There’s nothing quite like the smell of freshly baked bread or rolls wafting through your kitchen. This recipe for Fluffy Bread or Rolls yields soft, pillowy bread that’s perfect for dinner rolls, sandwiches, or just enjoying with a smear of butter. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you’ll have a warm, homemade batch of bread that’s sure to impress.
Ingredients:
- 300 ml warm milk
- 30 grams sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 egg
- 10 grams yeast (active dry or instant)
- 60 ml vegetable oil
- Butter (for greasing and optional topping)
- 500 grams all-purpose flour
Instructions:
1. Activate the Yeast:
- Prepare the Yeast Mixture:
- In a small bowl or cup, mix the 300 ml warm milk (about 100°F/38°C) with the sugar and yeast. Stir gently and let the mixture sit for about 5-10 minutes until frothy. This step ensures the yeast is activated and ready to make your bread rise.
2. Prepare the Dough:
- Mix the Wet Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the egg, vegetable oil, and salt. Once the yeast mixture is frothy, add it to the wet ingredients and stir to combine.
- Add the Flour:
- Gradually add the flour to the wet ingredients, mixing with a spoon or your hands until a dough forms. The dough will be soft but should come together without being too sticky. You may not need all the flour, so add it gradually to achieve the right texture.
3. Knead the Dough:
- Knead by Hand or Mixer:
- Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Alternatively, use a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment and knead on low speed for about 5-7 minutes.
- First 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 place for about 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
4. Shape the Bread or Rolls:
- Prepare the Dough:
- After the dough has risen, deflate it gently to release the air, then transfer it to a floured surface.
- Shape:
- For rolls, divide the dough into equal portions (about 12-15 pieces, depending on the size you want). Roll each piece into a smooth ball.
- For a loaf, shape the dough into a loaf form and place it into a greased loaf pan.
5. Second Rise:
- Rest the Dough:
- Place the shaped rolls or loaf into a greased baking dish or pan. Cover again with a kitchen towel and allow the dough to rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until puffy and doubled in size.
6. Bake:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Bake the Bread or Rolls:
- For rolls, bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown on top.
- For a loaf, bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
7. Finish and Serve:
- Optional Butter Topping:
- If desired, brush the tops of the rolls or bread with melted butter as soon as they come out of the oven for extra softness and flavor.
- Cool and Serve:
- Allow the bread or rolls to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy them warm with butter, jam, or as a side to any meal.
Conclusion:
These fluffy bread rolls or loaf are soft, airy, and utterly delicious. The recipe is simple to follow, and the results are perfect every time, making them ideal for family dinners, sandwiches, or as an accompaniment to your favorite soups and salads. With a golden crust and tender crumb, this bread will quickly become a household favorite!