Easy Milk Bread Loaf

Name: Easy Milk Bread Loaf
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: General
Ingredients: 500 g bread flour (3¾ cup); 40 g sugar (3 tbsp); 1½ tsps instant yeast; 225 g cold water (a little bit less than 1 cup); 115 g cold milk (½ cup); 9 g sea salt (1½ tsp); 25 g unsalted butter (1¾ tbsp); Butter for coating the pan and brushing the bread; Flour for coating the pan

Author: Emily

Published: 20 February 2025

Updated: 11 February 2026

There’s something so comforting about the smell of fresh bread filling your kitchen. Easy Milk Bread Loaf is one of those recipes that might look a bit intimidating at first, but I promise you, it’s quite the opposite! It’s soft, fluffy, and just perfect for sandwiches or toasting with a bit of butter. Trust me, this bread will quickly become a favorite in your household.

why make this recipe

Milk bread is tender and slightly sweet, making it such a delight to eat. The addition of milk creates a softness that you can’t resist. Plus, it’s super versatile! You can enjoy it with jam for breakfast, sandwiches for lunch, or even toasted with some butter for a cozy evening snack. Making your own loaf brings a sense of accomplishment, and it’s a wonderful way to fill your home with warmth.

how to make Easy Milk Bread Loaf

Ingredients

Let’s gather everything you need to whip up this delightful loaf:

500 g bread flour (3¾ cup)
40 g sugar (3 tbsp)
1½ tsps instant yeast
225 g cold water (a little bit less than 1 cup)
115 g cold milk (½ cup)
9 g sea salt (1½ tsp)
25 g unsalted butter (1¾ tbsp)
Butter for coating the pan and brushing the bread
Flour for coating the pan

Directions

Making Bread Dough

Start by mixing your dry ingredients. In a large bowl, combine the bread flour, sugar, instant yeast, and sea salt. Give it a little whisk to blend everything together nicely.

In another bowl, mix the cold water and cold milk. Pour this mixture into the dry ingredients. Add the unsalted butter and start mixing with a spatula or your hands until a sticky dough forms. Don’t worry about making a mess; that’s part of the fun!

Shaping

Once your dough comes together, turn it out onto a floured surface. Knead it for about 10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a kitchen towel, and let it rise for about an hour or until it doubles in size.

When the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release any air bubbles, and turn it out onto your countertop. Shape it into a loaf by flattening it into a rectangle and rolling it up tightly.

Place your shaped loaf in a greased loaf pan. Cover it again and let it rise for another 30 minutes.

Baking

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once the dough has risen, brush the top with a little melted butter for that lovely golden color. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until the bread sounds hollow when tapped. Let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack.

how to serve Easy Milk Bread Loaf

Now that your bread is ready, slice it up! It’s perfect with some butter, honey, or a bit of your favorite jam. You could even try pairing it with a warm bowl of homemade tomato soup for an ultimate comfort meal.

how to store Easy Milk Bread Loaf

To keep your Easy Milk Bread Loaf fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, slice it up and freeze the slices in a zip-top bag. Just pop them in the toaster when you’re ready to enjoy!

tips to make Easy Milk Bread Loaf

Kneading is key! Make sure to knead the dough until it’s smooth and elastic. This is what gives your bread that lovely structure. If you want to experiment a bit, add in some herbs for a unique flavor. You could also use buttermilk instead of regular milk for a slight tang. I love serving this bread with a spread of avocado toast for a fresh twist!

variation

Feeling adventurous? You can add a tablespoon of honey to the milk for a hint of sweetness. Or try mixing in some spices like cinnamon for an extra cozy flavor. It also pairs beautifully with chocolate chips or dried fruits if you’re in the mood for something sweeter.

FAQs

Can I use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour?
Absolutely, but the texture might be slightly different. Bread flour has a higher protein content, giving your loaf a chewier and heartier texture.

What if I don’t have instant yeast?
You can use active dry yeast! Just make sure to proof it in the warm milk and water mixture first—let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it bubbles before adding it to your dry ingredients.

Can I double this recipe?
Sure! Just use two loaf pans and make sure you adjust your baking time slightly if necessary. You’ll have plenty of delicious bread to share!

Baking bread at home is such a rewarding experience. I hope you enjoy making and eating your Easy Milk Bread Loaf as much as I do!

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