There’s nothing quite like the aroma of fresh, homemade bread filling your kitchen. Baking your own sandwich bread is not only rewarding but ensures you have a soft, fluffy loaf that’s perfect for sandwiches, toast, or simply enjoying with butter. This easy sandwich bread recipe is perfect for beginners and experienced bakers alike, and I’ll walk you through every step to help you bake the ideal loaf at home.
Sandwich Bread Recipe Variations
Once you master this basic sandwich bread recipe, you can start experimenting with variations:
- Whole Wheat Sandwich Bread: Substitute half the flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier loaf.
- Seeded Sandwich Bread: Add sunflower seeds, flaxseeds, or oats on top of the dough before baking for extra texture and flavor.
- Herb and Garlic Bread: Mix in dried herbs and garlic powder into the dough for a savory twist.
| Servings | Prep time | Rising Time | Cook Time | Total Time |
| 1 loaf (about 12 slices) | 15 minutes | 1.5 – 2 hours | 25-30 minutes | 2 hours 30 minutes |
Ingredients
To bake a perfect loaf of sandwich bread, you’ll need simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. Each component plays a crucial role in creating that soft, fluffy texture we all love in sandwich bread.
Equipment Needed
To make this sandwich bread recipe, you’ll need a few basic kitchen tools:
- Stand mixer (or a mixing bowl and wooden spoon for hand kneading)
- Loaf pan (9×5 inch is ideal for this recipe)
- Kitchen scale (optional, but helps with accuracy)
- Oven thermometer (for precision in baking)
- Clean kitchen towel (for covering the dough while it rises)
Instructions
Preparing the Dough
Start by activating your yeast. In a small bowl, combine the warm milk (or water) and sugar, then sprinkle the yeast over the top. Allow it to rest for about 5 minutes, or until the mixture turns foamy. This step ensures the yeast is active and ready to help your bread rise.
In a large mixing bowl (or the bowl of a stand mixer), whisk together the flour and salt. Slowly add the melted butter and yeast mixture. Stir until the dough comes together. If you’re using a stand mixer, use the dough hook attachment and knead for about 8-10 minutes on medium speed. If kneading by hand, work the dough on a lightly floured surface until it’s smooth and elastic, about 10 minutes.First Rise (Proofing)
Put the dough into a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and allow it to rise in a warm place. The dough should double in size, which usually takes about 1 hour. This step is crucial for creating a fluffy loaf.Shaping the Dough
After the dough has doubled in size, gently punch it down to deflate any air bubbles. Move it to a lightly floured surface and form it into a loaf shape. Tuck the edges in and place the dough into a greased loaf pan, seam side down.Second Rise
Cover the loaf pan with the kitchen towel again and let the dough rise for another 30-40 minutes, or until it’s just above the top of the pan.Baking the Sandwich Bread
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once the dough has risen, bake the bread for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. If you have a kitchen thermometer, the internal temperature should reach 190°F (88°C) for fully baked bread.
Chef’s Tips for the Best Sandwich Bread Recipe
Use bread flour: While all-purpose flour works well, bread flour has more protein, which gives the bread a chewier texture and helps it rise higher.
Warm, not hot, liquids: When mixing the yeast, ensure your milk or water is warm (about 110°F). Too hot and it will kill the yeast; too cold and it won’t activate.
Don’t over-knead: Kneading is important for developing gluten, but over-kneading can make your bread tough. Knead until the dough becomes smooth and elastic.
Cover with foil if browning too quickly: If the top of your bread is browning too fast during baking, loosely cover it with foil to prevent burning.
Storing and Freezing Your Homemade Sandwich Bread
After your bread has cooled completely, store it in a plastic bag or airtight container at room temperature. It will stay fresh for about 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it. To freeze, wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To thaw, simply leave it at room temperature for a few hours or overnight.
Nutrition Facts (per slice)
| Calories | 160 Kcal | Protein | 4g |
| Fat | 4g | Fiber | 1g |
| Carbohydrates | 26g | Sugar | 2g |
Try These Similar Recipes
If you enjoyed this sandwich bread recipe, here are a few other delicious, homemade bread recipes to try:
FAQ
Can I make this sandwich bread recipe without a stand mixer?
Yes! You can knead the dough by hand. It will take about 10 minutes of kneading until the dough becomes smooth and elastic. Just be sure to flour your surface lightly to avoid sticking.
Is it possible to use whole wheat flour for this recipe?
Absolutely. You can substitute up to half of the bread flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier loaf. Keep in mind that whole wheat flour may make the bread a bit denser.
How do I store homemade sandwich bread?
Store your bread in an airtight container or a plastic bag at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the bread by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil.