Great Bread or Buns
Discover the ultimate recipe for "Great Bread or Buns," a versatile and foolproof bake that brings bakery-quality results to your kitchen! This simple yet satisfying recipe uses pantry staples like all-purpose flour, active dry yeast, and melted butter to create delightfully soft buns or a perfectly crusty loaf. With just a few steps—like kneading the dough until beautifully elastic and giving it ample time to rise—you’ll achieve golden, pillow-soft bread with a rich, buttery aroma. Whether you're baking dinner rolls for a special occasion or crafting sandwich bread for weekday lunches, this recipe is a go-to for its reliability and delicious results. Plus, brushing the dough with milk before baking creates a glossy, picture-perfect finish. Ready in just over two hours, this homemade bread is fresh, flavorful, and sure to impress!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2.25 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1.5 teaspoons salt
- 1.25 cups warm water (110°F/43°C)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons milk (optional, for brushing)
Instructions
In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes, or until the mixture becomes foamy.
Add the melted butter and salt to the yeast mixture. Gradually stir in the flour, one cup at a time, until a soft dough forms.
Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes, until the dough is smooth and elastic. Alternatively, use a stand mixer with a dough hook for 6-8 minutes.
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning it once to coat the surface. Cover with a clean cloth and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
Punch down the risen dough and turn it back onto a floured surface. Divide the dough into 12 equal portions for buns, or shape it into a loaf.
For buns: Roll each portion into a smooth ball and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spaced slightly apart. For bread: Shape the dough into a loaf and place it in a greased 9x5-inch loaf pan.
Cover the shaped dough with a clean cloth and let it rise for another 20-30 minutes, or until doubled in size.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). If desired, brush the tops of the buns or loaf with milk for a glossy finish.
Bake the buns for 20-25 minutes, or the loaf for 25-30 minutes, until golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
Let the bread or buns cool on a wire rack before serving. Enjoy them fresh or store them in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2088 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 28.6 g | 37% | |
| Saturated Fat | 15.7 g | 78% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 64 mg | 21% | |
| Sodium | 3564 mg | 155% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 396.5 g | 144% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 14.5 g | 52% | |
| Total Sugars | 28.5 g | ||
| Protein | 53.5 g | 107% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.5 mcg | 2% | |
| Calcium | 109 mg | 8% | |
| Iron | 22.6 mg | 126% | |
| Potassium | 703 mg | 15% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
