Hey guys! Are you ready to bake some super soft and fluffy bread right at home? This recipe is perfect for beginners, and we're going to use dry yeast, which is super convenient. Let's dive in!

Why This Recipe Works

First off, let's talk about why this recipe is a winner. We're focusing on simplicity and ease, ensuring that even if you've never baked bread before, you can achieve bakery-quality results. The key to soft bread lies in a few critical steps: proper hydration, sufficient kneading, and controlled proofing. Hydration ensures the flour fully absorbs the water, creating a tender crumb. Kneading develops the gluten, providing structure and elasticity to the dough. Proofing allows the yeast to work its magic, producing carbon dioxide that makes the bread rise and become light and airy. By paying attention to these details, you'll consistently bake bread that's soft, flavorful, and satisfying. Plus, using dry yeast simplifies the process, eliminating the need for a starter or pre-ferment. Dry yeast is reliable and readily available, making it a great choice for home bakers of all skill levels. So, get ready to impress your friends and family with homemade bread that tastes as good as (or even better than!) what you can buy in a store.

Ingredients You'll Need

To make this amazing soft bread, gather these ingredients:

• 3 1/2 cups (420g) all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting.
• 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar.
• 1 teaspoon salt.
• 2 1/4 teaspoons (7g) active dry yeast (one packet).
• 1 cup (240ml) warm milk (about 105-115°F).
• 1/4 cup (60ml) warm water (about 105-115°F).
• 1/4 cup (60ml) vegetable oil, plus more for greasing.
• 1 large egg, at room temperature.

Ingredient Notes

• Flour: All-purpose flour works best for this recipe. If you want a slightly denser bread, you can substitute up to half of the all-purpose flour with bread flour.
• Sugar: Granulated sugar not only adds a touch of sweetness but also helps activate the yeast.
• Salt: Salt is crucial for controlling the yeast activity and enhancing the flavor of the bread. Don't skip it!
• Yeast: Make sure your active dry yeast is fresh. If it's old, it might not activate properly. You can test it by mixing it with warm water and sugar; it should get foamy in about 5-10 minutes.
• Milk and Water: The warm liquids are essential for activating the yeast. The temperature should be between 105-115°F. If it's too hot, it can kill the yeast; if it's too cold, the yeast won't activate.
• Vegetable Oil: Vegetable oil adds moisture to the bread and helps keep it soft. You can substitute it with melted butter for a richer flavor.
• Egg: The egg adds richness and helps to bind the ingredients together, resulting in a softer texture.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Alright, let's get to the fun part – baking! Follow these simple steps to create your own delicious soft bread:

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

In a small bowl, combine the warm water and sugar. Sprinkle the dry yeast over the mixture. Let it stand for 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy. This step ensures that your yeast is active and ready to work its magic. If the yeast doesn't foam, it might be old, and you'll need to get a fresh packet.

Step 2: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the warm milk, vegetable oil, and egg. Make sure the egg is at room temperature, as it will incorporate more easily into the mixture. Adding the wet ingredients in the right order ensures that everything is well combined and ready for the dry ingredients.

Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. This ensures that the salt is evenly distributed throughout the flour, which is important for controlling the yeast activity. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a shaggy dough forms. Be careful not to overmix at this stage, as it can lead to tough bread.

Step 4: Knead the Dough

Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for 8-10 minutes until the dough becomes smooth and elastic. If you're using a stand mixer, knead with the dough hook attachment for 6-8 minutes. Kneading develops the gluten, which gives the bread its structure and chewiness. The dough should be slightly sticky but manageable. If it's too sticky, add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time.

Step 5: First Proof

Grease a large bowl with vegetable oil. Place the dough in the bowl, turning to coat all sides. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. Let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size. The warm environment helps the yeast to work efficiently, allowing the dough to rise properly. This first proof is crucial for developing the flavor and texture of the bread.

Step 6: Shape the Dough

Once the dough has doubled, gently punch it down to release the air. Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Shape the dough into a loaf and place it in a greased 9x5 inch loaf pan. You can also divide the dough into smaller portions to make rolls or buns. Shaping the dough properly ensures that the bread will bake evenly and have a pleasing appearance.

Step 7: Second Proof

Cover the loaf pan with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. Let it rise in a warm place for 30-45 minutes, or until it has almost doubled in size. This second proof allows the dough to relax and rise further, resulting in a lighter and airier bread. Be careful not to over-proof the dough, as it can collapse during baking.

Step 8: Bake the Bread

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the bread for 30-35 minutes, or until it is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. If the top is browning too quickly, you can tent it with aluminum foil. Baking the bread at the right temperature and for the right amount of time ensures that it is fully cooked and has a delicious golden crust.

Step 9: Cool and Enjoy

Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slicing the bread while it's still warm can result in a gummy texture, so be patient! Once it's cooled, slice and enjoy your homemade soft bread with your favorite toppings.

Tips for the Perfect Soft Bread

Here are some extra tips to ensure your bread turns out perfectly every time:

• Use a Thermometer: Use an oven thermometer and measure the internal temperature of the bread, which should register around 200°F (93°C).
• Measure Ingredients Accurately: Baking is a science, so accurate measurements are key. Use measuring cups and spoons for dry ingredients and a liquid measuring cup for wet ingredients.
• Don't Overmix the Dough: Overmixing can develop too much gluten, resulting in tough bread. Mix until just combined, then knead to develop the desired texture.
• Control the Temperature: Maintain a consistent temperature throughout the baking process. Use a warm place for proofing and avoid drafts.
• Use Fresh Yeast: Expired yeast won't rise properly, so make sure your yeast is fresh. You can test it by mixing it with warm water and sugar; it should get foamy in about 5-10 minutes.
• Knead Thoroughly: Kneading is essential for developing the gluten, which gives the bread its structure and chewiness. Knead until the dough is smooth and elastic.
• Let it Cool Completely: Slicing the bread while it's still warm can result in a gummy texture. Let it cool completely before slicing.

Variations and Add-Ins

Want to get creative? Here are some fun variations and add-ins to try:

• Cinnamon Swirl Bread: Before the second proof, roll the dough out into a rectangle. Spread with a mixture of melted butter, cinnamon, and sugar. Roll up tightly and place in the loaf pan.
• Herb Bread: Add 1-2 tablespoons of your favorite dried herbs, such as rosemary, thyme, or oregano, to the dry ingredients.
• Cheese Bread: Add 1 cup of shredded cheese, such as cheddar, mozzarella, or Parmesan, to the dough before the first proof.
• Sweet Bread: Add 1/4 cup of honey or maple syrup to the wet ingredients for a sweeter bread.
• Olive Bread: Add 1/2 cup of chopped olives to the dough before the first proof.

Serving Suggestions

This soft bread is incredibly versatile. Here are some serving suggestions:

• Sandwiches: Use it for your favorite sandwiches, from classic turkey and cheese to gourmet creations.
• Toast: Toast slices and spread with butter, jam, or avocado.
• Garlic Bread: Brush with garlic butter and bake for a delicious side dish.
• Bread Pudding: Use it to make a decadent bread pudding.
• Croutons: Cube the bread and bake until crispy for homemade croutons.

Conclusion

So there you have it! A super easy and delicious soft bread recipe using dry yeast. I hope you guys enjoy baking and eating this as much as I do. Happy baking!