This sandwich bread recipe is designed to create a loaf that holds together well, making it perfect for hearty sandwiches. With a soft crumb and a sturdy crust, it won’t crumble under pressure.
The recipe is straightforward and uses basic ingredients, ensuring you can achieve a reliable texture for your sandwiches every time.
Creating the Perfect Sandwich Bread
Crafting a loaf of sandwich bread that is both sturdy and soft is a rewarding experience. This recipe focuses on achieving a balance between a resilient crust and a fluffy interior, making it ideal for sandwiches that hold their shape.
The process is straightforward, utilizing common ingredients that are easy to find. With just a few steps, you can create a loaf that will become a staple in your kitchen, perfect for everything from classic PB&J to gourmet sandwiches.
Ingredients for Success
To create this delightful sandwich bread, you’ll need:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons instant yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or melted butter
These ingredients combine to form a dough that is easy to work with and yields a loaf that is both soft and sturdy. The warm water activates the yeast, while the sugar helps to nourish it, resulting in a beautifully risen loaf.
The Baking Process
The journey to a perfect loaf begins with mixing the dry ingredients. In a large bowl, combine the flour, yeast, salt, and sugar. This step sets the foundation for your bread.
Next, add the warm water and oil, mixing until a cohesive dough forms. Kneading the dough for about 10 minutes is essential; it develops the gluten, which contributes to the bread’s structure. Once kneaded, the dough should be smooth and elastic.
Rising to the Occasion
After kneading, place the dough in a greased bowl and cover it with a cloth. Allow it to rise in a warm environment for about an hour, or until it has doubled in size. This first rise is crucial for developing flavor and texture.
Once risen, punch down the dough to release any trapped air. Shape it into a loaf and place it in a greased loaf pan. The second rise will take about 30 to 45 minutes, during which the dough will rise above the rim of the pan, preparing it for baking.
Baking and Cooling
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) before placing the loaf inside. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped. This is the moment when the aroma of freshly baked bread fills your kitchen.
After baking, allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. This cooling period is important, as it helps the bread set and makes slicing easier.
Enjoying Your Homemade Bread
Once cooled, your sandwich bread is ready to be sliced. The soft, fluffy interior is perfect for holding fillings without falling apart. Pair it with your favorite spreads, such as butter or jam, for a delightful treat.
This homemade sandwich bread not only enhances your meals but also adds a personal touch to your kitchen creations. Enjoy the satisfaction of serving fresh, homemade bread to family and friends!
Reliable Sandwich Bread Recipe
This sandwich bread is made with all-purpose flour, yeast, and a few other ingredients to create a loaf that is both soft and resilient. It takes about 3 hours from start to finish and yields one loaf.
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons instant yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or melted butter
Instructions
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the flour, yeast, salt, and sugar.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Pour in the warm water and oil. Mix until a dough forms.
- Knead the Dough: Turn the dough onto 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 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 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- Second Rise: Cover the loaf and let it rise again for about 30-45 minutes until it rises above the rim of the pan.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the bread for 30-35 minutes until golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
- Cool: Remove from the oven and let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours
- Servings: 12 slices
- Calories: 120kcal
- Fat: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 22g