This homemade sandwich bread is soft, fluffy, and perfect for making sandwiches or toast. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can enjoy fresh bread right from your oven.
The recipe is easy to follow and requires basic baking techniques. You can customize it by adding herbs, seeds, or whole grains to suit your taste.
Creating the Perfect Loaf
Baking homemade sandwich bread is a rewarding experience that fills your kitchen with delightful aromas.
The process begins with simple ingredients that come together to create a loaf that is both soft and fluffy.
With just a few steps, you can transform basic pantry staples into a golden-brown masterpiece.
Ingredients That Matter
To achieve that perfect loaf, quality ingredients play a significant role.
All-purpose flour forms the base, providing the structure needed for the bread.
Sugar, salt, and instant yeast work harmoniously to enhance flavor and promote rising, while warm water and melted butter add moisture and richness.
The Art of Kneading
Kneading is a crucial step in bread-making that develops gluten, giving the bread its characteristic texture.
After mixing the dry and wet ingredients, turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead it for about 8-10 minutes.
This process ensures a smooth and elastic dough, setting the stage for a successful rise.
Rising to the Occasion
Allowing the dough to rise is essential for achieving that light, airy crumb.
Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rest in a warm spot until it doubles in size.
This first rise typically takes about an hour, and it’s a perfect time to prepare your loaf pan and preheat the oven.
Shaping and Second Rise
Once the dough has risen, it’s time to shape it into a loaf.
Gently punch down the dough to release air, then form it into a loaf shape before placing it in a greased pan.
Cover it again and let it rise for another 30-45 minutes, allowing it to rise above the edge of the pan for that perfect height.
Baking and Enjoying
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and get ready to bake.
The loaf will take about 30-35 minutes to bake, turning a beautiful golden brown and sounding hollow when tapped on the bottom.
Once baked, let it cool in the pan for a short while before transferring it to a wire rack. The anticipation builds as you wait for it to cool, ready to slice and enjoy.
Easy Homemade Sandwich Bread
This sandwich bread features a tender crumb and a golden crust, making it ideal for any filling. The recipe takes about 3 hours from start to finish, including rising time, and yields one loaf.
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 2 teaspoons instant yeast
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, and instant yeast.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Pour in the warm water and melted butter. Stir until a dough forms.
- Knead the Dough: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Shape the Loaf: Punch down the risen dough and turn it onto a floured surface. Shape it into a loaf and place it in a greased 9×5 inch loaf pan.
- Second Rise: Cover the loaf and let it rise again for about 30-45 minutes until it has risen above the edge of the pan.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake: Bake the loaf for 30-35 minutes until golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Cool: Remove from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours
- Servings: 12 slices
- Calories: 120kcal
- Fat: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 22g