Have you ever craved the warm, comforting aroma of freshly baked bread wafting through your home? Well, today is your lucky day! I’m thrilled to share my recipe for Pão de Leite Fácil e Prático, a delightful and soft milk bread that’s not only easy to make but also perfect for quick family dinners. Whether you’re looking to whip up some delicious sandwiches or simply enjoy a slice with butter, this recipe is a must-try! Plus, it’s a fantastic addition to your collection of easy pasta recipes for those busy weeknights.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s incredibly simple and requires minimal ingredients.
- Perfectly soft and fluffy, making it a hit with the whole family.
- Great for meal prep and can be used in various dishes.
- Ideal for quick family dinners or as a side for your favorite 30-minute meals.
- Versatile enough to pair with sweet or savory toppings!
Ingredients
To make this delightful Pão de Leite Fácil e Prático, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup warm milk
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg
Full ingredient list with measurements is provided in the printable recipe card below.
How to Make the Recipe
Now, let’s dive into the step-by-step process of making this delicious bread:
- In a small bowl, combine the warm milk and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast on top and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and add the melted butter, egg, and the yeast mixture.
- Mix until a dough forms, then knead on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Once risen, punch down the dough and shape it into a loaf. Place it in a greased loaf pan.
- Cover and let it rise again for about 30 minutes.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown.
- Let it cool before slicing. Enjoy your homemade bread!
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
Here are some helpful suggestions to ensure your bread turns out perfectly:
- Make sure your milk is warm, not hot, to activate the yeast properly.
- For an extra soft texture, you can add a tablespoon of milk powder to the flour.
- Don’t skip the second rise; it’s crucial for achieving that fluffy texture.
- If you want to get creative, try adding herbs or cheese to the dough for a savory twist!
How to Serve
This Pão de Leite Fácil e Prático is incredibly versatile! Here are some serving suggestions:
- Enjoy it warm with a pat of butter and a drizzle of honey.
- Use it for sandwiches filled with your favorite deli meats and cheeses.
- Pair it with a hearty soup or salad for a complete meal.
- Slice it up and serve it alongside your favorite creamy garlic pasta for a delightful dinner experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
If you’re planning ahead, this bread can be made in advance! Here are some storage tips:
- Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months.
- To reheat, simply pop it in the oven for a few minutes to restore its softness.
Now that you have this delightful recipe in your arsenal, you can easily impress your family and friends with your baking skills! Whether you’re looking for weeknight dinner ideas or just want to enjoy a slice of homemade goodness, this Pão de Leite Fácil e Prático is sure to become a favorite. Happy baking!
Pão de Leite Fácil e Prático
Ingredients
Yeast
- 10 g fermento biológico seco instantâneo
Sugar
- 70 g açúcar cristal
Liquid
- 360 mL leite integral (morno)
Eggs
- 2 units ovos
Oil
- 120 mL óleo vegetal
Flour
- 500 g farinha de trigo (+ ~200g para dar o ponto/sovar)
Salt
- 6 g sal refinado
Egg (for glazing)
- 1 unit ovo (batido para pincelar; opcional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 180°C. Prepare baking pans with butter and flour, line bases with parchment paper.
- Mix yeast, sugar, and warm milk. Let sit for 5 minutes.
- Add eggs and oil; mix well.
- Add 500g flour gradually, mixing until sticky.
- Add remaining 200g flour gradually, knead for 5-8 minutes until smooth.
- Cover and ferment until doubled (45-60 min).
- Punch down, shape into desired form, and place in pans.
- Brush with beaten egg. Let rise for 40-45 min.
- Bake at 220°C for 10 min, then reduce to 180°C and bake for 15-20 min.