There’s nothing better than the aroma of freshly baked bread filling your kitchen, and this Easy Sandwich Bread makes it possible without the hassle. This recipe creates a soft, fluffy loaf with a golden crust, perfect for making sandwiches, toast, or enjoying with butter and jam.
Unlike store-bought bread, this homemade version is free of preservatives, easy to make, and requires just a few basic ingredients. Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned pro, this fail-proof recipe will give you a loaf that’s light, airy, and full of flavor.
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Large mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Stand mixer (optional)
- Loaf pan (9×5-inch)
- Clean kitchen towel
- Wire rack
Ingredients Overview
- Flour: Bread flour gives the best texture, but all-purpose flour also works.
- Yeast: Active dry or instant yeast helps the dough rise.
- Milk or Water: Adds moisture and softness.
- Butter or Oil: Enhances the flavor and keeps the bread tender.
- Sugar: Helps feed the yeast and adds a hint of sweetness.
Ingredients (Makes 1 Loaf)
- 3 cups bread flour (or all-purpose flour)
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 cup warm milk (or water, ~110°F)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (or vegetable oil)
- 1 tablespoon sugar or honey
- 1 teaspoon salt
Directions
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
In a bowl, mix warm milk (or water), sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes, until it becomes foamy.
Step 2: Make the Dough
In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and melted butter. Mix with a spoon or stand mixer until a sticky dough forms.
Step 3: Knead the Dough
Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 8-10 minutes, or until smooth and elastic. If using a stand mixer, knead on low speed for 5-6 minutes.
Step 4: First Rise
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Step 5: Shape the Loaf
Punch down the dough and shape it into a loaf. Place it in a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan. Cover and let it rise for 30 minutes.
Step 6: Bake the Bread
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped.
Step 7: Cool & Slice
Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Slice and enjoy!
Prep Time
15 minutes
Rise Time
1 hour 30 minutes
Cook Time
30 minutes
Total Time
2 hours 15 minutes
Nutrition (per slice, ~12 slices)
- Calories: ~140
- Fat: ~3g
- Carbohydrates: ~24g
- Protein: ~4g
Expert Tips
- For a Softer Crust: Brush with melted butter after baking.
- For Extra Flavor: Add 1 teaspoon of honey or herbs to the dough.
- For Whole Wheat Bread: Replace 1 cup of flour with whole wheat flour.
FAQs
Can I make this bread without a stand mixer?
Yes! Knead by hand for 8-10 minutes until smooth.
Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes! Skip the proofing step and mix the yeast directly into the flour.
How do I know when my bread is fully baked?
Tap the top—it should sound hollow when done.
Storing & Freezing
- Storing: Keep at room temperature in a sealed bag for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Wrap in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months.
Substitutions & Variations
- Dairy-Free: Use water instead of milk and oil instead of butter.
- Seeded Bread: Mix in 2 tablespoons flaxseeds or sunflower seeds.
- Sweeter Version: Add 2 tablespoons of honey for a slightly sweet loaf.
Easy Sandwich Bread
Equipment
- - Large mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- - Stand mixer (optional)
- - Loaf pan (9x5 inch)
- - Clean kitchen towel
- - Wire rack
Ingredients
- - 3 cups bread flour or all-purpose flour
- - 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast 1 packet
- - 1 cup warm milk or water, ~110°F
- - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter melted (or vegetable oil)
- - 1 tablespoon sugar or honey
- - 1 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- #### **Step 1: Activate the Yeast**
- In a bowl, mix **warm milk (or water), sugar, and yeast**. Let it sit for **5-10 minutes**, until it becomes foamy.
- #### **Step 2: Make the Dough**
- In a large bowl, combine **flour and salt**. Add the **yeast mixture and melted butter**. Mix with a spoon or stand mixer until a sticky dough forms.
- #### **Step 3: Knead the Dough**
- Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for **8-10 minutes**, or until smooth and elastic. If using a stand mixer, knead on low speed for **5-6 minutes**.
- #### **Step 4: First Rise**
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for **1 hour**, or until doubled in size.
- #### **Step 5: Shape the Loaf**
- Punch down the dough and shape it into a **loaf**. Place it in a greased **9x5-inch loaf pan**. Cover and let it rise for **30 minutes**.
- #### **Step 6: Bake the Bread**
- Preheat the oven to **375°F (190°C)**. Bake for **25-30 minutes**, or until the top is golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped.
- #### **Step 7: Cool & Slice**
- Let the bread cool in the pan for **10 minutes**, then transfer to a wire rack. Slice and enjoy!
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