Making homemade mold bread is more than just a culinary endeavor; it’s an experience that brings warmth and comfort to any kitchen. The transformation of simple ingredients—flour, yeast, water, and salt—into a beautifully golden loaf is nothing short of magical. As you knead the dough, you can feel the texture change from coarse to smooth, signifying the gluten’s development, which is key to a perfect crumb. The aroma that fills your kitchen as the bread bakes is unmatched, evoking a sense of nostalgia and anticipation. Each slice reveals a tender, airy interior that pairs perfectly with butter or your favorite spread. This recipe is more than just bread; it’s a testament to the joy of homemade, the satisfaction of creation, and the simple pleasure of enjoying a slice of warm, freshly baked bread.
Ingredients:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1 tablespoon instant yeast
- 1 1/4 cups warm water (110°F/45°C)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Extra flour for dusting
Instructions:
- Prepare the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, and instant yeast. Mix well to ensure all the dry ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Gradually add the warm water and melted butter to the dry ingredients. Use a wooden spoon or your hands to mix the dough until it starts to come together.
- Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead it for about 10 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour as needed.
- First Rise:
- Lightly grease a large bowl with oil or butter. Place the dough in the bowl and cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free area for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
- Shape the Loaf:
- After the dough has risen, punch it down to release any air bubbles. Transfer the dough back to a floured surface and shape it into a loaf.
- Grease a standard 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or cooking spray. Place the shaped dough into the pan, seam side down. Cover it again with a towel or plastic wrap and let it rise for another 30 to 45 minutes, or until the dough has risen about 1 inch above the rim of the pan.
- Preheat the Oven:
- While the dough is rising for the second time, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake the Bread:
- Brush the top of the risen dough with the beaten egg wash to give the bread a golden-brown crust. Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- If the top of the bread is browning too quickly, tent it with aluminum foil to prevent burning.
- Cool and Serve:
- Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. Enjoy your homemade mold bread with butter, jam, or any spread of your choice!
