- In a small bowl, mix warm water (or milk) with sugar and yeast.
- Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until it becomes foamy.
Step 2: Prepare the Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt.
- Pour in the yeast mixture and softened butter.
- Mix until a dough forms, then knead for 10 minutes by hand or 5 minutes in a stand mixer until smooth and elastic.
Step 3: First Rise
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1–2 hours, or until doubled in size.
Step 4: Shape the Dough
- Punch down the dough and shape it into a loaf or rolls.
- Place in a greased loaf pan or on a baking sheet.
Step 5: Second Rise
- Cover again and let it rise for 30–45 minutes until puffy.
Step 6: Bake the Bread
- Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Bake for 30–35 minutes until golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped.
- Brush with butter for a soft, shiny crust.
Serving and Storage Tips
🍞 Cool before slicing for the best texture.
🍞 Store in a sealed container for up to 3 days.
🍞 Freeze for up to 2 months—thaw and warm before serving.
Variants
- Whole Wheat Bread – Replace half the flour with whole wheat flour.
- Milk Bread – Use only milk instead of water for extra softness.
- Garlic Herb Bread – Add 1 teaspoon garlic powder and fresh herbs.
- Cheesy Bread – Mix in grated cheese before baking.
- Sweet Bread – Increase sugar to 50g (¼ cup) and add raisins or cinnamon.
FAQ
1. Why didn’t my bread rise?
✔ Your yeast may be expired—make sure it foams before using.
✔ The dough needs a warm environment to rise properly.
2. Can I make this without kneading?
Yes! Let the dough sit overnight in the fridge to develop gluten naturally.
3. How do I get a crispy crust?
✔ Bake with a pan of water in the oven to create steam.
✔ Brush with egg wash before baking for a golden crust.
4. Can I use this dough for rolls?
Absolutely! Shape into small balls and bake for 15–18 minutes.
Final Thoughts
This 1kg homemade bread is fluffy, soft, and easy to make—a must-try for bread lovers! Whether you’re a beginner or a baking pro, this simple recipe will give you perfect results every time.
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