Visit The Portuguese Kitchen Shop ›
Tuga Pops − Friday, March 4, 2022, 4 Years ago in Bread Recipes
5 out of 5 with 1 ratings

Neuza's Soft Homemade Bread Recipe

Try Neuza's Soft Homemade Bread for a golden crust and fluffy inside, perfect with your favorite spreads and warm for cozy moments!
3 h 4 servings Easy Prep time 2 h 15 min Cooking Time 45 min
Jump to Recipe

Why you will love this Neuza's Soft Homemade Bread Recipe

Get ready to enjoy some homemade goodness with Neuza's easy bread recipe! This simple method gives you a fluffy loaf that's perfect for any occasion. With just a handful of ingredients and a little bit of time, you’ll have a warm, crusty bread that’s great for sandwiches or as a tasty side dish. If you love bread, you’ll definitely want to give this a try. Let’s get baking!


Ingredients

250 grams of all-purpose flour (2 cups)1 teaspoon of active dry yeast1 teaspoon of salt1 teaspoon of sugar125 ml of warm water (1/2 cup)1 tablespoon of softened unsalted butter

Equipment:

Mixing bowlBaking trayKitchen towelOvenKnifePastry brushMeasuring cups

With all your ingredients and equipment gathered, you are ready to get started!

Directions

  1. In a bowl, dissolve the yeast in the water.
  2. In a bowl, place the flour and make a hole in the middle.
  3. In the hole, add the water with the yeast, butter, salt and sugar.
  4. With your hands, start mixing everything and knead the dough well.
  5. After you knead it well, make a ball.
  6. Place in a bowl and cover with a towel.
  7. Let rise for 2 hours in a warm place.
  8. Preheat the oven to 200ºC or 390ºF.
  9. After 2 hours (when the dough has doubled), place it on a baking tray previously dusted with flour.
  10. Shape the dough into a bread type shape.
  11. With a knife, lightly cut 5 grooves across the dough.
  12. Brush the dough with water.
  13. Place it in the oven with a tray in the bottom with a little water so that the crust of the bread turns crusty.
  14. Let it cook for approximately 45 minutes.
  15. The bread is cooked when you hit it with your hand and it feels hollow.
  16. After the bread is baked, take it out of the oven.

Recipe Tips

Ensure the water temperature is between 100°F to 110°F (37°C to 43°C) when activating the yeast. Too hot can kill the yeast, while too cold won't activate it properly, leading to dense bread.
Knead the dough for at least 8-10 minutes to develop gluten, which provides structure and elasticity. An under-kneaded dough may not rise properly and could result in a crumbly texture.
Avoid adding too much flour during kneading; if the dough feels sticky, resist the urge to add more flour. Instead, lightly grease your hands with oil to handle it. This will help maintain moisture and softness in the final bread.
Adapted from a Recipe by: saborintenso.com

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)

Calories
610 kcal
Fat
7 g
Carbs
124 g
Protein
16 g

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use bread flour instead of all-purpose flour for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute bread flour for all-purpose flour. Bread flour has a higher protein content, which can make the bread chewier and give it a better rise.

How should I store the homemade bread to keep it fresh?

To keep the bread fresh, store it in a sealed plastic bag or an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap it in plastic wrap and freeze it for up to 3 months.

What should I do if my dough doesn't rise after 2 hours?

If your dough hasn't risen, it may be due to the yeast being inactive or the environment being too cold. Make sure your yeast is fresh and active by checking the expiration date. If necessary, move the dough to a warmer spot, and allow more time for it to rise.

Recommended Drink Pairings

Wine

Portuguese: Vinho Verde - This light and refreshing wine complements the soft texture of the homemade bread, enhancing its buttery notes.

General: Chardonnay - A lightly oaked Chardonnay offers a creamy mouthfeel that pairs well with the richness of the bread.

Beer

Portuguese: Super Bock - This classic Portuguese lager is crisp and light, making it a perfect match for the fluffy bread.

General: Pilsner - A refreshing Pilsner balances the bread's richness without overwhelming its delicate flavors.

Other Beverages

Tea: Earl Grey Tea - The bergamot in Earl Grey adds a fragrant citrus note that complements the homemade bread beautifully.

You might also like

Easy Homemade Portuguese Rolls Anyone Can Make

Bake up some warm, golden Portuguese rolls at home! They're soft, fluffy, and perfect for...

Level of Difficulty Easy
Servings 8
Portuguese Chouriço Buns | A Delicious Bakery Style Recipe

Dig into these homemade Portuguese Chouriço Buns! With a crispy crust and savory sausage, they’re...

Level of Difficulty Easy
Servings 8
Soft and Popular Sweet Bread Recipe

Enjoy this soft and delightful Sweet Bread, also known as massa sovada. It's a tasty Portuguese...

Level of Difficulty Moderate
Servings 8

Reviews (6) Add a review

Guida
Guida
When baking, can you please clarify where the tray with water goes- either directly underneath on same rack or on a different rack? I just can't picture this. Thank you!
4 Years ago, Wednesday, April 20, 2022

Tuga Pops
Tuga Pops
Hi Guida, on the bottom of the oven.
4 Years ago, Wednesday, April 20, 2022

Ana
Ana
Hi PR, I tried this recipe but something must be missing. 2 cups of flour for 1/2 cup water just didn't work at all. At the end I had to discard of the bread because all I could smell was the yeast. I made the caralhotas de Almeirim and it turned out delicious.
Keep posting the great articles and recipes. Always looking forward to your posts. Thank you 😊
4 Years ago, Wednesday, March 9, 2022

Tuga Pops
Tuga Pops

I'm sorry to hear that Ana, I really am, I double checked the recipe and it is correct. Did you use active dry yeast?

4 Years ago, Wednesday, March 9, 2022

Leonel Rodrigues
Leonel Rodrigues
Definitely gonna give it a try
4 Years ago, Friday, March 4, 2022

Tuga Pops
Tuga Pops
Great, let me know how it turns out.
4 Years ago, Friday, March 4, 2022

Tuga Pops

Joined 11 Years ago n/a
Share
this Page
Facebook Pinterest X Reddit