Description
This homemade sandwich bread is soft, fluffy, and perfect for everything from everyday sandwiches to gourmet grilled cheese. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you’ll never want store-bought bread again!
Ingredients
3 ¾ cups bread flour (or all-purpose flour)
2 teaspoons salt
1 tablespoon yeast (instant or active dry)
1 cup warm water (about 120°F)
3 tablespoons butter, melted
1 egg
2 tablespoons sugar
Instructions
Prepare the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, salt, sugar, and yeast.
In a separate bowl, mix warm water, melted butter, and egg.
Gradually add wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until the dough begins to come together.
2. Kneading the Dough
Knead the dough for about 10 minutes by hand (or 5-6 minutes in a stand mixer) until smooth and elastic.
3. First Rise (Proofing)
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a cloth, and let it rise for 1-2 hours until doubled in size.
4. Shape the Loaf
Punch down the dough and shape it into a rectangle.
Roll it into a log, tucking the ends under, and place it into a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan.
5. Second Rise
Cover and let the dough rise again for 45-60 minutes, or until it reaches the top of the pan.
6. Baking
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Bake for 35-40 minutes until golden brown.
Remove from the oven and let cool on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes before slicing.
Notes
Use bread flour for a chewier texture.
For a soft crust, brush the top with melted butter after baking.
Store at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2-3 hours
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Homemade bread, sandwich loaf, soft bread, easy bread recipe