Flaky Breakfast Bread

## Instructions

### Step 1: Prepare the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. These simple dry ingredients are the base of your bread dough.

### Step 2: Cut in the Cold Butter
Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Using a pastry cutter, two forks, or your hands, work the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized pieces of butter. The key to flaky bread is keeping the butter cold and not overworking the dough. If you don’t have a pastry cutter, you can pulse the mixture a few times in a food processor.

### Step 3: Add the Milk
Make a well in the center of the dry mixture and pour in the milk. Stir gently with a spatula or wooden spoon until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to overmix the dough, as this can make it dense rather than light and flaky.

### Step 4: Knead the Dough
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead it a few times (about 5-6 times) to bring it into a ball. Be mindful to handle it as little as possible to preserve the flaky texture.

### Step 5: Roll and Fold for Flaky Layers
Once the dough is formed, use a rolling pin to roll it into a rectangle, about 1/2-inch thick. Now comes the secret to the flaky layers: fold the dough like a letter. Take one side of the dough and fold it over to the middle, then fold the other side on top, creating a 3-layer fold. Rotate the dough 90 degrees and roll it out again into a rectangle. Repeat the folding and rolling process two more times. This creates those signature flaky layers that will puff up as the bread bakes.

### Step 6: Shape and Cut the Bread
Once the dough has been folded and rolled, form it into a loaf by folding the edges in to create a rectangle or square shape. You can also roll it into a log shape if you prefer. Place the formed dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.

### Step 7: Brush with Egg Wash (Optional)
For a golden, shiny crust, beat the egg and brush it over the top of the dough. This step is optional but adds a nice touch to the bread’s appearance.

### Step 8: Bake the Bread
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the bread for 20-25 minutes, or until it’s golden brown on top and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. The baking time may vary slightly depending on the size and shape of the loaf, so keep an eye on it.

### Step 9: Cool and Serve
Allow the bread to cool for a few minutes before slicing. The bread should be soft, flaky, and easy to pull apart. Serve it warm with butter, jam, or your favorite breakfast spreads.

## Tips for Perfect Flaky Breakfast Bread

1. **Use Cold Butter**: The key to a flaky texture is using cold butter. You can even chill the flour and mixing bowl in the freezer for a few minutes before starting to help keep everything cold.
2. **Don’t Overmix**: When adding the milk, stir gently until the dough just comes together. Overworking the dough can result in a denser, less flaky bread.
3. **Flour Your Surface Generously**: When rolling out the dough, use plenty of flour on your work surface and rolling pin to prevent sticking.
4. **Experiment with Flavors**: Feel free to add your favorite herbs, spices, or cheese between the layers to customize the bread to your taste. Fresh rosemary or thyme gives the bread a savory, aromatic twist.
5. **Make Mini Breads**: If you prefer individual portions, divide the dough into smaller pieces and shape them into rounds or smaller loaves. Bake them for a slightly shorter time—about 15-18 minutes.

## Serving Ideas for Flaky Breakfast Bread

– **With Eggs and Bacon**: Serve slices of this flaky bread alongside scrambled eggs, sunny-side-up eggs, or crispy bacon for a classic breakfast combination.
– **Top with Jam or Butter**: The soft, buttery texture of the bread is perfect with a smear of jam (strawberry, raspberry, or orange marmalade) or a pat of butter.
– **Make a Breakfast Sandwich**: Slice the bread horizontally and use it to make a breakfast sandwich with eggs, cheese, and your favorite breakfast meats.
– **Pair with Coffee or Tea**: For a simple breakfast or brunch, pair a slice of the bread with your morning coffee or a cup of tea.

## Variations to Try

### 1. **Herb and Cheese Breakfast Bread**:
Add a handful of finely chopped fresh herbs (like rosemary, thyme, or parsley) and a sprinkle of grated cheese (cheddar, Parmesan, or mozzarella) between the layers for a savory version of this bread.

### 2. **Cinnamon-Sugar Sweet Bread**:
For a sweet twist, sprinkle cinnamon and sugar between the layers of dough before folding. You can also drizzle a cinnamon glaze over the bread once it’s baked for extra sweetness.

### 3. **Garlic Butter Breakfast Bread**:
Brush the dough with garlic butter before folding, and then bake. You’ll have a garlic-infused, flaky bread perfect for pairing with eggs or enjoying on its own.

## Conclusion: The Ultimate Breakfast Treat

This **Flaky Breakfast Bread** is a simple, yet indulgent recipe that brings warmth and comfort to any breakfast table. With its buttery layers and soft, tender crumb, it’s a versatile bread that can be enjoyed in many different ways—whether as a side to eggs and bacon, topped with jam, or eaten as a standalone treat with a cup of coffee.

Making this bread from scratch is easier than it sounds, and the end result is well worth the effort. So next time you want to impress your family or guests with a delicious homemade breakfast, whip up a batch of this flaky, golden bread and watch it disappear in no time!