This homemade sandwich bread recipe incorporates various inclusions, such as seeds, nuts, or dried fruits, to enhance flavor and texture. It’s a versatile bread that can be customized to suit your taste preferences.
The process is simple and requires basic baking techniques. You can enjoy this bread fresh or use it for sandwiches, toast, or even French toast.
Creating the Perfect Loaf
Homemade sandwich bread is a delightful addition to any kitchen. The process of making this bread is straightforward, allowing bakers of all levels to enjoy the satisfaction of creating something from scratch.
Begin by gathering your ingredients, which include all-purpose flour, warm water, sugar, salt, instant yeast, olive oil, and your choice of inclusions. The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility; you can customize it with seeds, nuts, or dried fruits to suit your taste.
Mixing Ingredients
Start by mixing the dry ingredients in a large bowl. Combine the flour, sugar, salt, and instant yeast thoroughly. This step is crucial as it ensures that the yeast is evenly distributed throughout the flour.
Next, pour in the warm water and olive oil. Stir the mixture until a dough begins to form. This is where the magic starts to happen, as the ingredients come together to create a cohesive mixture.
Kneading the Dough
Once your dough has formed, it’s time to knead. Transfer it to a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes. This process develops the gluten, giving the bread its soft and fluffy texture.
As you knead, you’ll notice the dough becoming smoother and more elastic. This is a sign that you’re on the right track. After kneading, gently fold in your chosen inclusions, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Letting the Dough Rise
After incorporating the inclusions, place the dough in a greased bowl. Cover it with a damp cloth and let it rise in a warm area. This first rise typically takes about an hour, or until the dough has doubled in size.
This rising period is essential for developing flavor and texture. The yeast works its magic, creating air pockets that will give your bread a light and airy quality.
Shaping and Second Rise
Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Shape it into a loaf and place it in a greased loaf pan. Cover the loaf again and allow it to rise for another 30 minutes. This second rise is important for achieving the perfect loaf structure.
During this time, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your bread will bake evenly and develop a beautiful golden crust.
Baking and Cooling
After the second rise, it’s time to bake. Place the loaf in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. The bread is done when it turns golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
Once baked, remove the loaf from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling period is crucial, as it allows the bread to set properly.
Enjoy your freshly baked sandwich bread sliced and ready for sandwiches, toast, or even French toast. The combination of soft interior and crunchy crust, along with the delightful inclusions, makes this bread a favorite for any meal.
Delicious Sandwich Bread with Your Favorite Inclusions
This sandwich bread features a soft and fluffy texture, enriched with your choice of inclusions like sunflower seeds, walnuts, or cranberries. The recipe takes about 2 hours from start to finish and yields one loaf.
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup warm water (110°F)
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 2 teaspoons instant yeast
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 cup inclusions (seeds, nuts, or dried fruits of your choice)
Instructions
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, salt, and instant yeast.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Pour in warm water and olive oil. Mix 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.
- Incorporate Inclusions: Gently fold in your chosen inclusions until evenly distributed.
- 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 the Loaf: Punch down the dough, then shape it into a loaf. Place it in a greased loaf pan.
- Second Rise: Cover the loaf and let it rise for another 30 minutes.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake: Bake the bread for 30-35 minutes, or 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: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Servings: 12 slices
- Calories: 120kcal
- Fat: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 20g