MILK BREAD

Milk bread is a soft, tender, and slightly sweet bread that’s perfect for sandwiches, toast, or simply enjoying on its own. Here’s a simple recipe to make delicious milk bread at home:

Ingredients:

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup whole milk, warmed to about 110°F (45°C)
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 large eggs, room temperature

Instructions:

1. Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm milk (about 110°F or 45°C) with a tablespoon of sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the milk mixture and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until foamy.
2. Mix the Dough: In a large mixing bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook attachment, combine the flour, remaining sugar, and salt. Make a well in the center and add the activated yeast mixture, melted butter, and eggs. Mix until a dough forms.
3. Knead the Dough: If using a stand mixer, knead the dough on medium speed for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If kneading by hand, turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 10-12 minutes.
4. First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm, draft-free place for about 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.
5. Shape the Loaves: Punch down the risen dough and divide it into equal portions, depending on the size of loaves you want. Shape each portion into a smooth ball and place them into greased loaf pans.
6. Second Rise: Cover the loaf pans with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let the dough rise for another 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size again.
7. Bake the Bread: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once the dough has risen, bake the bread in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. You can also tap the bottom of the loaf to check for a hollow sound, which indicates it’s done.
8. Cool and Serve: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pans for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and serve the milk bread once cooled.

Enjoy your homemade milk bread as-is, or use it to make sandwiches, French toast, or simply toast with butter and jam. The soft texture and subtle sweetness make it a favorite for many!