This sandwich bread recipe yields a tender, airy loaf that’s simple to cut and ideal for any sandwich, whether it’s toast, grilled cheese, or something else.
A few years back, I made the decision to stop purchasing store-bought bread and began crafting sandwich bread regularly. So, my husband Alex developed this recipe that fulfills all our needs: it’s simple to prepare, utilizes basic ingredients, and results in a soft and fluffy loaf with a delicate crumb, ideal for sandwiches or toast!
Alex and I tried this recipe numerous times to perfect the texture. A mix of all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, and an enriched dough incorporating butter and milk creates a soft, pillow-like consistency that remains tender and moist for several days at room temperature! When we shared this recipe on social media, readers went wild and began sending us pictures of their loaves. Here’s how you can make one for yourself!
Why You’ll Adore This Sandwich Bread Recipe
– **Superior to store-bought**: Authentic ingredients, no preservatives, and incredible homemade taste
– **Easy for beginners**: Clear steps with no complex techniques
– **Maintains freshness**: Stays soft at room temperature for 3-5 days when properly stored
5-Star Reader Feedback
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Flawless! I already plan to bake another loaf this week. I don’t think I’ll ever revert to store-bought sandwich bread!” –Allison
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “I just baked my first loaf of bread using this recipe. Thank you for providing a recipe that was approachable and genuinely enjoyable! I even kneaded it by hand for 8 minutes. Now, I just have to keep my husband away from it for 90 minutes!” -Wendy L.
Ingredients You’ll Require
– **All-purpose flour**: This is your primary flour. Some recipes call for bread flour for added structure, but I find that all-purpose flour works wonderfully for sandwich bread.
– **Whole wheat flour**: Contributes nutrition and a hint of nuttiness. If you prefer white sandwich bread, you can substitute it with additional all-purpose flour.
– **Butter (or oil)**: The melted butter enhances richness and aids in achieving that soft, tender texture. You can swap with olive oil, avocado oil, or vegetable oil, but the texture and flavor may vary slightly.
– **Milk**: Milk adds fat and produces a more tender loaf compared to just water. I generally use 2%. For a dairy-free option, try oat milk or almond milk.
– **Honey**: Only 2 tablespoons provide a subtle sweetness and assist with browning. You can use granulated sugar or maple syrup in the same quantity.
– **Yeast**: Either instant yeast or active dry yeast can be used.
– **Kosher salt**: Crucial for flavor; avoid omitting it or your bread will taste bland.
– **Rolled oats**: Optional for sprinkling on top.
Selecting the Ideal Flour
All-purpose flour is my preferred choice for sandwich bread because it yields a soft, tender crumb that’s perfect for slicing. Bread flour has a higher protein content: it works well for artisan bread but is not suited for a fluffy sandwich bread texture.
This recipe features a combination of all-purpose flour and whole wheat flour. The all-purpose flour maintains the loaf’s lightness and tenderness, while the whole wheat flour introduces a subtle nuttiness and enhances the nutritional profile.
For optimal results, always measure flour by weight using a kitchen scale! One cup of flour can differ by up to 30 grams depending on your scooping method. If you lack a scale, spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it with a knife. Avoid scooping directly from the bag!
Creating sandwich bread requires only a few tools and ingredients you likely already possess! It’s incredibly easy to prepare. Here’s what you’ll need:
1. **Stand mixer with dough hook**: Makes kneading straightforward and hands-off. I use my KitchenAid at medium-low speed for 8 minutes. If a stand mixer isn’t available, you can certainly knead by hand for 8 to 10 minutes.
2. **8 or 9-inch (1 pound) loaf pan**: A standard loaf pan is all that’s needed.
3. **Kitchen scale**: The best way to create bread is by weighing the dry ingredients for the most precise measurements.
4. **Instant-read thermometer**: Optional but useful. Bread is ready when the internal temperature hits 190°F.
How to Prepare Sandwich Bread: Step-By-Step
Here’s the basic overview of the tasks involved in this sandwich bread recipe. The process requires 20 to 30 minutes of hands-on effort, and about 3 hours total (plus 90 minutes to cool). Here’s an outline of the steps you’ll need to follow:
**Combine and Knead the Dough (15 Minutes)**
Combine the wet and dry ingredients. Attach the dough hook