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Fluffy Homemade Bread

Fluffy Homemade Bread
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Fluffy Homemade Bread is a simple and rewarding recipe that results in a soft, airy loaf with a golden crust and tender crumb. Using basic pantry ingredients, this bread offers a comforting, versatile base perfect for any occasion and customizable with various flavors or dietary adjustments.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/4 cups warm water (105°F to 110°F)
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (or oil)
  • Optional: 1/4 cup milk (to replace part or all of the water for a softer, richer bread)

Instructions

  1. Activate the Yeast: Start by mixing the warm water with the sugar and yeast in a bowl. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy and bubbly—that’s your yeast waking up and ready to help the bread rise.
  2. Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and melted butter (or oil) gradually, mixing until it forms a rough dough.
  3. Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes, until the dough becomes smooth and elastic but still soft to touch. This step develops the gluten, crucial for that fluffy texture.
  4. First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and leave it in a warm place for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size.
  5. Shape and Second Rise: Gently punch down the dough to release any air bubbles. Shape it into a loaf or round, place it in a greased loaf pan or on a baking sheet, cover again, and let it rise for another 30-45 minutes.
  6. Bake to Perfection: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the bread for 25-30 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped.
  7. Cool Before Slicing: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes to set the crumb and make slicing easier.

Notes

  • Use warm, not hot water (105°F to 110°F) to avoid killing the yeast.
  • Don’t skip kneading; it’s essential for gluten development and fluffy texture.
  • Let the dough rise twice for a light crumb and better flavor.
  • Use fresh yeast to ensure proper rise and texture.
  • Brush the crust with melted butter right after baking for softness.

Nutrition

Keywords: homemade bread, fluffy bread, simple bread recipe, yeast bread, soft bread, basic bread recipe

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