Begin by measuring out all of your ingredients carefully. Aerate the flour to ensure accurate measurement, then place it in the bread machine's pan.
Add the milk, salt, sugar, and butter to the pan in the order recommended by the manufacturer. Make sure to keep the yeast away from the salt.
Create a small indentation in the flour and add the yeast to this spot. This helps to prevent the yeast from activating too early.
Select the Basic or White Bread Cycle on your bread machine, and set the crust preference to Medium. Ensure that your machine's capacity is suitable for this recipe (1 1/2 to 2 pounds).
Start the machine and let it knead and rise the dough during the basic cycle, which will take about 3 hours.
Once the cycle is complete, carefully remove the bread pan from the machine and let the bread cool on a wire rack for at least 20-30 minutes before slicing.
For best results, make sure to use lukewarm ingredients, as they promote better yeast activity. Avoid overloading your bread machine to ensure an even rise.
Additionally, if you prefer a different flavor or texture, consider experimenting with variations of liquid ingredients, flour types, or fats. Always store your cooled bread in a bread box or bag to maintain freshness. Happy baking!