheat bread version
No-knead bread version
Milk bread (extra soft)
Bread without oven
Bread with honey
Bread with olive oil