Super Soft Bread Recipe

I recently experimented with a new approach to a Fluffy Homemade Bread Recipe that blends 1/2 cup heated water, 1/4 cup heated milk, and a touch of granulated sugar with a dash of unsalted butter and an egg. The result is a soft, airy loaf that truly exceeds every expectation.

I’ve been experimenting with bread recipes for a while now and this Super Soft Bread Copycat Recipe is hands down one of my favs. I remember the first time I tried making bread with just 1/2 cup of warm water and 1/4 cup of warm milk, it was like magic.

The 1/3 cup of granulated sugar really brings a slight sweetness to the dough and when the active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons) starts working, it’s pretty amazing to see the transformation. I mix in 3 tablespoons of melted unsalted butter, a large egg that’s lightly beaten, and then 4 cups of all-purpose flour along with a teaspoon of salt.

This recipe really delivers on that soft and fluffy homemade texture that bread lovers dream about. The simplicity of these ingredients makes it feel like a secret hack for the softest bread recipe I’ve ever had, and I know you’ll love it too.

Why I Like this Recipe

1. I love how the dough comes together so smoothly – it feels really satisfying kneading it and seeing it rise great.
2. I appreciate that the recipe uses simple ingredients which makes the whole process feel pretty accessible.
3. I enjoy the fact that the instructions are straightforward, so I never feel too stressed trying to follow complicated steps.

This recipe for super soft bread is honestly one of my favs – it’s got that homemade vibe that makes everything feel extra special. When I make it, I can practically taste the care I put into it, even if it doesn’t always turn out perfectly. The process is simple enough that I can whip it up on a lazy weekend, but it still has little quirks that let me mess around a bit with the texture and flavor. Sometimes I forget a little step or get a bit too excited when kneading, and the bread still comes out soft and delicious. Overall, this copycat version of that well-known soft bread just feels like a comforting, easy-to-make treat that never fails to impress me (and honestly, sometimes even surprise me with how good it tastes).

Ingredients

• Water hydrates the flour and activates yeast for a soft airy dough.
• Milk adds protein and richness while making bread tender and a bit sweet.
• Sugar sweetens the bread and helps brown the crust for extra flavor.
• Yeast ferments the dough producing bubbles that make the bread rise beautifully.
• Butter adds tenderness and rich flavor, making every bite smooth and moist.
• Egg provides structure and moisture while bindin ingredients for a soft crumb.
• Flour forms the framework of the bread which gives it substance and texture.
• Salt boosts flavor by enhancin all ingredients and controlling yeast action overall.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1/2 cup warm water (about 110°F)
• 1/4 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (one packet)
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt

How to Make this

1. In a large bowl, mix the warm water, warm milk, sugar and yeast together and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it gets all foamy.

2. Once the yeast is activated, stir in the melted butter and beaten egg until everything is combined.

3. Gradually add the flour and salt into the mix, stirring as you go until a sticky dough starts to form.

4. Sprinkle a little extra flour on a clean work surface and knead the dough for about 6 to 8 minutes until it feels smooth and a bit elastic.

5. Place the kneaded dough into a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.

6. After the dough has risen, gently press it down to release some of the air and then shape it into a loaf.

7. Grease a bread pan and put your shaped dough inside, then cover it up again letting it rise for another 30 minutes.

8. Preheat your oven to 350°F.

9. Bake the bread in the oven for about 25 to 30 minutes or until it turns a light golden color and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

10. Remove the bread from the pan and let it cool on a rack before slicing and enjoying your super soft loaf.

Equipment Needed

1. Measuring cups and spoons
2. A large mixing bowl
3. A whisk or fork
4. A clean work surface (or countertop)
5. A wooden spoon or spatula
6. A kitchen towel
7. A bread pan
8. An oven
9. A cooling rack
10. A toothpick for testing doneness

FAQ

Super Soft Bread Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• Warm milk: If you don’t have warm milk, you could try almond milk or soy milk instead. Just use the same amount.
• Granulated sugar: You can replace this with honey, maple syrup or even coconut sugar. Keep in mind that if you use a liquid sweetener like honey, you might wanna reduce the other liquids a little bit.
• Unsalted butter: Margarine, coconut oil or olive oil work as substitutes too. They might change the flavor a bit but it’ll still be good.
• Large egg: If you need an egg replacement, try using 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce or make a flax egg by mixing 1 tablespoon of flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of water.
• Warm water: In a pinch, you can use warm non-dairy milk or even warm tea. It gives a fun twist to the bread!

Pro Tips

1. Make sure your water and milk are really warm, not hot. If they are too hot the yeast might die and if they aren’t warm enuff the yeast won’t bubble up right.

2. When you’re kneading the dough, if it sticks like crazy, don’t dump in a ton of extra flour all at once. Instead, sprinkle a little bit at a time until it’s easier to work with.

3. Give the dough plenty of time to rise in a warm place, and try to keep it away from cold breezes. If it’s not warm enough, the dough might not double like it should.

4. Check your oven temperature with a thermometer if you can, because not every oven is the same. A slight temperature difference can mess with how evenly the bread bakes.