Here’s a simple and soft Sandwich Bread recipe that will yield a fluffy and delicious loaf, perfect for making sandwiches, toast, or simply enjoying with butter.
Soft Sandwich Bread Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 cup warm water (110°F/45°C)
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup milk (optional, for extra softness)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (optional, helps with texture)
Instructions:
1. Activate the Yeast:
- In a small bowl, combine the warm water and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the water and stir until dissolved. Let the mixture sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy and bubbly, signaling the yeast is active.
2. Prepare the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Once the yeast mixture is ready, pour it into the flour mixture.
- Add the melted butter, milk (if using), and vegetable oil (if using) to the bowl and stir until the dough comes together. The dough will be a little sticky at first.
3. Knead the Dough:
- Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, sprinkle it with a little more flour, but avoid adding too much to keep it soft.
4. First Rise:
- Grease a large bowl with a little oil or butter and place the dough inside. Turn it to coat it lightly with oil. Cover the bowl with a clean towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size.
5. Shape the Dough:
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release any air bubbles. Then transfer it onto a floured surface and flatten it out into a rectangle shape.
- Roll the dough tightly from one end to the other, pinching the seams closed. Place the rolled dough into a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan.
6. Second Rise:
- Cover the loaf pan with a clean towel and let the dough rise again for about 30-45 minutes, or until it has risen just above the rim of the pan.
7. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
8. Bake the Bread:
- Once the dough has risen, place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Optionally, brush the top of the bread with some melted butter for a soft, glossy finish.
9. Cool and Slice:
- Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Tips:
- Milk & Butter: Adding milk and butter gives the bread a soft, rich texture and flavor. You can substitute with water if you prefer a lighter loaf.
- Storage: Store the bread in a plastic bag or airtight container to keep it fresh for 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage.
Enjoy this soft sandwich bread for all your sandwich needs or just enjoy it with a bit of jam or butter. It’s simple, flavorful, and perfect for daily use! Let me know if you have any questions or need more tips!