Place 2 1/2 cups flour, sugar, yeast and salt in mixer bowl. Attach paddle to mixer. Turn mixer on low and mix flour mixture for 1 minute until combined.
Measure milk in 2-cup glass measure; add butter. Microwave on High for 75 to 90 seconds or until milk is very warm (120° to 130°F). (Use a thermometer to test the temperature.) Add to flour mixture. Beat on low for 2 minutes or until mixture is smooth. Turn mixer off; remove paddle and replace with hook.
While mixer is on low speed, add in remaining flour, 1/4 cup at a time, until the mixture begins to cling to the dough hook and pull away from the bowl (about 4 minutes). Continue kneading with the dough hook on low/med speed for 7 to 10 minutes (set a timer) until dough is elastic and smooth.
Take dough out of mixer bowl, shape into a tight ball. Place dough ball in a large bowl that has been lightly coated with butter or oil. Turn once to coat the top of the dough. Cover bowl with plastic wrap. Place in a warm place to rise (proof) until dough tests ripe or is about doubled in size. Punch down; let rest 10 minutes. Meanwhile, lightly grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan.
Roll dough into a 7x9-inch rectangle. Beginning on the 7-inch side, roll up and place in loaf pan. Cover and let rise again until imprint from a light touch remains on the side of the loaf (about 30 minutes).
Preheat oven to 375°F.
Bake at for 35 to 40 minutes or until bread sounds hollow when you tap the tops with your fingers (if necessary, cover with foil to prevent over-browning). Immediately remove from pan. Cool on wire rack.