Homemade Soft Bread

Homemade Soft Bread

Ingredients

• 4 cups (500g) bread flour

• 2 1/4 teaspoons (7g) instant yeast

• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar

• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt

• 1 1/4 cups (300ml) warm milk or hot water

• 1/4 cup (60ml) vegetable oil or unsalted butter, softened

For brushing (optional)

• 2 tablespoons melted butter

Method

1. In a large bowl, combine the bread flour, instant yeast, sugar, and salt.

1. Add the warm milk (or water) and vegetable oil (or butter). Mix until a dough forms. 3. Mix for 10–12 minutes until the dough is smooth, soft, and elastic.

1. Place the dough in a lightly buttered bowl, cover, and let it rise for 1–1 1/2 hours, or until doubled in size.

1. Punch down the dough and shape it into a loaf or divide it into rolls.

1. Place the dough in a pre-buttered bread pan and bake at 180°C (350°F) for:

• 30–35 minutes for a loaf

• 18–22 minutes for rolls

1. Brush immediately after baking for a soft, shiny crust.

1. Cool on a wire rack before slicing or serving.