Easy and Spongy Milk Bread Recipe | Perfect for Homemade Sandwiches and Toast
Learn how to make deliciously soft and spongy milk bread at home with this easy recipe. Perfect for sandwiches, toast, or enjoying on its own!
Introduction: Indulge in the delightful aroma and soft texture of homemade milk bread with our easy-to-follow recipe. This spongy milk bread is incredibly versatile, making it perfect for sandwiches, toast, or simply enjoying on its own. With simple ingredients and step-by-step instructions, you can whip up a batch of fresh milk bread right in your own kitchen. Let’s get started on creating this irresistible homemade treat!
Ingredients:
4 cups bread flour
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon salt
2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast
1 cup warm milk (about 110°F/45°C)
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 large egg, beaten (for brushing)
Additional butter or oil (for greasing)
Instructions:
Activate the Yeast:
In a small bowl, combine the warm milk and instant yeast. Let the mixture sit for about 5 minutes, or until foamy.
Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the bread flour, granulated sugar, and salt until well combined.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the activated yeast mixture and melted butter. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
Knead the Dough:
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 10-12 minutes, or until the dough becomes smooth and elastic. You can also use a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook for this step.
Let the Dough Rise:
Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover it 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.
Shape the Dough:
Punch down the risen dough to release any air bubbles. Divide the dough into equal portions and shape each portion into a smooth ball. Place the dough balls in a greased loaf pan, leaving a little space between each one.
Proof the Dough:
Cover the loaf pan with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let the dough proof for another 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.
Preheat the Oven:
About 15 minutes before the dough has finished proofing, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Brush with Egg Wash:
Once the dough has finished proofing, gently brush the top of the bread with beaten egg for a shiny finish.
Bake the Bread:
Transfer the loaf pan to the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
Cool and Enjoy:
Remove the milk bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy your freshly baked milk bread!
### **Variations for Milk Bread:**
1. **Sweet Milk Bread:**
Increase the sugar to 1/2 cup for a sweeter loaf, perfect for desserts or French toast.
2. **Savory Milk Bread:**
Reduce the sugar to 1 tablespoon and add herbs like rosemary, thyme, or garlic powder for a savory twist.
3. **Whole Wheat Milk Bread:**
Substitute half or all of the bread flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier option. Note that the texture may be slightly denser.
4. **Cheese-Stuffed Milk Bread:**
Add shredded cheese (like cheddar or mozzarella) to the dough before shaping, or stuff cheese inside each dough ball for a gooey surprise.
5. **Fruit-Infused Milk Bread:**
Add dried fruits like raisins, cranberries, or chopped apricots to the dough for a fruity flavor.
6. **Nutty Milk Bread:**
Mix in chopped nuts like walnuts, almonds, or pecans for added crunch and flavor.
7. **Matcha or Chocolate Milk Bread:**
Add 1-2 tablespoons of matcha powder or cocoa powder to the dry ingredients for a unique flavor and color.
### **Tips for Perfect Milk Bread:**
1. **Use a Kitchen Scale:**
For precise measurements, weigh your ingredients, especially the flour, as cup measurements can vary.
2. **Check Yeast Freshness:**
Ensure your yeast is fresh and active. If the mixture doesn’t foam after 5 minutes, your yeast may be expired.
3. **Don’t Overheat the Milk:**
Milk that’s too hot can kill the yeast. Aim for a temperature of around 110°F (45°C).
4. **Knead Thoroughly:**
Proper kneading develops gluten, which is essential for a soft and spongy texture. The dough should be smooth and elastic.
5. **Proofing Environment:**
Place the dough in a warm, draft-free spot. You can create a warm environment by placing the bowl in an oven with the light on or near a warm stovetop.
6. **Don’t Rush the Rise:**
Let the dough rise until it’s truly doubled in size. Rushing this step can result in dense bread.
7. **Egg Wash Alternatives:**
If you don’t have eggs, you can use milk or cream for brushing the top of the bread.
8. **Test for Doneness:**
Insert a thermometer into the bread—it should read 190°F (88°C) when fully baked.
### **How to Store Milk Bread:**
1. **Room Temperature:**
– Store the bread in an airtight container or plastic bag at room temperature for up to 2-3 days.
– To retain moisture, you can wrap the bread in a clean kitchen towel before placing it in the container.
2. **Refrigeration:**
– Avoid refrigerating milk bread, as it can dry out quickly. If you must refrigerate, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil.
3. **Freezing:**
– For longer storage, slice the bread and wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Place it in a freezer-safe bag or container.
– Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature or toast slices directly from the freezer.
4. **Reviving Stale Bread:**
– If the bread becomes slightly stale, toast it or warm it in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-10 minutes to restore its softness.
With these variations, tips, and storage methods, you can enjoy your homemade milk bread in many ways and keep it fresh for as long as possible. Happy baking! 🍞
Conclusion: With its soft and spongy texture, homemade milk bread is a delightful treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re making sandwiches, enjoying toast for breakfast, or simply craving a comforting snack, this easy recipe will satisfy your cravings. Give it a try and taste the difference of freshly baked milk bread right in your own kitchen!