This straightforward sandwich bread recipe requires just four basic ingredients: flour, water, yeast, and salt. It’s perfect for making fresh sandwiches at home without any preservatives.
The process is easy and can be done in a few simple steps, making it an ideal choice for beginner bakers or anyone looking to enjoy homemade bread.
Simple Ingredients for Homemade Bread
Creating a loaf of sandwich bread requires minimal ingredients, making it accessible for anyone looking to bake at home.
The foundation of this bread consists of just four key components: all-purpose flour, warm water, active dry yeast, and salt.
These ingredients combine to create a delightful loaf that is both soft and fluffy, perfect for sandwiches or toast.
Using quality ingredients ensures the best flavor and texture, so choose the freshest flour and yeast available.
The Baking Process
The process of making this sandwich bread is straightforward and can be completed in a few simple steps.
Start by mixing warm water with yeast, allowing it to froth for about five minutes.
This step activates the yeast, which is crucial for the bread to rise properly.
Next, combine the flour and salt, mixing until a dough forms.
Once the dough is ready, knead it on a floured surface for about ten minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
Rising the Dough
After kneading, the dough requires a first rise to develop its texture.
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it sit in a warm spot for about an hour.
During this time, the dough will double in size, indicating that the yeast is working effectively.
Once risen, punch down the dough gently to release any trapped air.
Shaping and Second Rise
Shaping the loaf is an exciting part of the baking process.
After the first rise, form the dough into a loaf shape and place it in a greased loaf pan.
This step prepares the bread for its final rise, which takes about 30 minutes.
Cover the loaf again and allow it to rise until it surpasses the rim of the pan, ensuring a nice, tall loaf.
Baking to Perfection
With the dough properly risen, it’s time to bake.
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the bread for 30 to 35 minutes.
The loaf should turn a beautiful golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
Once baked, let the bread cool in the pan for about ten minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Enjoying Your Homemade Bread
Once cooled, your homemade sandwich bread is ready to be sliced and enjoyed.
Serve it with butter for a simple treat or use it to create delicious sandwiches.
The airy texture and soft interior make it a versatile addition to any meal.
Storing the bread properly will keep it fresh for days, allowing you to savor the fruits of your labor.
Easy Homemade Sandwich Bread
This sandwich bread is soft, fluffy, and perfect for sandwiches or toast. The recipe takes about 2 hours from start to finish and yields one loaf.
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (about 110°F)
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Mix the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine warm water and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until frothy. Add flour and salt, mixing until a dough forms.
- Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 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 the Loaf: Punch down the risen dough and shape it into a loaf. Place it in a greased loaf pan.
- Second Rise: Cover the loaf with a cloth and let it rise again for about 30 minutes until it rises above the rim of the pan.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the bread for 30-35 minutes until golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Cool: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Servings: 12 slices
- Calories: 120kcal
- Fat: 0.5g
- Protein: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 24g