Imagine sinking your teeth into a slice of warm, homemade soft white sandwich bread, its fluffy texture and delicate flavor elevating your sandwiches to a whole new level. Whether you're crafting the perfect PB&J or a gourmet grilled cheese, this simple yet rewarding recipe will have you saying goodbye to store-bought bread for good! With just a handful of ingredients and a little bit of time, you can create a loaf that’s not only delicious but also fills your home with the irresistible aroma of freshly baked bread. Ready to impress your family and friends? Let’s dive into the delightful world of baking your own soft white sandwich bread!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 1 loaf
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup warm water
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 3 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) of active dry yeast, 1 tablespoon of sugar, 1 teaspoon of salt, 1 cup of warm water, and 2 tablespoons of melted unsalted butter.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water and sugar. Stir gently until the sugar is dissolved.
- Sprinkle the active dry yeast over the warm water mixture. Allow it to sit for about 5-10 minutes, or until it becomes frothy. This indicates that the yeast is active.
- Once the yeast is frothy, add the melted unsalted butter and salt to the mixture. Stir to combine.
- Gradually add the all-purpose flour, one cup at a time, mixing with a wooden spoon or spatula until a shaggy dough forms.
- Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, you can sprinkle a little more flour as needed.
- Shape the kneaded dough into a ball and place it in a lightly greased bowl, turning the dough to coat it in oil. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap.
- Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free area for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release the air. Transfer it back to a floured surface.
- Shape the dough into a loaf by flattening it into a rectangle and then rolling it up tightly from one short end to the other. Pinch the seams to seal.
- Place the shaped loaf into a greased 9x5-inch loaf pan. Cover it again with the kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until it has risen just above the rim of the pan.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while the dough is rising for the second time.
- Once the dough has risen, bake it in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped.
- Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer the loaf to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, slice the bread and enjoy your homemade soft white sandwich bread!
Tips
- Check Your Yeast: Always make sure your yeast is fresh. If it doesn’t foam up after mixing it with warm water and sugar, it may be inactive, and your bread won’t rise properly.
- Temperature Matters: The water you use should be warm, not hot. Aim for about 110°F (43°C) to activate the yeast without killing it.
- Kneading Technique: When kneading the dough, use the heel of your hand to push the dough away from you, fold it over, and repeat. This helps develop gluten for that perfect soft texture.
- Rising Environment: For the best rise, place your dough in a warm, draft-free area. You can create a cozy spot by turning on your oven for a minute or two, then turning it off and placing the dough inside.
- Don’t Rush the Baking: Keep an eye on your bread as it bakes. If it’s browning too quickly, you can cover it loosely with foil to prevent burning while it finishes baking.
- Cooling is Key: Allow your bread to cool completely on a wire rack before slicing. This helps set the texture and makes slicing easier.
- Storage Tips: To keep your bread fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or slice and freeze for longer storage.By following these tips, you’ll ensure that your soft white sandwich bread turns out perfectly every time. Happy baking!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 100kcal
Carbohydrates: 18g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 2g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 5mg
