soft milk bread recipe

soft milk bread recipe

The Best soft milk bread recipe

I have been making soft milk bread for years, and it’s a recipe that never fails to impress. It’s a classic comfort food that’s perfect for any occasion, whether you’re looking for a hearty breakfast, a satisfying snack, or a delicious addition to your family’s dinner table. I love how the tender crumb and soft texture of this bread make it a joy to eat.

My kids adore helping me in the kitchen, and this recipe is always a hit with them – they can’t get enough of the warm, fresh bread straight from the oven. Growing up in the Midwest, I was lucky to have exposure to this type of bread from an early age. My grandmother used to make it all the time for our family gatherings, and I remember being fascinated by the way she could coax such tender loaves from what seemed like a simple mixture of flour, yeast, and milk.

As I got older, I began experimenting with different recipes and techniques, but nothing compares to the original soft milk bread recipe my grandmother taught me. The best part about this recipe is how easy it is to make. With just a few ingredients and some basic kitchen tools, you can create a truly amazing loaf that’s perfect for everyday eating or special occasions.

And let’s not forget the health benefits – with no added sugars or preservatives, this bread is as wholesome as it gets. One thing that sets this recipe apart is its unique use of milk as the primary liquid ingredient. This creates a rich, creamy flavor that’s unlike anything else out there.

Plus, using milk instead of water allows us to skip the need for any additional fat or oil – just pure simplicity. I’ve experimented with various substitutions and add-ins over the years (whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose, chopped nuts or seeds for added texture), but at its core this recipe remains unchanged since my grandmother first shared it with me.

Soft Milk Bread

Soft Milk Bread

4.5 from 927 votes

This soft milk bread is pillowy, slightly sweet, and perfect for sandwiches or toast. The tangzhong method ensures an incredibly tender crumb that stays fresh for days.

Prep Time25 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time3 hours 10 mins
Servings: 8Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 210 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Tangzhong

3 tablespoons bread flour
1/2 cup water

For the Dough

2 1/2 cups bread flour
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon salt
2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast
1/2 cup warm milk (110°F)
1 large egg
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

For the Egg Wash

1 large egg
1 tablespoon milk

👨‍🍳Directions

1In a small saucepan, whisk together 3 tablespoons bread flour and 1/2 cup water until smooth.
2Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens to a paste and reaches 149°F.
3Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature, about 15 minutes.
4In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine 2 1/2 cups bread flour, 1/4 cup sugar, 1 teaspoon salt, and 2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast.
5Add the cooled tangzhong, 1/2 cup warm milk (110°F), and 1 large egg.
6Mix on low speed with the dough hook until a shaggy dough forms, about 2 minutes.
7Increase speed to medium and knead for 8 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
8Add 3 tablespoons softened butter, one tablespoon at a time, kneading for 2 more minutes until fully incorporated and the dough passes the windowpane test.
9Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly greased bowl, turning once to coat.
10Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 to 1.
5 hours.
11Punch down the dough and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface.
12Divide into 3 equal pieces and shape each into a ball.
13Let rest for 10 minutes, then roll each ball into an 8-inch log and place them seam-side down in a greased 9×5 inch loaf pan.
14Cover the pan loosely with plastic wrap and let rise until the dough reaches the top of the pan, about 45 minutes to 1 hour.
15Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 350°F.
16Whisk together 1 egg and 1 tablespoon milk for the egg wash.
17Brush the risen loaf gently with the egg wash.
18Bake for 30 minutes, until the top is deep golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 190°F.
19Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes.
20Transfer to a wire rack and cool completely before slicing, about 1 hour.

🔧Equipment

Small saucepan
Large mixing bowl
Stand mixer with dough hook
Plastic wrap
9×5 inch loaf pan
Pastry brush
Cooling rack

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 210 kcal🧈Total Fat: 6g💛Saturated Fat: 3g❤️Cholesterol: 35mg🧂Sodium: 310mg🌾Total Carbs: 33g🥦Dietary Fiber: 1g🍬Sugars: 7g🥩Protein: 6g

📝Notes

For best results, use a kitchen scale for accurate flour measurements. The tangzhong can be made a day ahead and refrigerated; bring to room temperature before using.

Watch Video Of How Soft Milk Bread Works

To store this soft milk bread, let it cool completely on a wire rack, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a bread box or a sealed bag at room temperature. It stays fresh for up to three days, but you can also slice and freeze it for longer storage, then just toast slices directly from the freezer for a quick breakfast.

For serving, I love to toast it lightly and spread with butter and jam, or use it for French toast or grilled cheese sandwiches. It also makes wonderful dinner rolls to serve alongside soups and stews.

This bread is always a good idea for any occasion, from holiday dinners to casual weekend brunches, and it works perfectly for family gatherings because everyone loves the soft, pillowy texture. I hope you give this recipe a try and enjoy it as much as my family does.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Soft Milk Bread

Q: What type of flour should I use for this soft milk bread recipe?

A: For this recipe, we recommend using all-purpose flour as it provides a delicate balance between structure and tenderness. You can experiment with whole wheat flour if you prefer a nuttier flavor and slightly coarser texture.

Q: Can I make soft milk bread using instant yeast?

A: Yes, you can substitute instant yeast in place of active dry yeast in equal proportions; however keep in mind that instant yeast may react faster than active dry yeast.

Q: How do I store leftover soft milk bread?

A: Store leftover soft milk bread at room temperature in an airtight container or wrap tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil for up to 3 days. Freeze for longer storage; thaw frozen loaves overnight in the refrigerator before slicing.

Q: Can I add flavorings like garlic or herbs to this soft milk bread?

A: Absolutely! Mix minced garlic into dough during initial mixing phase or sprinkle dried herbs on top before baking – feel free to experiment with your favorite combinations.

Q: Is it necessary to knead the dough thoroughly?

A: No kneading required; simply mix wet ingredients together until combined then let rest before shaping into desired form.

Similar Posts