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When I'm craving comfort and that wonderful smell of baking bread, I whip up Buttery Bubble Bread. It fills the house with cozy vibes and those soft, buttery bites always disappear fast whether it's a lazy Sunday or a big dinner.
The first Thanksgiving I made this, everyone hung out in the kitchen and every roll was gone before I blinked. Now, folks ask for these at every special get-together.
Dreamy Ingredients
- Large egg: Brings amazing softness and a rich crumb—try to grab ones with deep yellow yolks if you can
- All-purpose flour: Lays down that classic bread feel—use fresh for a nice rise
- Active dry yeast: Helps the dough puff up—just double-check that it’s not expired so it bubbles up right
- Granulated sugar: Gives a touch of sweetness and really gets the yeast working—plain white sugar is great
- Warm milk: Makes the dough soft and plush—whole milk is awesome here
- Salt: Evens out all that richness—fine sea salt mixes well
- Unsalted butter: Delivers flavor and moisture both in the dough and on top—melt it fresh and use good stuff for the best taste
Easy Step-by-Step
- Finish and Enjoy:
- Give the bread a couple minutes to cool, brush with more melted butter if you want, then pull apart and dig in while they’re still warm for next-level softness
- Bake Until Golden:
- Heat your oven to 350 and slide in the pan for about 25 to 30 minutes until the tops are golden and they separate easily
- Second Rise:
- Cover up the dough balls and chill while they fluff up for 30–45 minutes. You’ll get that airy pull when they bake
- Butter and Stack:
- Grease your baking dish or bundt pan. Dunk each dough ball in melted butter and tuck them in close together in the pan. Layer ‘em up for a fun bubble look
- Roll into Balls:
- Lightly punch down the dough to flatten it. Split into 20–24 pieces and roll each between your hands until smooth
- Let Dough Rise:
- Pop the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover with a towel and leave somewhere warm. Wait about an hour until puffy and doubled in size
- Knead It Smooth:
- Dust your counter, knead the dough with the heel of your hand, folding it over itself for 8–10 minutes until glossy, stretchy and springy
- Combine Everything:
- Toss flour, salt and the rest of the sugar into a big bowl. Add bubbly yeast mix, melted butter, and egg. Stir it all together until it’s a rough dough
- Wake Up the Yeast:
- Stir yeast into warm milk along with a tablespoon of sugar. Wait until it foams, showing the yeast is raring to go
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Melted butter is hands down my favorite thing about this bread. I used to sneak in one last swipe while the bread was still warm in the quiet morning. Makes me think of those happy, simple brunches with family and laughter.
Keeping It Fresh
Seal up leftovers in a container on the counter for up to two days. Want them warm again? Wrap in foil, pop in a 300 degree oven for about 8–10 minutes. They freeze well too—just cut or break into pieces and freeze. Warm as needed!
Swap-Out Ideas
No whole milk? Use two percent or half water, no worries. Bread might be a smidge less rich but still awesome. Want a twist? Mix garlic powder or dried herbs into the butter you brush on top for extra flavor.
Ways to Serve
This bread is best hot from the oven—serve with your favorite soup or stew, next to some roast chicken, or at any festive meal. Also, killer with jam or honey for breakfast! Potlucks love this since the pieces pull apart so easily.
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Baking Tradition
Bubble bread is just one of many pull-apart favorites in American kitchens. Some call it monkey bread, but this savory, buttery kind is my favorite for family dinners and celebrations. Always reminds me of the good old days with those big bread baskets at gatherings.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What can I do to get super fluffy dough?
Knead the dough well for about 8 to 10 minutes. Wait until it doubles in size—that's how you'll get those soft, airy layers. Kneading helps the gluten do its thing and traps in the fluff.
- → Can I add something fun into the dough?
Go for it! Toss some chopped herbs, garlic, or even sprinkle cheese into the melted butter before dunking the dough balls. This gives the rolls extra pop.
- → What pan should I use to bake these?
Try a round dish or a bundt pan. They make the best shape for pulling apart and make sure the rolls bake up just right.
- → Can I make these in advance and warm them up later?
Yep. While they’re awesome straight from the oven, you can heat them up again. Just pop them back in the oven to get them warm and soft again.
- → What goes nicely with these soft rolls?
Eat them up with soup, dunk in stew, plate with roast meat, or even serve with jam for brunch. They’re honestly good with just about anything.