Soft and Fluffy Bread Loaf Recipe

Ingredients:

• 500 grams of all-purpose flour (about 4 cups)
• 2 teaspoons instant yeast
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 300 ml warm milk (about 1 1/4 cups)
• 50 grams unsalted butter, melted (about 3 1/2 tablespoons)
• 1 large egg
• Egg wash (1 beaten egg mixed with 1 tablespoon water)
• Sesame seeds for sprinkling

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Dough:
   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, yeast, sugar, and salt.
   • Mix the warm milk, melted butter, and egg together in a separate bowl.
   • Gradually add the milk mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring until a dough begins to form.
2. Knead the Dough:
   • Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
   • Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
3. Shape and Second Rise:
   • Punch down the risen dough and turn it out onto a floured surface.
   • Divide the dough into four equal parts and roll each into a long log.
   • Place the logs side by side in a greased baking dish.
   • Cover and let them rise again for 30 minutes, or until puffy.
4. Bake the Bread:
   • Preheat the oven to 190°C (375°F).
   • Brush the tops of the loaves with the egg wash and sprinkle sesame seeds over them.
   • Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped.
5. Cool and Serve:
   • Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the dish for 10 minutes.
   • Transfer the loaves to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Enjoy your homemade bread fresh out of the oven, or store it wrapped in a cloth to maintain its softness. This bread pairs wonderfully with various spreads, or it can be used to make delicious sandwiches