Milk bread is a soft, fluffy, and slightly sweet bread that’s perfect for sandwiches, toast, or just enjoying on its own with a little butter. The milk adds a rich, tender crumb, and the dough is typically enriched with butter, making it extra soft. Here’s a simple milk bread recipe that you can easily make at home!
Milk Bread Recipe
Ingredients:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp instant yeast
- 1/2 cup warm milk (about 110°F or 43°C)
- 1/2 cup water (room temperature)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
- 1 egg (for brushing, optional)
Instructions:
1. Activate the yeast:
- In a small bowl, combine the warm milk, water, and sugar. Stir gently until the sugar dissolves.
- Sprinkle the instant yeast over the liquid mixture and stir briefly. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This shows that the yeast is active and ready to use.
2. Make the dough:
- In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and softened butter.
- Mix until a dough forms. The dough should be soft and slightly sticky, but not too wet. If it’s too sticky, add a little more flour, a tablespoon at a time.
- Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. You can also use a stand mixer with a dough hook to knead the dough for about 6-7 minutes on medium speed.
3. Let the dough rise:
- Form the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly greased bowl. Cover the bowl with a damp cloth or plastic wrap.
- Let the dough rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours or until it has doubled in size.
4. Shape the dough:
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release any air bubbles.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently flatten it into a rectangle.
- Roll the dough up from one edge to the other, like you’re rolling a jelly roll. This will help create a soft, layered texture once baked.
- Tuck in the ends of the dough and place it into a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan.
5. Second rise:
- Cover the loaf pan with a damp towel or plastic wrap and let it rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until the dough has risen just above the top of the pan.
6. Preheat the oven:
- While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
7. Bake the bread:
- If you’d like a golden, shiny top, brush the top of the loaf with a little beaten egg before baking.
- Bake the bread for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. You can also check the internal temperature of the bread—it should be around 190°F (88°C).
8. Cool and serve:
- Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Slice and enjoy your soft, fluffy milk bread! It’s perfect for sandwiches, toast, or just with a little butter.
Tips for Perfect Milk Bread:
- Kneading the dough: Knead the dough well to develop gluten, which is key for soft bread. If you’re using a stand mixer, keep it on medium speed for about 6-7 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- Milk and butter: For an even richer flavor, you can use whole milk and add a little more butter. This makes the bread even softer and gives it a more decadent texture.
- Flour types: All-purpose flour works great for this recipe, but if you want an even fluffier loaf, you can use bread flour, which has more protein and will create a chewier, lighter texture.
- Making it ahead: If you don’t have time to bake right away, you can refrigerate the dough after the first rise (in an airtight container). Let it come to room temperature and finish the second rise before baking.
Serving Ideas:
- For breakfast: Toast slices of milk bread with a little butter and jam, or use it to make French toast.
- For sandwiches: Milk bread is soft and slightly sweet, which makes it perfect for sandwiches like peanut butter and jelly, egg salad, or even a simple grilled cheese.
- As a side: Serve it alongside soups, stews, or salads for a soft, warm addition to any meal.
Milk bread is incredibly versatile, and it’s sure to be a hit whether you’re using it for sandwiches or enjoying it on its own with a little butter! What do you think—are you excited to try it out?
