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Fluffy Yeast Bread Homemade Soft Bread in Just 5 Steps

A close-up cross-section showing the incredibly soft and airy crumb of the Fluffy Yeast Bread Homemade Soft Bread.

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Follow this simple, five-step guide to make incredibly soft and fluffy homemade yeast bread perfect for beginners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup warm milk (105-115°F)
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
  • 1 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast: In a large bowl, combine the warm milk, yeast, and sugar. Let stand for 5 to 10 minutes until foamy. Stir in the egg and melted butter.
  2. Mix the dough: Add the flour and salt to the wet ingredients. Mix with a spoon until a shaggy dough forms. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 6 to 8 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
  3. First rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
  4. Shape and second rise: Gently punch down the risen dough. Shape it into a loaf and place it in a greased 9×5 inch loaf pan. Cover the pan loosely and let it rise again for 30 to 45 minutes, or until the dough crests about 1 inch above the pan rim. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) during the last 15 minutes of the second rise.
  5. Bake the bread: Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 200°F (93°C). Remove the bread from the pan immediately after baking and cool completely on a wire rack before slicing.

Notes

  • For extra softness, use whole milk instead of low-fat milk.
  • Brush the top of the loaf with melted butter immediately after it comes out of the oven for a tender crust.
  • If your kitchen is cold, place the covered dough bowl inside your oven with just the light on to create a warm environment for rising.

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