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!
Ingredient 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!