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!

Nutriscore Rating: 65/100

Prep Time:120 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:145 mins

Servings: 12

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)

Directions

Step 1

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.

Step 2

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.

Step 3

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.

Step 4

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.

Step 5

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.

Step 6

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.

Step 7

Cover the shaped dough with a clean cloth and let it rise for another 20-30 minutes, or until doubled in size.

Step 8

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). If desired, brush the tops of the buns or loaf with milk for a glossy finish.

Step 9

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.

Step 10

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

Serving size	879.5 grams (879.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2088

Total Fat 28.60g	37%
Saturated Fat 15.70g	78%
Polyunsaturated Fat NaNg
Cholesterol 64mg	21%
Sodium 3564mg	155%
Total Carbohydrate 396.50g	144%
Dietary Fiber 14.50g	52%
Total Sugars 28.50g
Protein 53.50g	107%

Vitamin D 20IU	100%
Calcium 109mg	8%
Iron 23mg	126%
Potassium 703mg	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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 12.5%

Protein: 10.4%

Carbs: 77.1%