Grandma’s Secret Soft Poppy Seed Bread

This soft, fluffy, and lightly sweet bread is speckled with nutty poppy seeds. Perfect for breakfast, sandwiches, or just enjoying with butter and jam.

Servings: 1 loaf (about 12 slices)

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Rise Time: 1–1.5 hours

Bake Time: 30–35 minutes

Ingredients

For the dough:

3 cups all-purpose flour

2 teaspoons instant yeast

2 tablespoons sugar

1 teaspoon salt

1 cup warm milk

2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

1 large egg

For the filling/topping:

2 tablespoons poppy seeds

1 tablespoon sugar

1 teaspoon melted butter (optional, for brushing)

Instructions

Prepare the dough:

In a large bowl, combine flour, yeast, sugar, and salt. Add warm milk, melted butter, and egg. Mix until a soft dough forms. Knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.

First rise:

Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.

Shape the bread:

Punch down the dough and roll it into a rectangle about 12×8 inches. Sprinkle poppy seeds evenly over the surface. Roll the dough tightly into a log, pinching the seam to seal. Place the log into a greased loaf pan.

Second rise:

Cover the loaf and let it rise for another 30–40 minutes until slightly puffy.

Bake:

Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Brush the top lightly with melted butter and sprinkle a few extra poppy seeds. Bake for 30–35 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Tap the bottom of the loaf—it should sound hollow.

Cool:

Remove from the pan and let the bread cool on a wire rack before slicing.

Serving ideas:

Toast with butter or cream cheese

Make sandwiches or French toast

Enjoy with honey or jam

Storage:

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days

Freeze for up to 2 months