Ingredients:
3 cups all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons sugar
2 teaspoons salt
1 tablespoon instant yeast
1 cup warm milk (110°F / 43°C)
2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
1 large egg
1 tablespoon honey (optional for a touch of sweetness)
Instructions:
Activate the Yeast:
In a small bowl, mix the warm milk with the sugar and yeast. Stir to combine and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
Mix the Dough:
In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture, melted butter, and egg. Stir until the dough starts to come together.
Knead the Dough:
Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes, until it’s smooth and elastic. If it’s too sticky, add a little more flour, but be careful not to add too much.
First Rise:
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl and cover it with a damp towel. Let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
Shape the Dough:
After the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Shape it into a loaf by folding the dough into itself, then rolling it tightly to fit into a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan.
Second Rise:
Cover the loaf with a towel and let it rise again for about 30 minutes, or until it has risen just above the edge of the pan.
Preheat the Oven:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Bake the Bread:
Once the dough has risen, use a sharp knife to make three shallow slashes on the top. This helps the bread rise evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
Cool the Bread:
Remove the loaf from the pan and let it cool on a wire rack before slicing.
Enjoy!