Homemade Sandwich Bread Recipe
Something truly magical exists about the smell of freshly baked bread wafting through your kitchen. If you haven’t tried making homemade sandwich bread, you’re in for a treat. Soft, chewy, and perfectly suited for everything from toast and sandwiches to dunking in soups.
This recipe may seem intimidating, but it is simple and clear. It uses an easy folding method. This technique helps your bread come out beautifully shaped every time.
For anyone who loves that classic bread flavor and texture, this recipe is going to be your go-to. You don’t need any special equipment, though a stand mixer can help.
The ingredients are probably already in your pantry. Plus, the double-rise technique gives the bread that perfect lift and texture, making each slice soft and chewy with a golden crust. Whether you’re a first-time bread baker or a seasoned pro, you’ll love how simple and delicious this homemade sandwich bread is.
Why Homemade Sandwich Bread is Worth It
Baking your own sandwich bread from scratch is incredibly satisfying. First, you know exactly what’s entering it—just a few simple ingredients and no additives or preservatives.
Second, the flavor is unbeatable. Richer, fresher, and simply better than store-bought. The texture is soft and fluffy, with a slightly chewy bite that makes it perfect for everything from PB&J to grilled cheese.
Making this bread is also a great way to get into bread baking if you’re new to it. The process is easy to follow, and the dough is forgiving. You get to experience the joy of watching the dough rise, shaping it, and then finally pulling a golden loaf out of the oven. If you love freshly baked bread but feel unsure about making it, this recipe is perfect for you.
The Key to Perfect Homemade Bread: The Double Rise
One of the secrets to this bread’s fantastic texture is the double rise. Letting the dough rise twice gives it that lovely, even crumb, and helps develop the flavor and softness in each slice. After the first rise, you punch the dough down and shape it into a loaf. Then it gets a shorter second rise in the loaf pan, which helps give it that perfect structure when baking.
Allowing for this double rise makes a significant difference. What takes your bread from “good” to “wow, this is incredible!” is the secret ingredient.
The first rise lets the yeast do its job. The second rise gives the loaf a light texture. This texture helps the loaf keep its shape in the oven.
Folding Technique for the Perfect Loaf
When it comes time to shape the dough, a simple folding technique is all you need. Once you’ve punched down the dough and turned it onto a lightly floured surface, gently press it into a rough rectangle.
Then, fold the sides in toward the center, pressing them down gently. Start rolling the dough from the top edge toward you, pinching the seam tightly as you go. This creates a cylinder shape that’s perfect for fitting into the loaf pan.
Pinching the seams shut is important to ensure that your bread doesn’t unroll as it bakes. Once rolled, place the dough seam-side down in a greased loaf pan, cover, and let it rise again for 30 minutes. This technique helps create a beautiful, even loaf that’s ready for an egg wash and then the oven.
Ingredients for Classic Sandwich Bread
This bread uses simple, classic ingredients to create that perfect loaf:
- Bread Flour: Bread flour gives the bread its chewy texture, thanks to its higher protein content. If you don’t have bread flour, you can substitute all-purpose flour, but bread flour yields the best results.
- Active Dry Yeast: Yeast is the magic behind the rise. Make sure to check that it’s fresh by letting it get frothy before mixing it with the flour.
- Milk and Water: Using both adds richness and hydration, giving the bread a soft texture and a light, airy crumb.
- Salt and Sugar: Salt balances the flavors, while a bit of sugar feeds the yeast and helps create a golden crust.
- Egg Wash: This is optional but highly recommended! Brushing an egg wash over the top before baking gives the loaf a lovely golden color and adds a bit of sheen.
Tips for the Best Homemade Sandwich Bread
- Check Your Yeast: Make sure your yeast is active by allowing it to bloom with the warm water and milk mixture until frothy. This will ensure a good rise and a well-textured loaf.
- Don’t Skip the Kneading: Kneading is essential for developing gluten, which gives the bread its structure. Knead for about 10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- Be Patient with the Rise: The double rise is what makes this bread so soft and flavorful. Don’t rush it! Giving the dough enough time to rise will create that perfect crumb and chewy texture.
- Add an Egg Wash: Brushing the top with an egg wash before baking adds a beautiful golden color and a touch of shine.
- Quality Bread Load Tin: I suggest a quality loaf tin like this for best results
Enjoying Your Homemade Bread
This homemade sandwich bread is best enjoyed fresh out of the oven (after a little cooling time, of course). Perfect for sandwiches, toast, or just slathering with butter. Store it in an airtight container or bag at room temperature, and it’ll keep for a few days. To make it last longer, you can also freeze it—just slice it first for easy, ready-to-use portions!
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Ingredients:
- 2 1/4 tsp dry active yeast
- 1 cup lukewarm water
- 1 1/2 tsp sugar
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 3 cups bread flour
Instructions:
- Prepare the Yeast Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of lukewarm water, ½ cup milk, 1 ½ teaspoons sugar, and 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast. Stir to combine, and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
- Combine with Flour and Salt: Add 3 cups of bread flour and 1 ½ teaspoons salt to the yeast mixture.
- Knead the Dough: In a stand mixer with a dough hook or by hand on a floured surface, knead the dough for about 10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic.
- First Rise: Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover it with a towel, and let it rise for about 90 minutes, or until it has doubled in size.
- Shape the Dough: Punch down the dough, then turn it onto a lightly floured surface. Shape it by pressing it into a rectangle, folding in the sides, and rolling it into a cylinder. Pinch the seams tightly.
- Second Rise: Place the shaped dough seam-side down into a greased loaf pan. Cover and let it rise for 30 minutes.
- Preheat and Apply Egg Wash: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a small bowl, whisk together 1 egg, 1 teaspoon water, and a pinch of salt. Brush this over the top of the dough.
- Bake: Bake for 40-45 minutes until the loaf is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Cool and Enjoy: Allow the bread to cool before slicing and enjoy your freshly baked homemade sandwich bread!
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Video is a it different than the recipe. But it still turned out good! Made 2 loaves.
This bread looks so good
I have never made bread before but I am going to
Make this. Thank You 😊
I just made this today, and wow! It’s a very easy recipe to follow, not a lot of ingredients but darn does it yield a tasty loaf!