This instant yeast sandwich bread is a simple and quick recipe that yields soft, fluffy loaves perfect for sandwiches or toast. Using instant yeast allows for a faster rise, making it ideal for busy bakers.
The recipe is straightforward and requires minimal ingredients, making it accessible for both novice and experienced bakers.
Creating the Perfect Loaf
Soft sandwich bread is a staple in many households, cherished for its versatility and comforting texture.
The process begins with simple ingredients that come together to create a delightful loaf, perfect for sandwiches or toast.
Using instant yeast simplifies the baking process, allowing for a quicker rise and making it accessible for bakers of all skill levels.
The Ingredients That Matter
The foundation of this bread lies in its core ingredients: all-purpose flour, sugar, salt, instant yeast, warm water, and melted butter.
Each component plays a vital role in achieving that soft, fluffy texture and golden crust.
The flour provides structure, while the sugar and salt enhance flavor and aid in the fermentation process.
Mixing and Kneading
Combining the dry ingredients is the first step in this straightforward recipe.
Once the flour, sugar, salt, and yeast are mixed, the warm water and melted butter are added, creating a shaggy dough.
Kneading the dough is essential; it develops the gluten, giving the bread its desired elasticity and softness.
The Rising Process
After kneading, the dough is placed in a greased bowl and covered with a cloth.
This first rise typically takes about an hour, allowing the dough to double in size.
The warmth of the environment is crucial during this stage, as it activates the yeast, leading to a light and airy loaf.
Shaping and Second Rise
Once the dough has risen, it’s time to shape it into loaves.
Dividing the dough into two equal portions ensures uniformity in baking.
After shaping, the loaves are placed in greased pans and left to rise again for about 30-45 minutes, allowing them to puff up before baking.
Baking to Perfection
Preheating the oven is a key step before baking the loaves.
The ideal temperature of 350°F (175°C) ensures an even bake, resulting in a beautiful golden crust.
Baking for 25-30 minutes allows the bread to develop a hollow sound when tapped, indicating it’s done and ready to cool.
Quick and Easy Sandwich Bread Recipe
This sandwich bread features a tender crumb and a golden crust, achieved through a combination of flour, water, yeast, and a touch of sugar and salt. The process takes about 2 hours from start to finish and yields 2 loaves.
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 2 teaspoons instant yeast
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F/43°C)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, and instant yeast.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Pour in the warm water and melted butter. Stir until a shaggy 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 clean cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Shape the 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 again for about 30-45 minutes, or until they rise above the edge of 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: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Servings: 16 slices
- Calories: 120kcal
- Fat: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 22g