Ingredients
- all-purpose flour: 3 cups - spooned and leveled
- sugar: 2 tablespoons - granulated
- salt: 1 teaspoon
- butter: 2 tablespoons - softened
- milk: 1 cup - room temperature
- yeast: 1 packet - active dry or bread machine yeast
- water: 1/4 cup - warm, 110°F
Instructions
- Add the warm water, sugar, and yeast to the bread machine pan. Let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
Tip: Ensure water temperature is 110°F for optimum yeast activation.
- Add the flour, salt, butter, and milk to the pan. Insert the pan into the bread machine.
Tip: Layer ingredients as specified to prevent yeast from touching salt prematurely.
- Select the 'Basic' or 'White Bread' setting on your machine. Choose the crust color preference and press start.
Tip: For a softer crust, select 'light' crust setting.
- During the first kneading cycle, check the dough. If it's too sticky, add flour one tablespoon at a time until it forms a smooth ball.
Tip: Dough should be slightly tacky but not sticky.
- Once the baking cycle is complete, remove the bread immediately to prevent a soggy crust. Let it cool on a wire rack.
Tip: Cooling on a rack allows excess moisture to escape, keeping the crust crisp.
Notes
- Ensure ingredients are at room temperature for best results.
- Avoid opening the machine during the baking phase to prevent collapse.
- Use bread flour for a chewier texture.
- If bread is too dense, check yeast freshness and proofing environment.
- For a sweeter loaf, add an extra tablespoon of sugar.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 180 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 150
- Protein: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fat: 3g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 250mg
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