Chef John's Milk Bread

Chef John's Milk Bread
  • PREP TIME
    30 mins
  • COOK TIME
    40 mins
  • TOTAL TIME
    4 hrs 20 mins
  • SERVING
    10 People
  • VIEWS
    112

Indulge in the pillowy softness of this Japanese-inspired milk bread. Its delicate crumb and subtle sweetness make it irresistible for sandwiches, toast, or simply enjoyed on its own. The secret? A simple 'roux' that ensures a moist and tender loaf that stays fresh for days.

Ingridients

Adjust Servings

Nutrition

  • Carbohydrate
    30 g
  • Cholesterol
    33 mg
  • Fiber
    1 g
  • Protein
    6 g
  • Saturated Fat
    4 g
  • Sodium
    258 mg
  • Sugar
    6 g
  • Fat
    6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat
    0 g

DIRECTIONS

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Image Step 01
01 Step

Recipe View Prepare the Starter (Roux): In a small saucepan, whisk together 1/4 cup bread flour, water, and 1/3 cup milk until completely smooth. (5 minutes)

Image Step 02
02 Step

Recipe View Cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens into a very dense paste, almost bubbling. It should reach at least 150°F (65°C). (5-7 minutes)

Image Step 03
03 Step

Recipe View Transfer the starter to a measuring cup; you'll need exactly 1/2 cup. Let it cool to room temperature. (30 minutes)

Image Step 04
04 Step

Recipe View Prepare the Dough: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the dough hook, combine 2 1/2 cups bread flour, cooled starter, salt, sugar, yeast, warm milk, and egg. (2 minutes)

Image Step 05
05 Step

Recipe View Mix on low speed until the dough starts to form a ball and pulls away from the sides of the bowl. Scrape down the sides as needed. (5 minutes)

Image Step 06
06 Step

Recipe View Stop the mixer, scrape the dough off the hook, and add the cubed butter. Knead on low speed until the dough is very smooth and elastic, and only slightly tacky. Scrape down the sides as needed. (10-12 minutes)

Image Step 07
07 Step

Recipe View First Rise: Remove the dough from the bowl and shape it into a smooth ball. Place it in a lightly buttered bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size. (1-1.5 hours)

Image Step 08
08 Step

Recipe View Shape and Second Rise: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously butter a 9x5-inch loaf pan. (5 minutes)

Image Step 09
09 Step

Recipe View Transfer the dough to a clean work surface (no flour needed). Gently press out all the air and shape it into a 9-inch wide rectangle. Roll the dough lengthwise into a log, starting from one 9-inch side. (5 minutes)

Image Step 10
10 Step

Recipe View Place the log in the prepared loaf pan, seam-down. Gently press on the dough to distribute it evenly. Cover the pan and let the dough rise until it reaches just about the top of the pan. (35-45 minutes)

Image Step 11
11 Step

Recipe View Bake: Brush the top of the loaf with milk to lightly coat the surface. (1 minute)

Image Step 12
12 Step

Recipe View Bake in the center of the preheated oven until the top is golden brown and beautifully puffed up. (35 minutes)

Image Step 13
13 Step

Recipe View Cool: Remove the bread from the oven and let it rest in the pan for 10 minutes. Carefully remove the bread and place it on a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. (1 hour)

For an extra soft crust, brush the loaf with melted butter immediately after baking.
If your dough seems too sticky, add a tablespoon of flour at a time during the kneading process, but be careful not to add too much.
This bread freezes beautifully. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil for best results.

Gene Bode

Written by

Our recipe authors are passionate food lovers who share thousands of diverse dishes from around the world. They bring daily cooking inspiration with delicious, easy-to-make recipes for every occasion.

RECIPE REVIEWS

Avarage Rating: 4.9/ 5 ( 37 Ratings)
Total Reviews: (3)
  • Lauren Boyer

    This is my new go-to bread recipe. It's so much better than store-bought bread.

  • Tate Rohan

    This recipe is amazing! The bread is so soft and fluffy, it's perfect for sandwiches.

  • Roel Walker

    I was a little intimidated by the starter, but it was actually really easy. My family loved this bread!

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