Few things in life can match the joy of baking your own bread at home. The warm aroma that fills your house, the satisfaction of pulling a freshly baked loaf out of the oven, and the delight of enjoying something made with your own hands make it a truly rewarding experience. This Super Soft Bread Recipe is perfect for anyone looking to create bakery-quality bread in the comfort of their kitchen.
Whether you’re an experienced baker or a complete beginner, this easy-to-follow recipe ensures that you can achieve a soft, fluffy loaf with minimal effort. The bread has a tender crumb and a melt-in-your-mouth texture, making it the perfect choice for everything from breakfast toast to sandwiches or a side with your favorite soups and stews.
What sets this recipe apart is the tangzhong method, a Japanese technique that ensures your bread remains moist and soft for days. Let’s dive into this simple yet effective method and discover how a few basic ingredients can come together to create a truly irresistible loaf.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Incredibly Soft Texture: Achieve a soft, bakery-style loaf thanks to the tangzhong method, which ensures the bread stays pillowy and moist.
- Versatile Applications: This bread works wonderfully for sandwiches, French toast, or simply as a side to soups and stews.
- Beginner-Friendly: The recipe is designed with clear, easy-to-follow instructions, making it accessible to bakers of all levels.
- Healthier Homemade Option: Skip the preservatives and enjoy freshly baked, wholesome bread made right in your kitchen.
- Customizable Variations: From sweet cinnamon raisin to savory garlic herb, there are plenty of ways to make this recipe your own.
Ingredients Overview
This Super Soft Bread recipe uses simple ingredients, each contributing to the bread’s delicious texture and flavor:
For the Tangzhong:
- Bread Flour: Forms the base of the tangzhong and helps lock in moisture.
- Water: Combines with the flour to create a smooth paste for the tangzhong.
For the Dough:
- Low-Fat Warm Milk: Activates the yeast, contributing to a soft crumb.
- Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and flavor.
- Egg: Provides structure and softness to the dough while enhancing the golden crust.
- Sugar: Feeds the yeast to help the dough rise and adds a subtle sweetness.
- Salt: Balances the flavors and strengthens the dough’s structure.
- Bread Flour: High in protein, this flour provides the necessary gluten for a chewy texture.
- Yeast: The leavening agent that makes the dough rise, creating light, airy bread.
For the Egg Wash:
- Egg: Gives the bread a glossy, golden finish.
- Milk: Enhances the egg wash for a beautiful browning effect.
How to Make the Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Tangzhong In a small saucepan, whisk 3 tablespoons of bread flour with ¾ cup of water until smooth. Heat over medium-low, stirring constantly, until it thickens into a paste (about 3-5 minutes). Remove from heat and let it cool completely.
Step 2: Activate the Yeast Warm ½ cup of milk to about 100°F (37°C). Stir in 3 tablespoons of sugar, then sprinkle 1 ¼ teaspoons of active dry yeast on top. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients In a large mixing bowl, combine the activated yeast mixture, cooled tangzhong, 2 ½ cups of bread flour, 1 egg, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Mix until a sticky dough forms. Cover and let it rest for 30 minutes.
Step 4: Knead the Dough Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for 15-20 minutes until smooth and elastic. Add 3 tablespoons of softened butter halfway through. Perform the “windowpane test” to check if the dough is ready.
Step 5: First Proof Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise for 1 hour in a warm spot until doubled in size.
Step 6: Shape the Loaf Punch down the dough and divide it into three equal portions. Roll each piece into a rectangle and shape them into logs. Arrange them in a greased 9×5 inch loaf pan.
Step 7: Second Proof Cover the loaf pan and let the dough rise for 40 minutes at room temperature until it’s 1 inch above the pan edge.
Step 8: Bake Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Brush the top of the dough with an egg wash (1 egg mixed with a splash of milk). Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown and hollow-sounding when tapped.
Step 9: Cool and Serve Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy!
Tips for the Best Recipe
- Use Fresh Yeast: Make sure your yeast is fresh for the best rise.
- Accurate Measurements: For the best results, measure ingredients by weight.
- Don’t Rush Proofing: Let the dough rise properly to develop flavor and texture.
- Apply Egg Wash: This will ensure a shiny, golden crust.
- Cool Completely: Let the bread cool before slicing to avoid a gummy texture.
Variations to Try
- Honey Wheat Bread: Swap half the bread flour with whole wheat flour and use honey instead of sugar for a different flavor.
- Garlic Herb Bread: Add minced garlic and dried herbs like rosemary for a savory twist.
- Cinnamon Raisin Bread: Incorporate cinnamon sugar and raisins into the dough for a sweet version.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can I use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour?
Yes, but the bread may not have the same chewy texture. Bread flour is recommended for the best results.
Q2: Why isn’t my dough rising?
Check the yeast’s expiration date, ensure the dough isn’t too dry, and proof it in a warm spot to encourage rise.
Q3: How do I know when the bread is done?
Check the internal temperature; it should reach about 190°F (88°C).
Q4: Can I freeze this bread?
Yes, wrap it in plastic wrap and store it in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
Q5: How long does this bread stay fresh?
At room temperature, it stays fresh for 2-3 days when stored in an airtight container.
How to Store and Reheat
- Room Temperature: Store the bread in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Wrap in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Warm slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes.
Conclusion
Baking this Super Soft Bread at home is an incredibly rewarding experience. The tangzhong method ensures that the bread stays soft and moist for days, with a tender crumb that you and your loved ones will enjoy at every meal. Whether you’re having it as a side to soups or using it for sandwiches, this bread is versatile and delicious.
Give this recipe a try and let the smell of freshly baked bread fill your kitchen. For more delicious and easy-to-make recipes, don’t forget to follow Wendy Recipes on Pinterest and share your baking successes with us. Happy baking! 🍞
