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Freshly baked soft sandwich bread loaf on a wooden counter with one slice cut, showing a fluffy interior in natural kitchen light
Jana Rae

Soft Sandwich Bread (Bread Machine Dough Method)

Learn how to make soft sandwich bread using your bread machine's dough cycle. No kneading required — just mix, rise, shape, and bake!
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Prep Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Rise Time 45 minutes
Total Time 3 hours
Servings: 1 loaf (12 slices)
Course: Bread
Cuisine: American
Calories: 145
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup warm water about 110°F
  • 1 tablespoon oil
  • 2½ –3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2¼ teaspoons instant yeast

Method
 

  1. Add water and oil to the bread machine pan.
  2. Add flour, sugar, and salt on top of the liquids.
  3. Make a small well in the center of the flour and add the instant yeast.
  4. Run the dough cycle on your bread machine.
  5. After 5–10 minutes, check the dough consistency: soft and slightly tacky = perfect. Too dry? Add 1 teaspoon water. Too wet? Add 1 tablespoon flour.
  6. Let the dough cycle complete.
  7. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Shape into a loaf by rolling it into a log.
  8. Place the dough in a greased 9x5-inch loaf pan, seam side down.
  9. Let rise for 30–45 minutes, or until the dough is about 1 inch above the rim of the pan.
  10. Bake at 375°F for 30–35 minutes.
  11. Cool on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes before slicing.

Notes

• Use warm water around 110°F — warm but not hot to the touch.
• Bread flour can be substituted for a chewier texture.
• Do not slice the bread while warm or it will become gummy.
• Store at room temperature for 2–3 days or freeze sliced for up to 3 months.
VARIATIONS (same dough):
Herb Braided Loaf:
Add 1 tsp Italian seasoning to the dry ingredients before starting the dough cycle. After dough cycle, divide into 3 equal pieces, roll into 15-inch ropes, and braid. Let rise 30 minutes. Bake at 375°F for 25-30 minutes.
Herb Pizza:
Add 1 tsp Italian seasoning to the dry ingredients. After dough cycle, flatten dough evenly in greased pan. Let rest 15 minutes. Top as desired. Bake at 475°F for 12-15 minutes.
Hamburger Buns:
Follow basic dough recipe (no added seasoning). After dough cycle, divide into 9 equal pieces. Roll into balls and flatten slightly. Let rise 30-60 minutes. Brush with milk or egg wash. Bake at 375°F for 12-15 minutes.