Soft and Delicious Homemade Sandwich Bread Recipe

Making your own bread can be a rewarding experience, and this soft, fluffy homemade sandwich bread is easy to make with simple ingredients. Whether you’re using it for sandwiches, toast, or just enjoying it fresh, this bread is bound to become a kitchen favorite.

1. Why Homemade Sandwich Bread is the Best

Homemade sandwich bread has a richness and freshness that store-bought options can’t compare to. The soft texture, the aroma that fills your kitchen, and the satisfaction of slicing into a loaf you’ve created make it a worthwhile effort. Plus, you can control the ingredients, ensuring your bread is free from preservatives and artificial additives.

2. Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make a soft, fluffy loaf of sandwich bread:

3 cups all-purpose flour

1 tablespoon sugar

1 teaspoon salt

2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

1 cup warm water (110°F or 45°C)

2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (one packet)

1 tablespoon milk powder (optional, for extra soft texture)

1 tablespoon vegetable oil (or olive oil)

1 teaspoon honey (optional, for sweetness)

3. Equipment Needed

Equipment	Purpose
Large mixing bowl	For combining the ingredients.
Measuring cups & spoons	For accurate ingredient measurements.
Wooden spoon or spatula	For mixing dough.
9×5-inch loaf pan	For baking the bread.
Plastic wrap or towel	For covering the dough during proofing.
Cooling rack	To cool the bread after baking.

4. Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Proof the Yeast

Combine warm water, sugar, and yeast in a small bowl or cup. Stir gently until the yeast and sugar dissolve.

Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy. This is a sign that the yeast is activated and ready for use.

Step 2: Make the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt.

Add the softened butter and oil, and mix until the butter is fully incorporated into the flour mixture.

Pour in the yeast mixture and milk powder (if using). Stir with a wooden spoon until the dough starts to come together.

Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic. You can also use a stand mixer with a dough hook for this step.

Step 3: First Proofing

Place the dough into a lightly oiled bowl and cover it with a damp towel or plastic wrap.

Let it rise for 1 to 1.5 hours in a warm place, or until the dough has doubled in size. The dough should feel soft and slightly sticky to the touch.

Step 4: Shape the Dough

Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air.

Shape the dough by gently rolling it into a tight log that will fit into your loaf pan.

Place the dough in a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan, ensuring it is evenly spread out.

Step 5: Second Proofing

Cover the loaf pan with plastic wrap or a clean towel and let the dough rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until it has risen just above the edge of the loaf pan.

Step 6: Bake the Bread

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) during the second proofing.

Bake the bread for about 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown, and the bread sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.

If you prefer a softer crust, brush the top of the loaf with melted butter right after baking.

Step 7: Cool the Bread

Let the bread cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer it to a cooling rack to finish cooling.

Allow the bread to cool completely before slicing. This ensures the texture will be soft and the slices won’t be too crumbly.

5. Tips for Perfect Sandwich Bread

Use room temperature butter: Softened butter helps the dough mix together more easily.

Don’t skip the proofing steps: Allow the dough to rise fully so the bread is light and fluffy.

Knead thoroughly: Proper kneading ensures that the bread develops a smooth, elastic texture.

Shape the dough tightly: When rolling the dough into a loaf, make sure it’s rolled tightly to ensure an even rise.

Watch your oven: Oven temperatures can vary, so check the bread toward the end of baking to make sure it’s not overcooked. You should see a nice golden top.

6. Variations of Sandwich Bread

While this recipe produces a simple and soft loaf, here are some variations to try if you want to add some flavor or change the texture:

1. Whole Wheat Sandwich Bread

Substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor and added fiber.

2. Honey Wheat Bread

Add 2 tablespoons of honey to the dough for a slightly sweet taste that pairs wonderfully with sandwiches.

3. Herb and Garlic Bread

Mix in dried herbs like rosemary or thyme and minced garlic for an aromatic loaf that makes excellent garlic bread or a savory sandwich.

4. Cinnamon Raisin Bread

Add 1 teaspoon of cinnamon and 1/2 cup of raisins to the dough for a sweet and spiced loaf perfect for breakfast or snacking.

7. How to Store and Freeze Homemade Bread

Storing:

Once your bread has cooled completely, store it in a bread box or wrap it in plastic wrap to keep it soft. It will stay fresh for about 3-4 days at room temperature.

You can also store it in an airtight container or Ziploc bag to keep the moisture locked in.

Freezing:

To freeze, slice the bread before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil.

Store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, just pop slices in the toaster or heat them in the oven.

8. Nutritional Information (Per Slice)

Here’s a rough estimate of the nutritional breakdown for one slice of this homemade sandwich bread:

Nutrient	Amount (per slice)
Calories	120 kcal
Protein	3 g
Carbohydrates	22 g
Fat	3 g
Saturated Fat	1 g
Fiber	1 g
Sodium	180 mg

(Note: Nutritional values may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.)

9. Final Thoughts

This Soft Sandwich Bread is a game-changer when it comes to homemade bread. Not only is it easy to make, but the results are unbeatable in flavor and texture. The warm, fluffy bread is perfect for sandwiches, toast, or simply enjoyed with butter. With a little time and patience, you can create a fresh loaf of bread that beats anything you can buy at the store.

Once you’ve tasted this homemade sandwich bread, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it. Give it a try and enjoy the satisfaction of baking your own delicious bread!

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