ADVERTISEMENT
2. Mix the Dough
In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center, and pour in the activated yeast mixture, along with the milk and olive oil. Stir the mixture with a wooden spoon or spatula until the dough begins to come together.
3. Knead the Dough
Once the dough starts to form, transfer it to a lightly floured surface and begin kneading. Knead the dough for about 8–10 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, sprinkle in a little more flour as needed, but be careful not to add too much — the dough should still feel soft and slightly tacky.
4. Let It Rise
Form the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly oiled bowl, covering it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm, draft-free area for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size. This is the time for the yeast to work, creating all those fluffy bubbles inside the dough!
5. Shape the Dough
Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release any air bubbles. Turn it out onto a floured surface and shape it into a loaf. You can also divide the dough into smaller portions to make dinner rolls if you prefer.
To shape a loaf, flatten the dough into a rectangle and then fold the edges in toward the center. Roll it up tightly, pinching the seams together to seal. Place the shaped dough into a greased loaf pan.
6. Second Rise
Cover the loaf with a clean towel and let it rise for another 30 minutes to an hour, or until it has risen just above the top of the pan. This second rise ensures the bread will be extra fluffy when baked.
7. Preheat the Oven
While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). If you like, brush the top of the dough with a beaten egg for a golden, glossy finish once baked.
8. Bake the Bread
Once the dough has finished rising, place the loaf in the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. If you’re using a thermometer, the internal temperature should be around 190°F (88°C).
9. Cool and Serve
Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack. It’s tempting to slice right into it while it’s still warm, but allowing it to cool slightly will help set the texture and make slicing easier.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
- Toast: Slice and toast your bread for a perfect breakfast with butter, jam, or your favorite spread.
- Sandwiches: This soft, fluffy bread is ideal for making sandwiches, whether you’re going classic with peanut butter and jelly or crafting a gourmet creation.
- Sides: Serve alongside soups, stews, or salads for a comforting, hearty meal.
- Bread Rolls: Use this recipe to make individual bread rolls for a dinner party or special occasion.
💡 Tips for Success
- Use warm water: The water for activating the yeast should be warm but not too hot (about 110°F or 45°C). If it’s too hot, it can kill the yeast; if it’s too cold, the yeast won’t activate properly.
- Kneading is key: Knead the dough long enough to develop the gluten, which helps give the bread structure and makes it soft and fluffy.
- Let the dough rise in a warm spot: Yeast thrives in a warm environment. If your kitchen is cold, place the dough in a warm spot, like an oven with the light on, or near a radiator.
- Experiment with flavors: Add herbs like rosemary, thyme, or garlic for a flavored version of this bread, or mix in cheese or seeds for extra texture.
✨ Final Thoughts
Making homemade bread is an incredibly rewarding experience, and with this Perfect Homemade Fluffy Bread recipe, you’ll have delicious, soft loaves in no time. The process may take some patience, but the end result — a golden, warm loaf that’s soft and fluffy on the inside — is definitely worth it. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned baker, this recipe is simple enough to enjoy regularly, and it’s perfect for any occasion.
So, grab your ingredients and start baking this easy, delightful bread. Once you’ve tasted the homemade goodness, you’ll never want to go back to store-bought bread again! 🍞💖
#HomemadeBread #FluffyBread #BakingMadeEasy #FreshBread #ComfortFood
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
