Description
This Homemade Sandwich Bread is delightfully soft and fluffy, perfect for any sandwich filling. Made with simple ingredients like all-purpose flour, active dry yeast, and melted butter, it combines a subtle sweetness and rich flavor. With minimal prep time, you can enjoy fresh, bakery-quality bread straight from your oven, ideal for family meals or impressing guests.
Ingredients
For the Bread Base
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
For Sweetness
- 2 tablespoons sugar
For Flavor
- 1 tablespoon salt
For Leavening
- 1 packet active dry yeast (about 2 1/4 teaspoons)
For Hydration
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (about 110°F / 43°C)
For Richness
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: Combine warm water and sugar in a mixing bowl. Sprinkle the active dry yeast on top and let it sit for about 5 minutes until the mixture is frothy, indicating the yeast is alive and ready.
- Mix Ingredients: Add melted unsalted butter and salt to the yeast mixture. Gradually add the all-purpose flour while stirring until a soft dough forms that pulls away from the sides of the bowl.
- Knead Dough: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. This develops the gluten for a perfect bread texture.
- First Rise: Place the dough into a greased bowl and cover with a kitchen towel. Let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Shape Dough: Punch down the risen dough to release air bubbles. Shape it into a loaf and place it in a greased loaf pan.
- Second Rise: Cover the loaf pan and let dough rise again for about 30 minutes until it becomes puffy and nearly doubled.
- Bake Bread: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the loaf for 30 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and it sounds hollow when tapped.
- Cool Bread: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Optionally, brush the warm bread with melted butter for extra flavor.
Notes
- Make sure the water temperature is around 110°F (43°C) to properly activate the yeast without killing it.
- Kneading the dough thoroughly is essential for a soft and fluffy texture.
- Allowing the dough to rise twice ensures a light crumb and good loaf volume.
- Check the bread’s doneness by tapping the bottom for a hollow sound, indicating it’s fully baked.
- Brushing with melted butter while warm enhances flavor and keeps the crust soft.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American