Simple Homemade Sandwich Bread
Learn how to make simple homemade sandwich bread with minimal ingredients and effort. This easy, soft loaf is perfect for sandwiches and toast!
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 2 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp active dry yeast
- 1 ½ cups warm water (110°F)
- 3 tbsp butter, melted (plus extra for greasing and brushing)
Instructions
- In a small bowl, mix warm water and sugar, then add the active dry yeast. Let sit for about 5 minutes, or until the mixture becomes foamy, indicating that the yeast is active.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Pour in the yeast mixture and melted butter.Mix until a dough forms, then knead for about 8-10 minutes by hand (or 5-6 minutes if using a stand mixer) until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
- After the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Transfer it to a lightly floured surface and shape it into a loaf. Place the loaf in a greased 9x5-inch loaf pan.
- Cover the pan with a cloth and let it rise for another 30-40 minutes, or until the dough has risen about 1 inch above the top of the pan.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the bread for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown. The bread should sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Remove the bread from the oven, brush the top with melted butter, and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Notes
Tips and Notes
- Tip for Beginners: Don’t rush the rising time! Allowing the bread to rise properly will result in a softer, fluffier loaf.
- Storage Tip: Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze it for up to 3 months.
- Variations: Try adding a tablespoon of honey for a touch of sweetness, or substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier bread.