This homemade sandwich bread recipe yields two delicious loaves that are perfect for sandwiches, toast, or enjoying with butter. Made with simple ingredients like flour, yeast, and milk, this bread is soft, fluffy, and full of flavor.
The process is straightforward, and with a little patience for rising time, you can enjoy freshly baked bread right from your oven.
Creating the Perfect Loaf
Homemade sandwich bread is a delightful addition to any kitchen. The process begins with simple ingredients that come together to create something truly special.
Using all-purpose flour, active dry yeast, and warm milk, this recipe results in a tender crumb and a beautifully golden crust. The aroma of freshly baked bread wafting through your home is simply irresistible, making it a rewarding experience for any home baker.
Ingredients for Success
To achieve that soft, fluffy texture, you’ll need a few key ingredients.
All-purpose flour serves as the foundation, while sugar and salt enhance the flavor. Unsalted butter adds richness, and the combination of warm milk and water activates the yeast, ensuring a good rise. These components work harmoniously to create a loaf that is perfect for sandwiches, toast, or simply enjoying with a pat of butter.
The Baking Process
Making homemade sandwich bread involves several steps, each contributing to the final product.
Start by activating the yeast, which is crucial for achieving that light and airy texture. Mixing the dry ingredients and then combining them with the yeast mixture, warm milk, and butter forms the dough. Kneading the dough is essential, as it develops gluten, giving the bread its structure.
Rising to the Occasion
The rising process is where the magic happens.
After kneading, the dough needs to rise in a warm environment until it doubles in size. This first rise is followed by shaping the loaves and allowing them to rise again in the pans. Patience is key here, as this is what creates the fluffy interior of the bread.
Baking and Cooling
Once the loaves have risen, it’s time to bake.
Preheating the oven ensures that the bread bakes evenly, resulting in a golden brown crust. After baking, allowing the loaves to cool on a wire rack is important. This step prevents the bread from becoming soggy and allows for easier slicing.
Enjoying Your Homemade Bread
Once cooled, the bread is ready to be sliced and enjoyed.
Picture a warm kitchen scene with freshly sliced bread, a butter dish, and a knife at the ready. Whether you’re making classic sandwiches or toasting slices for breakfast, this homemade bread will surely impress. The soft texture and delightful flavor make every bite a treat.
Easy Sandwich Bread Recipe
This sandwich bread is made with all-purpose flour, active dry yeast, and milk, resulting in a tender crumb and a golden crust. The recipe takes about 3 hours from start to finish, including rising time, and makes 2 loaves.
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 1/2 cups warm milk (110°F/43°C)
- 1/4 cup warm water (110°F/43°C)
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm water and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until frothy.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and salt.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the yeast mixture, warm milk, and softened butter to the dry ingredients. Mix until a dough forms.
- Knead 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 hour or until doubled in size.
- Shape Loaves: Punch down the risen dough and divide it into two equal portions. Shape each portion into a loaf and place them in greased 9×5-inch loaf pans.
- Second Rise: Cover the loaves with a cloth and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes until they rise above the pans.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake: Bake the loaves for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Cool: Remove the loaves from the pans and let them cool on a wire rack before slicing.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours
- Servings: 16 slices (2 loaves)
- Calories: 120kcal per slice
- Fat: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 22g