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Fluffy Homemade Bread

Fluffy Homemade Bread

This Fluffy Homemade Bread recipe delivers soft, airy, and irresistibly delicious loaves using simple pantry staples. Perfect for beginners and experienced bakers alike, it yields golden, tender bread ideal for sandwiches, toast, or enjoying plain. With quick rise times and versatile options, this recipe makes baking fresh, homemade bread easy and enjoyable any time.

  • Total Time: 2 hours
  • Yield: 1 loaf (about 12 slices) 1x

Ingredients

Scale

Basic Ingredients

  • 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 ¼ cups warm water (105°F to 110°F)
  • 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1 ½ teaspoons salt
  • 2 tablespoons butter or oil, melted

Optional Ingredients

  • ½ cup milk (to replace part of the warm water for richer flavor and softer crust)

Instructions

  1. Activate the Yeast: Dissolve sugar in warm water (105°F to 110°F). Sprinkle the active dry yeast on top and let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes until foamy and bubbly, confirming yeast is active.
  2. Mix and Knead the Dough: In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Gradually add the yeast mixture and melted butter or oil (add milk if using). Stir until dough starts to form, then knead on a lightly floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic to develop gluten.
  3. First Rise: Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover with a towel or plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm, draft-free area until doubled in size, about 1 to 1.5 hours.
  4. Shape the Dough: Punch down the dough to release air. Shape into a loaf or rolls and place in a greased loaf pan or parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover and let rest for a second rise until doubled, about 30-45 minutes.
  5. Bake to Golden Perfection: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the bread for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped. Optional: brush with melted butter immediately after baking for softer crust.

Notes

  • Measure flour correctly using a kitchen scale or spoon and leveling for the best texture.
  • Ensure water temperature is warm, not hot or cold, to properly activate yeast.
  • Knead dough thoroughly to develop gluten for fluffy bread.
  • Allow two rises for optimal lightness and airiness.
  • Bake immediately after shaping to avoid over fermentation and dough collapse.
  • Check internal bread temperature; 190-200°F ensures fully baked loaf.
  • Brush melted butter on crust after baking for a tender, shiny finish.
  • Author: Lina
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Bread
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of loaf)
  • Calories: 120
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 180 mg
  • Fat: 3 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 1.5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 22 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 8 mg

Keywords: homemade bread, fluffy bread, easy bread recipe, soft bread, baking bread, simple bread