Delicious Yeast and Milk Bread Recipe
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 30-35 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Number of servings: 8
Treat yourself to a fresh loaf of bread with a golden crust and fluffy crumb, perfect for breakfast or to accompany a hearty meal. This simple yeast and milk bread recipe will entice you with its unique aroma, and the steps are so easy to follow that even beginners will achieve an impressive result.
Ingredients:
- 220 ml milk (200 ml to dissolve the yeast and 20 ml for adjustments)
- 10 g dry yeast or 25 g fresh yeast
- 500 g wheat flour (preferably type 00 for a finer consistency)
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1 egg (for brushing on top, optional)
Step 1: Activating the yeast
In a small bowl, add 200 ml of warm milk (not hot, to avoid killing the yeast) and dissolve the yeast in the milk, adding the teaspoon of sugar. Let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This is a crucial step, as activating the yeast ensures proper fermentation of the dough, giving it fluffiness.
Step 2: Preparing the dough
In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center of the flour and pour in the activated yeast mixture. Add the remaining 20 ml of milk and the olive oil (if you choose to use it). Mix the ingredients with a spatula or your hands until a dough forms.
Step 3: Kneading
Once the dough starts to come together, transfer it to a lightly floured work surface. Knead the dough for about 10 minutes until it becomes elastic and smooth. If it’s too sticky, add a little flour, but be careful not to overdo it, as it can dry out the dough.
Step 4: Proofing
Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a bowl greased with a little olive oil. Cover the bowl with a damp towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours until it doubles in size. This process is essential to achieve a fluffy bread.
Step 5: Shaping and second proofing
After the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release the air and shape it into the desired form (loaf, rolls, etc.). Place it on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Let it rise again for 30 minutes.
Step 6: Baking
Preheat the oven to 200°C (or 180°C with fan). If desired, you can brush the surface of the bread with a beaten egg for a shiny crust. Bake the bread for 30-35 minutes until it is golden and sounds hollow when tapped lightly on the bottom.
Step 7: Cooling
After baking, let the bread cool on a rack for 15 minutes before slicing. This step is important to allow steam to escape, preventing a moist texture.
Serving suggestions:
Serve this bread warm, alongside butter and jam, or use it for sandwiches. You can add dried herbs or seeds to the dough for a unique flavor and texture. We recommend experimenting with adding olives or nuts for a savory variant.
This yeast and milk bread recipe is not only quick and simple but also a wonderful way to bring a touch of warmth into your home. Enjoy every slice and savor the feedback from your loved ones!
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 30-35 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Number of servings: 8
Treat yourself to a fresh loaf of bread with a golden crust and fluffy crumb, perfect for breakfast or to accompany a hearty meal. This simple yeast and milk bread recipe will entice you with its unique aroma, and the steps are so easy to follow that even beginners will achieve an impressive result.
Ingredients:
- 220 ml milk (200 ml to dissolve the yeast and 20 ml for adjustments)
- 10 g dry yeast or 25 g fresh yeast
- 500 g wheat flour (preferably type 00 for a finer consistency)
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1 egg (for brushing on top, optional)
Step 1: Activating the yeast
In a small bowl, add 200 ml of warm milk (not hot, to avoid killing the yeast) and dissolve the yeast in the milk, adding the teaspoon of sugar. Let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This is a crucial step, as activating the yeast ensures proper fermentation of the dough, giving it fluffiness.
Step 2: Preparing the dough
In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center of the flour and pour in the activated yeast mixture. Add the remaining 20 ml of milk and the olive oil (if you choose to use it). Mix the ingredients with a spatula or your hands until a dough forms.
Step 3: Kneading
Once the dough starts to come together, transfer it to a lightly floured work surface. Knead the dough for about 10 minutes until it becomes elastic and smooth. If it’s too sticky, add a little flour, but be careful not to overdo it, as it can dry out the dough.
Step 4: Proofing
Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a bowl greased with a little olive oil. Cover the bowl with a damp towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours until it doubles in size. This process is essential to achieve a fluffy bread.
Step 5: Shaping and second proofing
After the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release the air and shape it into the desired form (loaf, rolls, etc.). Place it on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Let it rise again for 30 minutes.
Step 6: Baking
Preheat the oven to 200°C (or 180°C with fan). If desired, you can brush the surface of the bread with a beaten egg for a shiny crust. Bake the bread for 30-35 minutes until it is golden and sounds hollow when tapped lightly on the bottom.
Step 7: Cooling
After baking, let the bread cool on a rack for 15 minutes before slicing. This step is important to allow steam to escape, preventing a moist texture.
Serving suggestions:
Serve this bread warm, alongside butter and jam, or use it for sandwiches. You can add dried herbs or seeds to the dough for a unique flavor and texture. We recommend experimenting with adding olives or nuts for a savory variant.
This yeast and milk bread recipe is not only quick and simple but also a wonderful way to bring a touch of warmth into your home. Enjoy every slice and savor the feedback from your loved ones!