There’s something magical about the smell of freshly baked bread filling the house, isn’t there? It takes me right back to lazy Sunday mornings at my grandma’s kitchen, where the soft loaf was always warm, tender, and perfect for dunking into butter or jam. This soft loaf recipe is my way of keeping that tradition alive—light, fluffy, and just the right kind of pillowy. If you’ve ever struggled with bread that’s too dense or crusty, stick with me here; this loaf is forgiving, simple, and guaranteed to brighten your baking day with its golden-brown crust and melt-in-your-mouth crumb.
Quick Facts
Yield: 1 loaf (about 12 slices)
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours (including rising)
Ingredients
For the Main Dish:
3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
1 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
2 tbsp sugar
1 tsp salt
3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted (plus extra for brushing)
1 large egg
How I Make It
Step 1:
Start by dissolving the yeast and sugar in the warm milk. Give it a gentle stir and let it sit for about 5–10 minutes until it’s frothy and bubbly—that’s your green light that the yeast is alive and kicking!
Step 2:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture, melted butter, and the beaten egg. Begin mixing everything with a spoon or your hands until it starts to come together into a sticky dough.
Step 3:
Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8 to 10 minutes. The texture should be silky and soft but not super sticky. If it’s too sticky, lightly dust your hands and surface with a little extra flour—just don’t go overboard or the loaf will be dense.
Step 4:
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size. This is where the magic happens, so be patient!
Step 5:
Punch down the dough gently to release air, then shape it into a loaf and place it in a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan. Cover and let it rise again for 30 minutes, until puffed up.
Step 6:
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Before baking, brush the top of the loaf with a bit of melted butter—this will give it that gorgeous golden shine and soft crust. Bake for 30 minutes, or until the loaf sounds hollow when tapped. Let it cool slightly before slicing—you’ll be rewarded with the softest little cloud of bread!
Variations & Tips
Swap half the all-purpose flour for bread flour for a chewier texture.
Add 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup instead of sugar for a subtle flavor twist.
For an extra soft crust, brush the loaf with melted butter right after it comes out of the oven.
Use a stand mixer with a dough hook to save your hands some work.
If you don’t have warm milk, heat it gently in the microwave for 30 seconds.
Make mini loaves or rolls by dividing the dough—perfect for individual servings!
How I Like to Serve It
This soft loaf shines with simple butter and jam for breakfast or a wholesome sandwich at lunch. During chilly evenings, I love pairing a thick slice with a cozy bowl of soup or a hearty stew—nothing beats dipping bread into warm broth. It also makes a fantastic base for french toast on weekend mornings.
Notes
Store leftover bread wrapped tightly at room temperature for 2–3 days or freeze to keep it fresh longer.
To refresh once-day-old loaf, pop slices in the toaster or warm briefly in the oven.
Closing: This soft loaf is my go-to for that tender, comforting bread you can always count on to bring a little extra joy to the table.
Hi, I’m Lina, the creator of Lina Easy Recipes. Cooking has always been my passion, and I love sharing simple, homemade dishes that anyone can prepare.
