The Best Homemade Milk Bread Recipe
What You’ll Love About This Recipe
This homemade milk bread recipe brings the joy of fresh, fluffy bread right to your kitchen. It’s perfect for beginners and seasoned bakers alike.
- Soft and pillowy texture: The secret is in the milk, which gives the bread its tender crumb.
- Simple ingredients: You’ll only need pantry staples like flour, sugar, milk, and butter.
- Versatile: Use it for sandwiches, toast, or just enjoy it warm with a pat of butter.
Recipe

Soft and fluffy homemade milk bread is a delightful treat that’s perfect for breakfast or as a side dish. This recipe uses simple ingredients to create a tender, slightly sweet bread with a pillowy texture that’s hard to resist.
Ingredients:
- 2 1/2 cups (315g) bread flour
- 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp (3g) salt
- 2 1/4 tsp (7g) instant yeast
- 1/2 cup (120ml) warm milk (whole or 2%)
- 1/4 cup (60ml) warm water
- 1 large egg
- 3 tbsp (45g) unsalted butter, softened
Instructions:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the bread flour, sugar, salt, and instant yeast.
- Add the warm milk, warm water, and egg to the dry ingredients. Mix until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes, or until smooth and elastic.
- Gradually incorporate the softened butter into the dough, kneading until fully combined.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Punch down the dough and divide it into equal portions. Shape each portion into a ball and place them in a greased loaf pan.
- Cover the pan and let the dough rise again for 30-45 minutes, or until puffy.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the bread for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes:
- Make sure the milk and water are warm (not hot) to activate the yeast.
- For a shiny crust, brush the top of the loaf with milk or melted butter before baking.
Equipment:
- Mixing bowl
- Loaf pan
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rolling pin (optional)
- Wire rack
Time:
- Prep time: 20 minutes
- Cooking time: 30 minutes
Cuisine:
Asian-inspired
Serving:
1 loaf (serves 8-10)
Nutrition
Milk bread is a delightful treat that offers a balance of essential nutrients. Here is the nutrition breakdown per serving:
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 180 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 30 g |
| Protein | 6 g |
| Fat | 4 g |
| Sugar | 5 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sodium | 200 mg |
What To Serve With It
I love serving my homemade milk bread toasted with butter and jam for breakfast, it’s simple but feels so comforting. For something heartier, I’ll use it to make sandwiches, like turkey and cheese or egg salad, it’s soft enough to hold everything together perfectly. Either way, this bread becomes the star of my meals, and I can’t wait to hear how you use it!
Breakfast Pairings
When I’m enjoying a warm slice of homemade milk bread, I love pairing it with something equally comforting to start my day. A drizzle of honey or a smear of creamy butter brings out its soft, sweet flavor perfectly. Sometimes, I’ll toast it lightly and add a dollop of jam—strawberry or apricot are my favorites. For a savory twist, I’ll serve it alongside scrambled eggs or avocado slices sprinkled with salt and pepper. A warm mug of tea or coffee completes the meal, making mornings feel cozy and special. It’s simple, yet always satisfying.
Sandwich Combinations
Homemade milk bread isn’t just for breakfast—it’s perfect for building sandwiches that’ll make your lunch or dinner unforgettable. I love piling on roasted turkey, avocado, and a drizzle of honey mustard for a creamy, tangy combo. For something heartier, I layer thinly sliced steak, caramelized onions, and melted provolone—it’s a flavor explosion. Veggie lovers, don’t worry; I’ve got you covered. Try hummus, cucumber, tomato, and feta cheese for a fresh, crunchy bite. And when I’m feeling fancy, I go for smoked salmon, cream cheese, and a sprinkle of dill. Milk bread’s soft, fluffy texture makes every sandwich feel extra special.