This recipe will guide you on how to make the softest and fluffiest bread with delightful air pockets using a bread machine. With just a few simple ingredients and the help of a bread machine, you can enjoy bakery-quality bread at home. Whether you use it for sandwiches or enjoy it with butter and jam, this bread will surely become a family favorite.
Ingredients
- 1 cup warm water
- 2 tablespoons white sugar
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
Directions
- In the bread machine pan, add the warm water and white sugar. Stir to dissolve the sugar.
- Sprinkle the active dry yeast over the water mixture and let it sit for 5 minutes to activate.
- Add the all-purpose flour, salt, and softened butter to the pan.
- Select the dough setting on your bread machine and start the cycle.
- Once the dough is ready, remove it from the pan and place it on a lightly floured surface.
- Gently punch down the dough to release any air pockets.
- Divide the dough into two equal portions and shape each portion into a loaf shape.
- Place the shaped dough into greased loaf pans and cover them with a clean kitchen towel.
- Allow the dough to rise in a warm place for about 45-60 minutes or until it doubles in size.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) while the dough is rising.
- Once the dough has risen, bake it in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
- Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pans for a few minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Slice and enjoy the softest and fluffiest bread with delightful air pockets!
Interesting Facts
Using a bread machine makes the bread-making process easier and more convenient.
The warm water helps activate the yeast, which is essential for the bread to rise and develop air pockets.
Punching down the dough after it has risen helps distribute the yeast and releases any excess air.
The addition of butter adds richness and flavor to the bread dough.
Allowing the dough to rise in a warm place helps speed up the fermentation process and promotes the development of air pockets.