Soft Homemade Milk Bread Recipe
This soft homemade milk bread is a bakery-style loaf that’s fluffy, rich, and slightly sweet. It’s made from simple ingredients and perfect for sandwiches, toast, or as a side for breakfast and dinner. The warm milk and oil make it tender, while the yeast gives it a light, airy rise that melts in your mouth.
Ingredients
2 cups warm milk
2/3 cup sugar
1 1/2 tablespoons yeast
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1/4 cup oil
6 cups bread flour
Instructions
Start by warming the milk until it’s just lukewarm, not hot. In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let the mixture sit for 10 minutes until it becomes foamy, showing that the yeast is active. Add salt and oil, then slowly mix in the bread flour one cup at a time. Stir or mix until the dough begins to come together. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8 to 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. The dough should be soft but not sticky. If it’s too sticky, add a little more flour.
Place the kneaded dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size. Once risen, punch down the dough to release air bubbles. Divide it into equal portions depending on the size of your loaf pans. Shape each piece into a smooth loaf and place it into greased loaf pans. Cover again and let the dough rise for another 30 to 40 minutes, or until the loaves have puffed up nicely.
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the loaves for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown. Once baked, remove from the oven and brush the tops lightly with melted butter or milk for a soft, glossy finish. Allow the bread to cool slightly before slicing.
Method
The key to achieving soft milk bread lies in proper kneading and proofing. The first rise allows the gluten to develop and the yeast to create air pockets that make the bread light. The second rise ensures a tender texture. Be patient with both resting periods for the best results.
Formation
Shape the dough gently by tucking the edges underneath to create surface tension on top. This helps the bread rise evenly and look smooth once baked.
Benefits
Homemade milk bread is fresh, free from preservatives, and rich in nutrients from milk and yeast. It provides energy, protein, and carbohydrates for a healthy diet. The soft texture makes it ideal for children and adults alike.
Nutrition
Each slice contains approximately 140–160 calories depending on portion size, with around 5 grams of protein, 25 grams of carbohydrates, and 4 grams of healthy fats.
Conclusion
This soft milk bread recipe is simple, wholesome, and versatile. With its golden crust and pillowy texture, it’s perfect for everyday use or special occasions. Whether you enjoy it with butter, jam, or just plain, this homemade loaf will always deliver warmth and comfort straight from the oven.
