Prep Time: 20 minutes
Rise Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Bake Time: 30–35 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 2 hours 25 minutes
Difficulty Level: Easy
Recipe Intensity: Beginner-Friendly
Servings: 12 slices
Cuisine: American
Course: Bread
Ingredients
- 3 ½ cups (440g) all-purpose flour or bread flour
- 1 cup (240ml) warm milk (110°F/43°C)
- ¼ cup (60ml) warm water
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg
Optional Topping
- Melted butter for brushing after baking
Equipment Needed
- Large mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- 9×5-inch loaf pan
- Kitchen towel
- Wire cooling rack
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This homemade sandwich bread is:
- Soft and fluffy
- Perfect for sandwiches and toast
- Made with simple pantry ingredients
- Free from unnecessary preservatives
- Easy enough for beginners
- Great for meal prep and freezing
The balanced combination of milk, butter, and egg creates a rich texture while maintaining the classic structure needed for slicing.
Instructions
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, warm milk, and sugar. Stir gently until the sugar dissolves.
Sprinkle the active dry yeast over the liquid and allow it to sit for 5–10 minutes. The mixture should become foamy and bubbly. This indicates that the yeast is active and ready to use.
If the yeast does not foam, it may be expired, and you should start again with fresh yeast.
Step 2: Mix the Dough
Add the softened butter, egg, and salt to the yeast mixture. Stir until combined.
Gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, mixing continuously. Once the dough begins to come together, transfer it to a lightly floured surface.
Knead the dough for 8–10 minutes until it becomes smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky.
If using a stand mixer, knead with the dough hook attachment for about 6–7 minutes on medium speed.
Step 3: First Rise
Place the dough into a lightly greased bowl.
Cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap.
Allow the dough to rise in a warm place for approximately 60–90 minutes or until doubled in size.
The exact rise time may vary depending on the temperature of your kitchen.
Step 4: Shape the Loaf
Punch down the risen dough gently to release excess air.
Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and shape it into a rectangle.
Starting from the short side, roll the dough tightly into a log shape.
Pinch the seam closed and place the dough seam-side down into a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan.
Step 5: Second Rise
Cover the loaf pan with a towel and allow the dough to rise again for 30–40 minutes.
The dough should rise approximately 1 inch above the rim of the pan.
This second rise helps create the soft and airy texture that makes sandwich bread so delicious.
Step 6: Bake the Bread
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Place the loaf pan on the center rack and bake for 30–35 minutes.
The bread should develop a beautiful golden-brown crust and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
If you have an instant-read thermometer, the internal temperature should reach approximately 190°F–200°F (88°C–93°C).
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Remove the bread from the oven and immediately transfer it to a wire rack.
Brush the top with melted butter for a softer crust and extra flavor.
Allow the bread to cool completely before slicing.
Cooling is important because slicing too early can result in a gummy texture.
Expert Tips for Success
Use Warm Liquids
The milk and water should be warm but not hot. Temperatures above 120°F (49°C) can damage the yeast.
Measure Flour Correctly
Too much flour can produce a dense loaf. Spoon flour into the measuring cup and level it off rather than scooping directly from the bag.
Don’t Skip the Second Rise
The second rise contributes significantly to the final texture and volume of the bread.
Store Properly
Keep the bread in an airtight container or bread bag at room temperature for up to 4 days.
Variations
Honey Sandwich Bread
Replace the sugar with 2 tablespoons of honey for a slightly sweeter flavor.
Whole Wheat Version
Substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour.
Seeded Bread
Add sunflower seeds, sesame seeds, or flaxseeds to the dough for additional texture and nutrition.
Herb Bread
Mix in 1 tablespoon of dried herbs such as rosemary or thyme for a savory twist.
Storage Instructions
Room Temperature
Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Refrigerator
Refrigeration is not recommended because it can dry out the bread.
Freezer
Wrap the loaf tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil.
Freeze for up to 3 months.
Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Serving Suggestions
This bread is perfect for:
- Classic sandwiches
- French toast
- Grilled cheese sandwiches
- Breakfast toast
- Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches
- Garlic bread
Its soft texture and sturdy structure make it versatile for both sweet and savory uses.
Nutrition Information
Per Slice (Based on 12 Slices)
- Calories: 180
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Protein: 5g
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
- Sodium: 190mg
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 3g