This homemade sandwich bread is soft, fluffy, and perfect for making delicious sandwiches. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can enjoy fresh bread right from your oven.
The recipe is easy to follow and yields a loaf that can be sliced for sandwiches, toast, or enjoyed with spreads.
Creating the Perfect Loaf
Homemade sandwich bread is a delightful addition to any kitchen. The process of making it is straightforward, allowing anyone to achieve a soft and fluffy loaf.
With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a bread that is perfect for sandwiches, toast, or simply enjoying with your favorite spreads. The aroma of freshly baked bread fills the kitchen, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To embark on this baking endeavor, gather the essentials: all-purpose flour, sugar, salt, active dry yeast, warm water, and unsalted butter.
These ingredients work together to create a tender crumb and a golden crust. Each component plays a vital role in achieving that perfect loaf, ensuring it’s both delicious and satisfying.
The Baking Process
Begin by activating the yeast, which is crucial for the bread to rise. Combine warm water, sugar, and yeast, allowing it to froth.
Next, mix the flour and salt in a large bowl, then incorporate the yeast mixture along with melted butter. This combination forms the dough that will become your bread.
Kneading and Rising
Kneading the dough is an essential step that develops gluten, giving the bread its structure. Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead it until smooth and elastic.
Once kneaded, place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm spot until it doubles in size. This first rise typically takes about 1 to 1.5 hours, allowing the yeast to work its magic.
Shaping and Second Rise
After the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air, then shape it into a loaf. Place it in a greased loaf pan, ready for its second rise.
Cover the loaf and let it rise again until it surpasses the rim of the pan, which usually takes around 30-45 minutes. This step is crucial for achieving that fluffy texture.
Baking and Enjoying
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare to bake. The bread will need about 30-35 minutes in the oven, turning a beautiful golden brown and producing a hollow sound when tapped on the bottom.
Once baked, allow it to cool in the pan for a short while before transferring it to a wire rack. This cooling period helps set the texture, making it easier to slice.
Serving Suggestions
Once cooled, slice the bread to reveal its fluffy interior, perfect for sandwiches or toast.
Pair it with a jar of jam or a dish of butter for a delightful treat. This homemade bread not only satisfies hunger but also brings a sense of comfort and home to your kitchen.
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 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until frothy.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and melted butter. Stir until a dough forms.
- 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 cloth, and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1-1.5 hours.
- 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 and let it rise again until it has risen above the rim of the pan, about 30-45 minutes.
- 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