Got it! I’ll give you a full recipe for a fluffy, soft bread. Here’s a basic recipe that yields a wonderfully light, airy loaf:
Fluffy White Bread Recipe
Ingredients:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 1/4 cups warm water (about 110°F/45°C)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (or melted butter)
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional, for a hint of sweetness)
- 1/4 cup milk (for extra soft texture)
Instructions:
- Activate the Yeast:
- In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir to dissolve the sugar, and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy and bubbly. This ensures that the yeast is active.
- Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center.
- Combine Wet Ingredients:
- In the well of the flour, add the activated yeast mixture, milk, and oil (and honey, if you’re using it). Use a wooden spoon or your hands to stir everything together until a dough begins to form.
- Knead the Dough:
- Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until the dough is smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky. Add a little more flour if the dough is too sticky, but try to keep it as soft as possible.
- First Rise:
- Grease a large bowl with a bit of oil or butter. Place the dough in the bowl and cover it with a clean kitchen towel. Let it rise in a warm, draft-free area for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
- Shape the Dough:
- After the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Turn it out onto a floured surface and shape it into a loaf by folding the dough in on itself and rolling it tightly.
- Second Rise:
- Place the shaped dough into a greased loaf pan. Cover the pan with a towel and let it rise for another 30-45 minutes until the dough has risen just above the edge of the pan.
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) about 20 minutes before baking.
- Bake the Bread:
- Once the dough has risen, bake it in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Cool and Enjoy:
- Remove the bread from the pan and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes before slicing.
Tips:
- For extra fluffiness: You can add a tablespoon of vital wheat gluten to your flour. It helps the dough rise higher.
- For a shiny crust: Brush the top with melted butter right after baking.
- Optional add-ins: You can add a handful of seeds (like sesame or poppy) or herbs to the dough before shaping it for extra flavor.
Let me know if you want to make any adjustments! Does this look close to the bread you were making?