There's nothing quite like the warm, comforting aroma of freshly baked bread wafting through your home, and with our Homemade White Bread Sandwich Bread recipe, you can experience that delight in just 45 minutes! Imagine biting into a soft, fluffy slice of bread that’s perfect for sandwiches, toast, or simply slathered with butter. This easy-to-follow recipe will transform your kitchen into a bakery, and you'll never want to go back to store-bought bread again. Ready to impress your family and friends with your baking skills? Let’s dive into the world of homemade bread!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 1 loaf
Ingredients
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 1/2 cups warm water
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine 2 1/4 teaspoons of active dry yeast, 1 tablespoon of sugar, and 1 1/2 cups of warm water (about 110°F or 43°C). Stir gently to dissolve the yeast and sugar. Let the mixture sit for about 5-10 minutes, or until it becomes frothy. This indicates that the yeast is active.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 4 cups of all-purpose flour and 1 tablespoon of salt. Mix well to evenly distribute the salt throughout the flour.
- Once the yeast mixture is frothy, add it to the flour mixture along with 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Use a wooden spoon or a spatula to stir the ingredients together until a shaggy dough forms.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes, or until it is smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, sprinkle a little more flour as needed, but be careful not to add too much.
- Shape the kneaded dough into a ball and place it in a lightly oiled bowl, turning the dough to coat it with 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, gently punch it down to release the air. Turn it out onto a floured surface again and knead it briefly to remove any large air bubbles.
- Shape the dough into a loaf by flattening it into a rectangle and then rolling it tightly from one short end to the other. Pinch the seams to seal and tuck the ends under the loaf.
- Place the shaped loaf into a greased 9x5-inch loaf pan. Cover the pan with a towel or plastic wrap and let it rise again for about 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, remove the cover and place the loaf in the preheated oven. Bake for 30 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- After baking, remove the loaf from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer the bread to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
- Enjoy your homemade white bread sandwich bread fresh, or store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Tips
- Activate Your Yeast: Make sure your water is warm, but not too hot—around 110°F (43°C) is ideal. This temperature helps activate the yeast without killing it, ensuring your bread rises beautifully.
- Knead Well: Kneading is essential for developing gluten, which gives the bread its structure and chewiness. Don’t rush this step; aim for about 8-10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- Perfect Rising Conditions: For the best rise, place your dough in a warm, draft-free area. If your kitchen is cool, you can preheat your oven to the lowest setting for a minute, then turn it off and let the dough rise inside.
- Don’t Skip the Second Rise: Allowing the shaped loaf to rise again is crucial for achieving that light, airy texture. Be patient—this step makes all the difference!
- Check for Doneness: When baking, tap the bottom of the loaf; it should sound hollow when done. If it’s not quite there, give it a few more minutes in the oven.
- Cooling is Key: Let the bread cool completely on a wire rack before slicing. This helps the texture set and prevents it from becoming gummy.
- Storage Tips: To keep your bread fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, slice and freeze the bread, then toast it directly from the freezer for a quick treat!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 120kcal
Carbohydrates: 23g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 1g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
