Simple Homemade Bread

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes (including rising)
Servings: 8–10 buns
Difficulty: Easy

In a large bowl, pour the warm milk and add the yeast. Stir until the yeast dissolves completely and starts to foam slightly, about 2–3 minutes.
Add the egg, oil, margarine, sugar, and salt. Mix thoroughly until the ingredients are fully incorporated and the mixture is smooth.
Gradually add the flour, starting with a spoon to combine, then switch to your hands to knead the dough. Continue adding flour little by little until the dough is firm but soft to the touch.
Transfer the dough to a smooth, lightly floured surface. Knead for about 10 minutes until it becomes elastic and homogeneous. You should feel a slight stretch when pulling the dough.
Place the dough back in the bowl and cover with a clean cloth or plastic wrap. Let it rest in a warm, draft-free area for 30 minutes. Tip: If it’s cold, place the dough in a switched-off oven to rise.
After resting, shape the dough into buns or rolls. Place them on a greased baking tray, leaving about 2 cm (1 inch) of space between each bun.
Cover the shaped dough and allow it to rise for another 40 minutes until slightly puffy.
Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Lightly beat the remaining egg and brush it over the tops of the buns for a shiny, golden finish.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped.
Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm with butter or your favorite spread.

Replace 50 g of flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier, healthier flavor.
Add 1 tsp dried herbs or garlic powder to the dough for a savory twist.
Swap margarine with butter or olive oil depending on preference.
Make a loaf instead of buns by shaping the dough into a single long rectangle and baking in a loaf pan.

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