To make scalded milk, heat milk in a medium sauce pan over medium high heat, stirring frequently, just until it begins to bubble gently, primarily around the edges with a few bubbles starting to appear in the middle. Remove from heat immediately. Add butter to melt and let mixture cool to luke warm.

In the bowl of a stand mixer equipped with a dough hook add warm water, yeast, and 1 tbs sugar. Stir gently, then allow to bloom untouched 5 minutes. Add scalded milk/butter mixture, remaining sugar, salt, and first 2 cups of flour.

Turn mixer on to lowest setting until ingredients are just combined. Increase to next speed. Begin adding additional flour 1/2 cup at a time until dough begins to pull away from bowl. Stopping to scrape sides and check bottom is mixing as needed.

As soon as dough pulls away and starts forming a ball around the hook, stop adding flour and continue running mixer for 2 minutes more. If dough begins to climb hook shut off and scrape down slightly. Then start up again.

Transfer dough to a greased bowl. Turn once to coat. Cover with a lint free towel and allow to rise 1 hr in a warm spot (I put it in my oven with the light on).

When dough has risen punch down. Lightly grease 2 loaf pans. Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Divide into 4 equal portions. Gently form each into a ball. Place 2 balls side by side in each loaf pan. Cover with towel and allow to rise 1 hr again.

After second proof preheat oven to 425°F. Do not punch down dough this time. Gently place pans in oven (careful not to bump pans or drop onto rack). Bake 20-30 minutes or until tops are browned.

Remove from oven. Brush tops with additional butter to soften crust if desired. Let loaves cool 5 minutes in pans. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Or slice into it while it's still slightly warm. So, so good fresh!

To serve: Slice to desired thickness (1/2 thick is nice). Spread butter, jam/jelly, peanut butter, drizzle honey, etc. The toppings are endless for hearty homemade bread!

See notes below ⤵

Note 2: When forming balls, you are not actually rolling the dough into balls. Just pick up a section and gently manuever to shape a ball or your bread may end up too dense.

Note 1: You can make this bread without a stand mixer. Mix all ingredients in same way as written above in a large bowl with a wooden spoon. Turn out onto a floured surface and knead by hand for 8 minutes. Continue with remaining steps from there.