This homemade sandwich bread is soft, fluffy, and perfect for making delicious sandwiches. With just a few simple ingredients like flour, yeast, and milk, you can create a loaf that rivals store-bought options.
The recipe is straightforward and ideal for beginners. You can enjoy it fresh or use it for toast, sandwiches, or even French toast.
Creating the Perfect Loaf
Homemade sandwich bread is a delightful addition to any kitchen. The process of making it is straightforward, making it accessible for bakers of all skill levels. With just a few essential ingredients, you can achieve a loaf that rivals the best bakery offerings.
The key to a successful loaf lies in the quality of the ingredients. Using all-purpose flour, warm milk, and instant yeast creates a soft and fluffy texture. The addition of sugar and salt enhances the flavor, while melted butter adds richness to the dough.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to baking this delicious bread. You will need:
- 4 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1 cup of warm milk (around 110°F or 43°C)
- 2 tablespoons of sugar
- 2 teaspoons of salt
- 2 teaspoons of instant yeast
- 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter, melted
- Additional flour for dusting
These ingredients combine to create a loaf that is not only tasty but also versatile. Whether you prefer it as a sandwich base or toasted with butter, this bread is sure to please.
The Baking Process
The process begins with mixing the warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Allowing this mixture to sit for a few minutes activates the yeast, which is crucial for the bread to rise properly.
Once the yeast is frothy, you can add the flour and salt, followed by the melted butter. Mixing these ingredients forms a dough that will be kneaded until smooth and elastic. Kneading is an essential step that develops the gluten, giving the bread its structure.
Rising and Shaping
After kneading, the dough needs to rise. Place it in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rest in a warm environment. This first rise typically takes about 1 to 2 hours, during which the dough will double in size.
Once risen, punch down the dough to release any trapped air. Shape it into a loaf and place it in a greased loaf pan. The second rise is shorter, around 30 to 45 minutes, allowing the dough to rise just above the rim of the pan.
Baking to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while the dough is rising. Once the second rise is complete, bake the loaf for 30 to 35 minutes. The bread is done when it turns a beautiful golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
After baking, allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. This cooling period is vital to achieving the perfect texture.
Enjoying Your Homemade Bread
Once cooled, your homemade sandwich bread is ready to be sliced and enjoyed. The soft, fluffy texture makes it perfect for sandwiches, toast, or even French toast.
Pair it with your favorite jam or butter for a delightful breakfast or snack. The rustic kitchen setting, complete with a jar of jam and a butter dish, invites you to create delicious meals with your freshly baked loaf.
Easy Homemade Sandwich Bread Recipe
This sandwich bread is made with all-purpose flour, milk, yeast, and a touch of sugar and salt. It takes about 3 hours from start to finish, including rising time, and yields one loaf.
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F or 43°C)
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 2 teaspoons instant yeast
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- Additional flour for dusting
Instructions
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until frothy.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Stir in the flour and salt until a dough begins to form. Add melted butter and mix until combined.
- Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough to 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 damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Shape the Loaf: Punch down the risen dough and shape it into a loaf. Place it in a greased 9×5 inch loaf pan.
- Second Rise: Cover the loaf with a cloth and let it rise again for about 30-45 minutes until it rises above the rim of the pan.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake: Bake the bread 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