Soft and Fluffy Sandwich Bread Recipe
Introduction
Discover the joy of baking your own soft and fluffy sandwich bread at home. This simple recipe uses basic ingredients to create a tender loaf perfect for sandwiches or toast.
Ingredients
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F/43°C)
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the warm milk and yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.
- Step 2: Add the sugar, salt, softened butter, and about half of the flour to the yeast mixture. Stir to combine.
- Step 3: Gradually add the remaining flour while mixing until a dough forms. Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Step 4: Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1 ½ hours or until it doubles in size.
- Step 5: Punch down the risen dough and shape it into a loaf. Place it into a greased loaf pan and cover again. Let it rise for another 30-45 minutes.
- Step 6: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the loaf for 30-35 minutes or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
- Step 7: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips & Variations
- Use bread flour instead of all-purpose flour for a chewier texture.
- Adding an extra tablespoon of butter to the dough will yield an even softer crumb.
- For a richer flavor, substitute half of the milk with cream.
- Try adding herbs or garlic powder to the dough for a savory twist.
- Make sure the milk is warm, not hot, to activate the yeast properly without killing it.
Storage
Store the bread in an airtight container or plastic bag at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, slice and freeze the bread in a sealed bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, toast slices directly from frozen or warm them briefly in the oven.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes, you can use instant yeast. If you do, you can mix it directly with the flour without proofing it in warm milk first. Just reduce the rising time slightly.
Why is my bread dense instead of fluffy?
Dense bread usually results from under-kneading the dough, not allowing it to rise enough, or using water that is too hot or too cold, which can affect yeast activity.
PrintSoft and Fluffy Sandwich Bread Recipe
This Soft and Fluffy Sandwich Bread recipe yields a tender and airy loaf perfect for everyday sandwiches. Made with simple ingredients like flour, yeast, milk, and butter, this homemade bread delivers a delightful texture and a mildly sweet, buttery flavor that elevates any sandwich experience.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (about 12 slices) 1x
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cups warm milk (about 110°F/43°C)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5 to 10 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Mix Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Pour in the yeast mixture and melted butter. Stir to form a rough dough.
- Knead Dough: Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8 to 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Alternatively, knead using a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment on medium speed for 6 to 8 minutes.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for approximately 1 to 1.5 hours or until doubled in size.
- Shape Loaf: Punch down the risen dough to release air. Shape it into a loaf by rolling it tightly and tucking the ends underneath.
- Second Rise: Place the shaped dough into a greased 9×5 inch loaf pan. Cover and let it rise for another 30 to 45 minutes until it puffs up just above the edge of the pan.
- Bake Bread: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the loaf for 30 to 35 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Cool Bread: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing to preserve softness.
Notes
- Use warm milk around 110°F to properly activate the yeast without killing it.
- For a softer crust, brush the top with melted butter immediately after baking.
- Ensure the dough is kneaded well to develop gluten for a fluffy texture.
- Cover rising dough to prevent drying out but avoid airtight sealing to let yeast breathe.
- Storing bread in a plastic bag once cooled will maintain softness for several days.
Keywords: soft sandwich bread, homemade bread, fluffy bread, easy homemade bread, yeast bread
