Description
This homemade sandwich bread recipe creates a soft, fluffy loaf perfect for sandwiches or toast. Using simple ingredients like flour, yeast, and butter, the bread rises beautifully and bakes to a golden crust with a tender crumb. Ideal for beginners, this classic bread delivers fresh, bakery-quality flavor at home.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 4 cups (500 grams) all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons (7 grams) active dry yeast
- 2 tablespoons (25 grams) sugar
- 1 teaspoon (6 grams) salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 and 1/2 cups (360 ml) warm water
- 2 tablespoons (30 grams) unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Gather Ingredients: Collect all necessary ingredients to ensure smooth preparation.
- Prepare Dough Mixture: Whisk together the flour and salt in a large bowl. In a separate container, combine warm water with sugar and active dry yeast, allowing the yeast to activate for a few minutes until foamy.
- Knead Dough: Pour the yeast mixture into the flour mixture and stir to combine. Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead vigorously for 8-10 minutes until the dough becomes smooth and elastic.
- First Rise: Place the dough into a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours until it doubles in size.
- Shape Dough: Punch down the risen dough to release air. Shape it into a rectangle, then roll it tightly into a log shape.
- Second Rise: Place the shaped dough into a greased loaf pan. Cover and let it rise again for 30-45 minutes until it puffs up slightly above the pan’s edge.
- Bake Bread: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the bread for 30-35 minutes until golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Cool Before Slicing: Remove the bread from the pan and let it cool completely on a wire rack before slicing to maintain texture.
Notes
- Use warm water around 100°F (38°C) to properly activate the yeast without killing it.
- Kneading time is important to develop gluten for good bread structure.
- Ensure both rises occur in a draft-free, warm spot for optimal rising.
- Allow the bread to cool fully before slicing to prevent a gummy texture.
- You can brush the top with butter after baking for a softer crust.
