There’s something truly magical about pulling a warm, pillowy loaf of homemade bread out of the oven. The smell alone can transform your kitchen into the heart of the home.
This Super Soft Bread recipe is one I’ve returned to time and time again—it’s the one my kids ask for on lazy Sunday mornings and the loaf that never lasts more than a day on our counter. It’s simple, cozy, and guaranteed to make your house smell amazing.
Whether you’re a first-time bread baker or a seasoned pro, you’ll love how easy this recipe is. No special bread machine required—just basic pantry ingredients, a little patience, and a big appetite for fluffy, cloud-like slices. It’s perfect for toast, sandwiches, or just warm with a pat of butter. Once you try it, you’ll wonder why you ever bought bread from the store.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This bread is incredibly soft and stays that way for days—thanks to the perfect ratio of milk, butter, and just the right rise time. It’s ideal for kids who love their sandwiches without crusty edges or chewy textures.
It’s also a great starter recipe if you’ve been nervous to try homemade bread. The steps are simple, the ingredients are straightforward, and the payoff is a bakery-style loaf right from your own oven.
What You’ll Need
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2¼ tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 1½ tsp salt
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1¼ cups warm milk (about 110°F)
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 egg
Pro Tips
- Use warm milk, not hot – If your milk is too hot, it can kill the yeast. Aim for 105-110°F (just warm to the touch).
- Don’t rush the rise – Give your dough time to double. This ensures the bread will be light and fluffy.
- Grease your hands lightly when shaping the dough to keep it from sticking.
- Let the bread cool completely before slicing—this locks in the moisture.
- Get the kids involved! They can help knead and shape the dough for some floury fun.
Tools You’ll Need
- Large mixing bowl
- Stand mixer with dough hook (optional, but helpful)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Loaf pan (9×5-inch)
- Kitchen towel or plastic wrap
- Pastry brush (optional, for butter glaze)
Substitutions and Variations
- Dairy-free? Use unsweetened almond or oat milk and plant-based butter.
- Whole wheat version – Substitute 1½ cups of flour with whole wheat flour.
- Sweet twist – Add ¼ cup honey and a sprinkle of cinnamon for a breakfast loaf.
- Rolls instead of a loaf – Shape dough into 12 rolls and bake for 15-18 minutes.
Make Ahead Tips
- Prepare the dough the night before and refrigerate after the first rise. Let it come to room temp and rise again before baking.
- Bake and freeze loaves—wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw and warm in the oven for fresh-from-bakery taste.
How to Make Super Soft Bread
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
In a small bowl, mix warm milk (110°F) with the sugar and yeast. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
Step 2: Make the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture, softened butter, and egg. Stir to form a sticky dough.
Step 3: Knead the Dough
Knead by hand or in a stand mixer with dough hook for 8-10 minutes, until the dough is smooth and elastic.
Step 4: First Rise
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1½ hours, until doubled in size.
Step 5: Shape and Second Rise
Punch down the dough, shape it into a loaf, and place into a greased loaf pan. Let rise for another 30–40 minutes.
Step 6: Bake the Bread
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 30–35 minutes, until golden brown and hollow-sounding when tapped.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Remove from pan and let cool on a wire rack. Brush with melted butter if desired. Slice when fully cool.
Leftovers and Storage
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- To freeze, wrap slices or whole loaf in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 2 months.
- Reheat slices in toaster or microwave for fresh taste.
Recipe FAQs
1. Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes! Skip the proofing step and mix it directly with the flour. Reduce rise time slightly.
2. Why is my dough too sticky?
A little stickiness is normal, but if it’s very wet, add 1–2 tablespoons of flour at a time while kneading.
3. Can I make this gluten-free?
This recipe works best with wheat flour, but try using a gluten-free all-purpose blend designed for bread baking.
4. How do I get a shiny crust?
Brush with melted butter or an egg wash before baking for a soft or shiny finish.
Bringing It All Together – The Joy of Homemade Super Soft Bread
There’s nothing quite like the smell of fresh bread to make your house feel like a home. This Super Soft Bread is simple, cozy, and absolutely kid-approved.
Whether you’re slicing it for school lunches or enjoying a warm piece with jam, I hope it becomes a staple in your kitchen too. If you try it, I’d love to hear how it went—leave a comment and share your delicious creations or questions below!
