There’s nothing quite like the taste and aroma of freshly baked homemade bread, especially when it’s soft and perfect for sandwiches. Making your own sandwich bread might seem daunting, but with a simple recipe and a few ingredients, you can enjoy delicious, fluffy, and golden sandwich bread right from your kitchen. Whether you’re making a classic PB&J, a turkey and cheese melt, or a veggie-packed sub, this bread is the ideal base for any sandwich.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour (plus more for kneading)
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F)
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1/4 cup milk
Instructions:
1. Proof the Yeast:
In a small bowl, combine the warm water and sugar, stirring to dissolve. Sprinkle the yeast on top and let it sit for 5-10 minutes, until it becomes frothy and bubbly. This step activates the yeast, ensuring that your bread will rise properly.
2. Mix the Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the softened butter, the yeast mixture, and the milk. Stir everything together until a shaggy dough forms.
3. Knead the Dough:
Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead it for about 8-10 minutes, adding more flour as necessary, until the dough is smooth and elastic. If you poke the dough, it should spring back slightly. Alternatively, you can use a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment for this step.
4. First Rise:
Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl and cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Let the dough rise in a warm spot for about 1-1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
5. Shape the Dough:
After the dough has risen, punch it down to release any air bubbles. Transfer it to a floured surface and shape it into a loaf. Tuck the sides underneath to form a smooth top, and place the dough into a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan.
6. Second Rise:
Cover the loaf pan with a towel and let the dough rise again for about 30-40 minutes. It should puff up and fill the pan.
7. Bake the Bread:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the bread for 30-35 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped. If the top is browning too quickly, you can tent it with foil during the last 10-15 minutes of baking.
8. Cool and Slice:
Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. Resist the urge to slice the bread while it’s still warm, as this can make the texture gummy.
Tips for Perfect Sandwich Bread:
- Use fresh yeast: Make sure your yeast is fresh and active. Expired or inactive yeast won’t give you the rise needed for fluffy bread.
- Measure your flour correctly: Too much flour can make the bread dense. Use a spoon to fill your measuring cup and level it off with a knife for accuracy.
- Don’t rush the rising time: Allowing the dough to rise fully will create a lighter, airier texture.
How to Store Homemade Sandwich Bread:
Once your bread has cooled completely, store it in an airtight container or plastic bag at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. To keep it fresh for longer, you can slice the bread and freeze it. Just pull out individual slices and toast or thaw them when needed.
Variations:
- Whole Wheat Sandwich Bread: Replace up to half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier, more nutritious loaf.
- Honey Oat Bread: Add 1/4 cup honey to the dough and sprinkle rolled oats on top of the loaf before baking for a sweet, nutty flavor.
- Herb and Garlic Bread: Mix in chopped fresh herbs (like rosemary or thyme) and garlic powder to the dough for a savory twist.
Why Make Your Own Sandwich Bread?
There are plenty of benefits to making your own sandwich bread. Not only do you control the ingredients (no preservatives or unnecessary additives), but the taste is unbeatable. Plus, the process of making bread from scratch is therapeutic and rewarding.
Whether you’re packing sandwiches for lunch or serving toast for breakfast, this homemade sandwich bread recipe will elevate your everyday meals. With its soft texture and rich flavor, it’s the perfect foundation for all your favorite sandwich fillings.
Enjoy!