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Activate the yeast:
In a small bowl, combine warm milk and sugar. Sprinkle active dry yeast over milk and let sit for 5 to 10 minutes, until foamy. This step ensures the yeast is active and will help the dough rise properly.
Prepare the dough:
In a large bowl, mix together the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture, melted butter and egg.
Mix the ingredients until they begin to come together to form a dough. If using a stand mixer, use the dough hook on low speed until the dough is smooth and elastic. If mixing by hand, stir until you can no longer mix, then knead by hand.
Knead the dough:
Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 8 to 10 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic. The dough should be soft but not sticky.
To check if the dough is ready, perform the “window pane test” by stretching a small piece of dough between your fingers. If it stretches without tearing and you can see light through it, the dough is ready.
First climb:
Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm place for 1 to 1 1/2 hours, or until doubled in size.
The ideal temperature for dough to rise is around 24-27°C (75-80°F). If your kitchen is cool, you can place the bowl in a warm oven (turn it on briefly, then turn it off) to encourage rising.
Shape the dough:
Once the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release any trapped air. Transfer it to a lightly floured surface and shape it into a loaf by flattening it into a rectangle and rolling it up tightly.
Place the shaped dough, seam side down, in a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan. Cover it again and let it rise for 30 to 45 minutes, or until it rises just above the edge of the pan.
Bake the bread:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Once the bread has finished its second rise, bake it in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
For a softer crust, brush the top of the bread with melted butter as soon as it comes out of the oven.
Let cool and serve:
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