sandwich bread

Making homemade sandwich bread is simple and rewarding. The result is a soft, fluffy loaf with a slightly golden crust—perfect for making sandwiches, toast, or just enjoying with butter. Here’s a straightforward recipe for classic sandwich bread that you can bake at home.

Homemade Sandwich Bread Recipe

Ingredients:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
• 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 cup warm water (110°F/43°C, not too hot or it will kill the yeast)
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup milk (you can use whole milk or any milk alternative)
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (optional, for softer texture)

Instructions:

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

1. Activate the Yeast:
   • In a small bowl, combine 1 cup warm water and 1/4 cup sugar. Stir to dissolve the sugar.
   • Sprinkle the active dry yeast over the water mixture and gently stir. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy and bubbly. If the mixture doesn’t bubble up, the yeast may be expired, and you should try a fresh packet.

Step 2: Make the Dough

2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
   • In a large bowl, combine the 3 cups of flour and 1 teaspoon salt. Stir to combine.
3. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
   • Once the yeast mixture is bubbly, add it to the bowl with the flour and salt.
   • Also add the softened butter, milk, and vegetable oil (if using) to the flour mixture. Stir until the dough begins to come together.
4. Knead the Dough:
   • Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead it by hand for about 8-10 minutes until the dough becomes smooth and elastic. You can also use a stand mixer with a dough hook for about 5-6 minutes if you prefer.
   • If the dough feels sticky, you can add small amounts of flour, but try not to add too much, as it will affect the softness of the bread.

Step 3: Let the Dough Rise

5. First Rise:
   • Place the kneaded dough into a lightly oiled bowl, turning the dough once so it’s coated in oil. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap.
   • Let the dough rise in a warm area for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.

Step 4: Shape the Dough

6. Shape the Dough:
   • After the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and roll it out into a rectangle about 9×12 inches in size.
   • Roll the dough tightly from the shorter end into a log shape. Pinch the seams to seal it.
7. Second Rise:
   • Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and place the dough inside. Cover with a towel or plastic wrap and let it rise again for about 30-45 minutes, or until it has risen slightly above the edges of the pan.

Step 5: Bake the Bread

8. Preheat the Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
9. Bake the Bread:
   • Once the dough has risen, place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. You can also use a thermometer—your bread should register 190°F (88°C) in the center.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

10. Cool the Bread:
    • Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes.
    • After that, turn the loaf out onto a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Step 7: Enjoy!

11. Serve:
    • Slice the bread and enjoy it as you like! It’s perfect for sandwiches, toast, or even with a bit of butter and jam.

Tips:

• Storage: Store the cooled bread in an airtight container or plastic bag at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and placing it in a freezer bag.
• Make It Whole Wheat: You can substitute part or all of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier loaf. Just note that whole wheat flour may require a bit more water to achieve the right dough consistency.
• Flavored Variations: You can experiment with adding herbs (like rosemary or thyme) or cheese (such as cheddar) into the dough for extra flavor.

This simple sandwich bread recipe yields a soft, fluffy loaf that’s perfect for all kinds of sandwiches, from classic PB&J to more savory fillings. Enjoy your homemade bread!