Sandwich Bread recipe

Here’s a simple and delicious Sandwich Bread recipe that yields a soft, fluffy loaf perfect for sandwiches, toast, or just enjoying with butter. It’s easy to make and results in a light, tender bread that’s ideal for everyday use.

Ingredients:

1 cup warm water (about 110°F/45°C)
1 tbsp granulated sugar
2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp salt
2 tbsp unsalted butter (melted)
1 tbsp vegetable oil (optional, for softer texture)
1/4 cup milk (optional, for a softer crumb)

Instructions:

1. Activate the Yeast:

In a small bowl, combine the warm water and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the water and stir to dissolve. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes, or until the mixture becomes frothy and bubbly. This step ensures 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 bowl with the flour along with the melted butter and milk (if using).
Mix everything together with a spoon until the dough begins to form.

3. Knead the Dough:

Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic. You can also use a stand mixer with a dough hook if you have one.
If the dough is too sticky, sprinkle a little more flour, but be careful not to add too much.

4. First Rise:

Grease a large bowl with a little oil and place the dough inside. Turn the dough to coat it lightly with the oil.
Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.

5. Shape the Dough:

Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air.
Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and flatten it into a rectangle shape.
Roll the dough up tightly from one end to the other, pinching the seams closed as you go to form a loaf shape.
Place the shaped dough into a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan, seam-side down.

6. Second Rise:

Cover the loaf pan with a clean towel and let the dough rise for another 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) while the dough is rising.

8. Bake the Bread:

Once the dough has finished rising, 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.
For a softer crust, you can brush the top of the loaf with melted butter right after baking.

9. Cool the Bread:

Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Tips:

Soft Texture: Adding a little milk or using a mixture of butter and oil helps keep the bread soft and tender.
Flavor: You can add a tablespoon of honey or a splash of milk to the dough for extra flavor.
Storage: Store the bread in an airtight container or plastic bag at room temperature for up to 4-5 days. You can also freeze the bread for longer storage.

Enjoy this soft, fluffy sandwich bread for sandwiches, toast, or just with butter and jam! Let me know if you need any modifications or have questions!