Imagine pulling a golden, perfectly risen loaf of homemade bread from your oven, filling your kitchen with an irresistible aroma that beats any store-bought bread hands down. This classic sandwich bread recipe isn't just about making bread - it's about creating a culinary masterpiece that will transform your sandwiches, toast, and everyday meals into something extraordinary. Whether you're a baking novice or a seasoned home cook, this foolproof recipe will have you crafting professional-quality bread that will make your family and friends think you've secretly trained as a professional baker!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 1 loaf
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 2 teaspoons yeast
- 1 1/2 cups warm water
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 4 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon of sugar, 1 tablespoon of salt, and 2 teaspoons of yeast. Mix these dry ingredients together until they are well combined.
- In a separate bowl or measuring cup, heat 1 1/2 cups of water until it is warm but not hot (about 110°F or 43°C). You should be able to comfortably hold your finger in the water.
- Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil to the warm water and stir gently to combine.
- Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour the warm water and olive oil mixture into the well.
- Using a wooden spoon or your hands, mix the ingredients together until a shaggy dough forms. If the dough is too sticky, you can add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches the desired consistency.
- Once the dough comes together, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. To knead, fold the dough over itself, push it down with the heel of your hand, and then turn it a quarter turn. Repeat this process.
- After kneading, shape the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly greased bowl. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm, draft-free area for about 1 hour, or until the dough has doubled in size.
- Once the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release the air. Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and shape it into a loaf by flattening it into a rectangle and then rolling it tightly from one short end to the other.
- Place the shaped loaf seam-side down in a greased 9x5-inch loaf pan. Cover it again with the kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise for another 30 minutes, or until it has risen just above the rim of the pan.
- While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Once the dough has risen, you can optionally brush the top with a little olive oil or water for a nice crust. Place the loaf in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Remove the loaf from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
- Enjoy your homemade classic sandwich bread customized to your liking!
Tips
- Temperature Matters: Ensure your water is warm (around 110°F) to activate the yeast without killing it. Think "baby bath warm" - comfortable to the touch.
- Kneading Technique: Don't rush the kneading process. A full 8-10 minutes develops the gluten, giving your bread that perfect chewy texture.
- Rising Environment: Choose a draft-free, warm spot for rising. Near a preheating oven or in a slightly warm (not hot) room works perfectly.
- Moisture Check: Your dough should be tacky but not sticky. Add flour gradually if it's too wet.
- Bread Doneness Test: A golden brown crust and a hollow sound when tapped are your signs of a perfectly baked loaf.
- Cooling is Crucial: Always let bread cool completely before slicing to prevent a gummy texture.Pro Tip: For extra flavor, try substituting part of the water with milk or adding herbs to the dry ingredients for a personalized touch!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 120kcal
Carbohydrates: 22g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 2g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
