Are you tired of bland, store-bought bread that lacks soul and flavor? Get ready to revolutionize your bread-making skills with this incredible King Arthur Flour White Sandwich Bread recipe that will have your kitchen smelling like a professional bakery! Whether you're a novice baker or a seasoned pro, this foolproof recipe promises a soft, golden loaf that will make your sandwiches and toast absolutely irresistible.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 1 loaf
Ingredients
- 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet instant yeast
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1/4 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, instant yeast, salt, and sugar. Whisk the dry ingredients together to ensure even distribution.
- Warm the water and milk to approximately 110-115°F (43-46°C). Melt the unsalted butter and add it to the warm liquid mixture.
- Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the warm liquid mixture. Use a wooden spoon or silicone spatula to initially combine the ingredients until a shaggy dough forms.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes. The dough should become smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky but not sticky. You can also use a stand mixer with a dough hook for kneading.
- Place the kneaded dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm, draft-free area for 60-90 minutes or until the dough has doubled in size.
- Gently deflate the risen dough by pressing down with your fingertips. Shape the dough into a loaf by rolling it into a rectangle, then tightly rolling it from the short end and pinching the seams to seal.
- Place the shaped dough into a greased 9x5-inch loaf pan. Cover and let rise again for 45-60 minutes until the dough has risen about 1 inch above the pan's rim.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) during the final rise. Optional: Brush the top of the loaf with an egg wash or melted butter for a golden, shiny crust.
- Bake the bread in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes. The bread is done when it's golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Remove the bread from the oven and immediately turn out onto a wire cooling rack. Let cool completely for at least 1 hour before slicing to allow the interior structure to set.
Tips
- Temperature is Key: Ensure your liquid ingredients are precisely between 110-115°F to activate the yeast perfectly without killing it.
- Kneading Matters: Take your time kneading the dough - a full 8-10 minutes develops the gluten, giving your bread that perfect texture.
- Rising Environment: Find a warm, draft-free spot for your dough to rise. A slightly warm oven (turned off) or near a sunny window works wonders.
- Don't Rush the Cool Down: Resist cutting into the bread immediately after baking. Letting it cool for an hour allows the interior structure to set, ensuring a perfect slice every time.
- Optional Shine: For a bakery-style golden crust, brush the top with egg wash or melted butter before baking.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 100kcal
Carbohydrates: 18g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 2g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 5mg
