If you’ve ever wondered how to make soft, bakery-style bread at home, this Turkish grandma’s recipe is the secret you’ve been missing. With a few simple ingredients, zero complicated techniques, and the magic of slow proofing, this bread turns out light, fluffy, and perfect every time. No more store-bought loaves—once you make this, you’ll be hooked for life.
Ingredients (US & Metric)
For the Dough Starter:
- 3/4 cup warm water (200ml)
- 3/4 cup warm milk (200ml)
- 2 tbsp sugar (25g)
- 2 1/4 tsp dry yeast (8g)
- 3 tbsp wheat flour (25g)
For the Dough:
- 2 tbsp softened butter (30g)
- 4 cups wheat flour, sifted (500g)
- 1 tsp salt
- Additional 3/4 cup wheat flour, sifted (100g)
For Assembly:
- 2 tbsp soft butter, for greasing the rolled dough (30g)
- Oil, for greasing the bowl
For Brushing:
- 1 egg yolk
- 2–3 tbsp milk (30–40ml)
Instructions
1. Activate the Yeast
In a large bowl, combine warm water, warm milk, sugar, and dry yeast. Stir until dissolved.
Add 3 tablespoons of flour and mix until smooth and lump-free.
Cover the bowl with a towel and let it rest for 15 minutes in a warm spot. The mixture should become bubbly and foamy.
2. Build the Dough
Add the softened butter to the activated yeast mixture. Mix to incorporate.
Sift in 500g of flour and 1 tsp of salt. Stir with a spatula to bring the dough together, scraping down the sides of the bowl.
Sift in another 100g of flour and begin mixing by hand. Knead the dough until it becomes soft but not sticky, about 5–7 minutes.
3. First Rise
Shape the dough into a smooth ball. Lightly oil a large bowl and place the dough inside. Cover with plastic wrap and a kitchen towel. Let rise for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
4. Shape the Bread
Dust your work surface with flour and gently turn out the dough.
Roll or stretch it out by hand into a large rectangle.
Spread soft butter across the entire surface.
Roll up the dough tightly, jelly-roll style.
Use a pizza cutter or knife to make shallow diagonal slashes across the top.
Seal the ends and shape into a log.
5. Prepare for Baking
Dampen baking paper with cold water and line two loaf pans with it.
Cut the dough in half and place each half into a prepared pan.
Cover loosely with a towel and let rise for another 20 minutes.
6. Egg Wash and Bake
Preheat your oven to 365°F (180°C).
In a small bowl, mix the egg yolk and milk. Brush the tops of the loaves generously.
Trim any excess parchment paper if needed.
7. Bake
Bake for 30–35 minutes or until the tops are golden brown and the loaves sound hollow when tapped.
8. Cool and Enjoy
Let the bread cool slightly before slicing. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.
Why This Bread Works
- Fluffy Texture: Thanks to the milk, butter, and dual-proofing method.
- Golden Crust: The egg wash gives it a shiny, bakery-style finish.
- Simple Ingredients: No additives or complicated steps—just real, wholesome food.
- Versatile: Enjoy with butter, jam, soup, or as sandwich bread.
This Turkish grandma’s bread recipe is everything you want in homemade bread—fluffy inside, golden outside, and packed with comfort. Once you try it, you won’t want to go back to packaged loaves. Bake it once, and it’ll become part of your regular kitchen rhythm.
Let it cool, slice it thick, and serve with whatever makes you happy. This is bread that brings people to the table.
