Soft and fluffy bread

Herbed Bread: Mix 1–2 tablespoons of dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano into the dough for aromatic flavor.
Cheese Bread: Add ½–1 cup of shredded cheddar or mozzarella before the first rise for a rich, cheesy loaf.
Garlic Bread: Stir in 1 teaspoon minced garlic or garlic powder and brush with garlic butter before baking.
Cinnamon Raisin Bread: Add 2 teaspoons cinnamon and 1 cup raisins for a sweet, breakfast-style loaf.
Whole Wheat Bread: Substitute half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour and add 2–3 tablespoons of extra liquid.
Sweet Bread: Increase sugar to ¼ cup and add 1 teaspoon vanilla extract for a lightly sweetened loaf.
Seeded Bread: Sprinkle sesame, poppy, or sunflower seeds on top before baking for texture and flavor.

Kneading: Proper kneading develops gluten for a fluffy, structured loaf. Knead until the dough is smooth and elastic.
First Rise: Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free place until doubled in size — about 1–2 hours.
Second Rise: This step gives the bread its soft, airy texture. Don’t skip it!
Oven Temperature: Preheat the oven fully before baking. A hot oven ensures good rise and even browning.
Steam Option: For a crustier loaf, place a pan of hot water in the oven while baking.
Cooling: Allow the bread to cool completely before slicing to maintain its soft crumb.
Flavor Boost: Add honey, olive oil, or yogurt to enrich the dough’s flavor and moisture.