There’s something magical about pulling a warm loaf of homemade bread out of the oven. The aroma fills the kitchen, the crust is golden, and when you slice into it, the interior is soft, airy, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious. While bread making may seem intimidating, creating a soft and fluffy loaf is easier than you think. The secret lies in technique, patience, and a few key ingredients.
Why Homemade Bread?
Store-bought bread often contains preservatives and added sugars to keep it shelf-stable. When you bake your own, you control everything that goes into it, resulting in a healthier, fresher, and far tastier loaf. Plus, kneading dough can be surprisingly therapeutic!
Ingredients You’ll Need
3 ½ cups (420 g) all-purpose flour (bread flour works too for extra chew)
2 ¼ tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
1 cup (240 ml) warm milk (about 110°F / 43°C)
3 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
3 tbsp sugar (or honey for a natural sweetness)
1 tsp salt
1 egg (optional, for extra richness)
Step-by-Step Method
