Soft Homemade Bread Even Beginners Can Bake

Why I Love This Recipe

There’s nothing more comforting than the smell of freshly baked bread filling the kitchen. I love this soft homemade bread because it’s incredibly simple, uses basic pantry ingredients, and always comes out tender and fluffy. No fancy equipment, no complicated techniques  just honest, cozy baking at its best!

When I Make It

This bread is a lifesaver during busy weeks. I make it for quick sandwiches, serve it warm with soups for weeknight dinners, and even toast it for breakfast. It’s the ultimate all-purpose loaf that fits perfectly into any meal.

What You’ll Get

This recipe delivers pillowy-soft, flavorful bread with minimal effort. Whether you’re a first-time baker or just want a reliable recipe in your back pocket, you’ll be amazed at how easy it is to achieve bakery-style results at home.

Soft Homemade Bread Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus 1 hour rising)

• Cook Time: 30 minutes

• Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes

• Yield: 1 loaf (about 10-12 slices)

Ingredients

• 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour

• 2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) instant yeast

• 2 tablespoons sugar

• 1 ½ teaspoons salt

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• 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F)

• ¼ cup warm water

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

• Extra butter for brushing (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Activate the yeast:
   In a small bowl, combine the warm water, warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy.

2. Mix the dough:
   In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and melted butter. Stir until a shaggy dough forms.

3. Knead the dough:
   Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for 8–10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. (You can also use a stand mixer with a dough hook.)

4. First rise:
   Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 hour or until doubled in size.

5. Shape the dough:
   Punch down the dough to release air. Shape into a log and place it into a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan.

6. Second rise:
   Cover the pan loosely and let the dough rise again for about 30 minutes, until it crowns about an inch above the rim.

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7. Bake:
   Preheat the oven to 350°F. Bake the bread for 28–32 minutes, until golden brown and hollow-sounding when tapped.

8. Cool:
   Brush the warm bread with melted butter for a soft crust (optional). Let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Pro Tips for Perfect Soft Bread

• Substitutions:
  You can swap the milk for a plant-based alternative like almond or oat milk for a dairy-free version.

• Add-ins:
  For extra flavor, mix in a handful of shredded cheese, fresh herbs, or a swirl of cinnamon sugar before shaping.

• Storage:
  Wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. It freezes beautifully too  just slice and freeze!

• Reheating:
  Pop a slice in the toaster or warm in the oven at 300°F for a few minutes to revive that fresh-baked taste.

• Beginner Tip:
  If your kitchen is chilly, place the dough in an (off) oven with the light on to create a cozy proofing environment.

Final Note

This soft homemade bread never fails to impress  it’s fluffy, rich, and tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen, even though it’s surprisingly easy. It’s become a go-to in my weekly rotation, and I know it’ll become one of your favorites too!

Recipe  written by: Isabella Hart  Culinary Researcher and Food Science Enthusiast