Softest Sandwich Bread Recipe
There’s nothing quite like the aroma of freshly baked bread wafting through your home. Whether you’re making sandwiches, toast, or just enjoying a slice with butter, this homemade sandwich bread recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Let’s dive into the delicious world of homemade bread!
Jump to RecipeIngredient Breakdown for Soft Sandwich Bread:
1. Warm Water (100-110°F):
- Provides the liquid base for activating the yeast.
- Warm water helps activate the yeast, aiding in the rising of the dough.
2. Honey:
- Adds sweetness to the bread without overpowering the flavor.
- Helps feed the yeast, promoting fermentation and a soft, tender crumb.
- Contributes to the golden color of the bread crust when baked.
3. Active Dry Yeast:
- Acts as the leavening agent, causing the dough to rise.
- Requires activation in warm water before adding to the dough mixture.
- Provides the characteristic airy texture and structure to the bread.
4. Butter:
- Adds richness and flavor to the dough.
- Helps tenderize the bread and create a soft texture.
5. Egg;
- Acts as a binding agent, helping to hold the dough together.
- Contributes to the structure and stability of the bread.
- Adds richness and a slightly eggy flavor to the final product.
6. Salt:
- Enhances the flavor of the bread by balancing the sweetness.
- Helps strengthen the gluten structure, improving the texture and rise of the bread.
- Regulates yeast activity, controlling the fermentation process.
7. Bread Flour:
- Contains a higher protein content than all-purpose flour, resulting in a stronger gluten network.
- Provides structure and support to the bread, allowing it to rise properly.
- Produces a chewy and tender crumb.
Ingredients
Before we get started, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 3/4 cups warm water (100-110°F)
- 1/4 cup honey or sugar
- 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 1 egg
- 2 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 4-5 cups bread flour
Instructions
- Activate the Yeast
- In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine 1 3/4 cups of warm water and 1/4 cup of honey or sugar. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of active dry yeast over the mixture and let it sit for about 5 minutes until foamy. This step ensures that the yeast is alive and ready to help your bread rise.
- Mix the Ingredients
- Add 1/4 cup melted butter, 1 egg, 2 1/2 teaspoons salt, and 2 cups of bread flour to the yeast mixture. Mix until well combined.
- Form the Dough
- Add 2 more cups of flour, one cup at a time. Mix well after each addition until a dough forms. You want a soft, slightly sticky dough, but not sticky enough to stick to your fingers. If the dough is too sticky, add the last cup of flour one tablespoon at a time.
- Knead the Dough
- Knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes on medium speed if using a stand mixer, or by hand on a floured surface until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- First Rise
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Shape the Dough
- Once the dough has doubled in size, punch it down to release the air. Divide it in half and roll out each half into a rectangle about 9×13 inches. Roll up each rectangle tightly into a log, pinching the seams to seal.
- Second Rise
- Place your dough logs into greased 9×5-inch loaf pans, seam side down. Cover with a clean kitchen towel and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes, until the dough has just risen over the rim of the pan.
- Bake the Bread
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once the dough has risen, bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown and baked through.
- Cool the Bread
- Remove the loaves from the oven and let them cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy the fresh, warm bread with your favorite toppings or use it for sandwiches.
Conclusion
Making homemade bread can be a rewarding experience that fills your kitchen with warmth and delicious aromas. This sandwich bread recipe is versatile and perfect for everyday use. With a few simple ingredients and a bit of patience, you’ll have fresh, homemade bread that’s far superior to store-bought. Happy baking!
Soft Sandwich Bread Recipe
Equipment
- 2 9×5" loaf pans
Ingredients
- 1 3/4 cups warm water 100-110°F
- 1/4 cup honey or sugar
- 1 tablespoon active dry yeast not instant
- 1/4 cup butter melted
- 1 egg
- 2 ½ teaspoons salt
- 4-5 cups bread flour
Instructions
- In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine warm water and honey.
- Sprinkle yeast over the mixture and let it sit for about 5 minutes until foamy.
- Add melted butter, beaten egg, salt, and 2 cups of bread flour to the yeast mixture. Mix until well combined.
- Gradually incorporate two additional cups of bread flour, adding one cup at a time. Mix thoroughly after each cup until the dough begins to form. Aim for a dough that is soft and slightly tacky, yet not so sticky that it adheres to your fingers.If the dough is too sticky, gradually add the remaining cup of flour, one tablespoon at a time.
- Attach the dough hook to your mixer, and knead for approximately 5-7 minutes until the dough becomes smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Once the dough has doubled in size, punch it down and divide it in half. Roll out each half into a rectangle about 9×13 inches.
- Starting from one of the short ends, roll up each rectangle tightly into a log. Pinch the seams to seal.
- Place the rolled dough into greased 9×5-inch loaf pans, seam side down. Cover with a clean kitchen towel and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes.Until the dough has just risen over the rim of the pan.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Once the dough has risen again, bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown and baked through.
- Remove the loaves from the oven and let them cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
2 responses to “Softest Sandwich Bread Recipe”
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Hands down, this recipe is AMAZING. The first time I tried it, my husband thought I got it from a bakery! I have made it 3 more times since and it has always turned out perfect. It is also so easy. Seriously the softest most delicious sandwhich bread I’ve ever had. THANK YOU!!-
Im so happy to hear that! Thank you for sharing 🙂
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Tara
Hands down, this recipe is AMAZING. The first time I tried it, my husband thought I got it from a bakery! I have made it 3 more times since and it has always turned out perfect. It is also so easy. Seriously the softest most delicious sandwhich bread I’ve ever had. THANK YOU!!