I’ll be sharing a super delicious bread recipe that is incredibly soft and fluffy. This versatile bread can be steamed for a moist, tender crumb or baked for a golden, buttery crust. Perfect for breakfast, sandwiches, or a side dish, this bread will quickly become a favorite in your household. Let’s get started!
Ingredients
- For the Dough:
- 150ml warm milk
- 25g (2 tbsp) white sugar
- 3g (1 tsp) active dry yeast
- 1 egg
- 300g all-purpose or bread flour
- 3g (0.5 tsp) salt
- 30g (2 tbsp) unsalted butter, softened
- For the Baking Pan:
- 5g unsalted butter (for greasing the pan)
- For Egg Wash (if baking):
- 10ml egg
Directions
- Prepare the Yeast Mixture:
- In a bowl, mix 150ml warm milk, 25g white sugar, and 3g active dry yeast.
- Add 1 egg and mix well. Let it sit for 5 minutes to activate the yeast.
- Prepare the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 300g all-purpose or bread flour and 3g salt. Mix well.
- Pour the yeast mixture into the flour mixture and knead the dough with your hands until combined.
- Add 30g softened unsalted butter to the dough and continue to knead until the surface is smooth and elastic.
- Rest the Dough:
- Cover the dough and let it rest for 15 minutes.
- Prepare the Baking Pan:
- Grease a 20cm diameter baking pan with 5g unsalted butter.
- Shape the Dough:
- After resting, cut and divide the dough into 8 equal parts.
- Take each piece of dough and shape it as desired.
- Place the shaped dough pieces into the greased baking pan.
- Repeat until all dough pieces are shaped and placed in the pan.
- Second Rise:
- Cover the baking pan and let the dough rise until it doubles in size.
- Steam the Bread (Option 1):
- Bring 600ml of water to a boil in a steamer.
- Place the baking pan with the risen dough into the steamer.
- Steam for 35-40 minutes on medium heat.
- After steaming, turn off the heat and let it sit for 5 minutes.
- Remove the bread from the pan and place it on a rack to cool.
- Bake the Bread (Option 2):
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (356°F).
- Take 10ml of egg and brush it on the surface of the dough for an egg wash.
- Bake the bread for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.
- After baking, remove the bread from the pan using a cup and place it on a rack to cool.
Serving Suggestions
- Enjoy the bread warm with a spread of butter or jam.
- Serve as a side with soups or stews.
- Use the bread for making sandwiches or as a base for breakfast toast.
Cooking Tips
- Ensure the milk is warm, not hot, to activate the yeast properly.
- Knead the dough thoroughly to develop the gluten, which gives the bread its soft and fluffy texture.
- For a shiny crust, don’t skip the egg wash if baking.
Nutritional Benefits
- Milk: Provides calcium and protein.
- Eggs: A good source of protein and essential nutrients.
- Butter: Adds richness and flavor to the bread.
Dietary Information
- Vegetarian: This recipe is vegetarian-friendly.
- Dairy-Free: Substitute milk and butter with plant-based alternatives if needed.
Storage Tips
- Store any leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- For longer storage, freeze the bread and reheat it in the oven when ready to eat.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’ll love this Soft and Fluffy Bread recipe because it’s versatile, easy to make, and yields delicious results whether steamed or baked. The bread is incredibly soft, fluffy, and buttery, making it perfect for any meal.
Conclusion
I’ll be sharing a super delicious bread recipe that is incredibly soft and fluffy. This versatile bread can be steamed for a moist, tender crumb or baked for a golden, buttery crust. Perfect for breakfast, sandwiches, or a side dish, this bread will quickly become a favorite in your household. Let’s get started!