Here’s a simple and delicious sandwich bread recipe that’s perfect for making soft, fluffy bread slices for sandwiches:
Ingredients:
- 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (or bread flour)
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1 tbsp active dry yeast
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup warm water (about 110°F or 43°C)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil (or olive oil)
- 1/4 cup milk (optional, for a softer crumb)
Instructions:
- Activate the Yeast:
- In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for 5-10 minutes, or until it becomes frothy and bubbly.
- Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. You can sift the flour if you’d like a smoother texture.
- Form the Dough:
- Once the yeast mixture is bubbly, add it to the flour mixture, followed by the butter and oil. If using milk, add it at this stage. Stir everything together until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 8-10 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic. Alternatively, you can use a stand mixer with a dough hook for about 5 minutes.
- First Rise:
- Lightly grease a bowl with oil, place the dough in the bowl, and cover it with a clean kitchen towel. Let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until the dough has doubled in size.
- Shape the Dough:
- Punch down the dough to release air bubbles. Then, turn it out onto a floured surface and shape it into a loaf. To do this, flatten the dough into a rectangle, then roll it up tightly, pinching the seams to seal.
- Second Rise:
- Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan. Place the shaped dough into the pan and cover it with the kitchen towel. Let it rise again for 30-45 minutes, or until it has risen just above the edge of the pan.
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) while the dough is rising.
- Bake the Bread:
- Once the dough has risen, bake it in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. If you’re unsure, you can use an instant-read thermometer — the bread should reach around 190°F (88°C) inside.
- Cool:
- Remove the bread from the pan and transfer it to a wire rack to cool. Let it cool completely before slicing.
Tips:
- For a softer crust, brush the top of the loaf with a little butter after baking.
- If you prefer a richer flavor, you can substitute part of the water with milk, or even add a tablespoon of honey or more sugar for a slight sweetness.
This bread is perfect for sandwiches, toast, or just enjoying with butter!
4o mini