Easy Homemade Sandwich Bread

This Easy Homemade Sandwich Bread is the perfect recipe for beginners who want to enjoy fresh, soft, and fluffy bread right out of the oven. With a simple set of ingredients and an easy-to-follow process, this bread is perfect for sandwiches, toast, or simply savoring by itself. Once you try it, you’ll never want to go back to store-bought bread again!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This sandwich bread is everything you want in a loaf: soft, light, and perfect for any type of sandwich filling. The texture is fluffy, with a golden-brown crust that adds just the right amount of crunch. It’s a simple recipe that doesn’t require special equipment or techniques, making it great for beginners. Plus, the smell of homemade bread baking in the oven is irresistible, making this a rewarding recipe to bake from scratch!

Ingredients

• 2 cups warm water (between 105°F – 110°F)

• ½ cup sugar

• 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast

• 2 tsp salt

• ¼ cup canola oil

• 5 to 6 cups all-purpose flour

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Activate the Yeast:

1. Add warm water and sugar to the bowl of your mixer. Stir to dissolve the sugar. Add in the yeast and let it activate for 5 to 10 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy or frothy.

Mix the Dough:

1. To the yeast mixture, add salt, oil, and 4 cups of flour. Use your dough hook attachment to mix the ingredients together, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.

2. Gradually add ½ cup of flour at a time while kneading the dough with the dough hook until the dough pulls away from the edges of the bowl and is slightly tacky when touched.

3. Knead the dough for an additional 5 to 7 minutes to activate the gluten in the bread. Shape the dough into a ball.

First Rise:

1. Coat a large bowl with oil or non-stick spray and place the dough ball inside, turning once to coat with oil.

2. Cover the bowl loosely with plastic wrap (spray the underside of the plastic wrap with non-stick spray to prevent sticking). Let the dough rise for 1 hour or until it doubles in size.

Shape the Loaves:

1. Punch down the dough and turn it onto a lightly floured surface or silicone baking mat.

2. Divide the dough into two equal parts and roll each into a rectangle with short edges measuring about 8 inches long.

3. Roll up the dough starting at the short edge and place each rolled dough into a lightly greased loaf pan.

4. Cover the loaves loosely with greased plastic wrap and let them rise for 1 to 2 hours until the dough reaches ½ to 1 inch above the pan.

Bake the Bread:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Remove the plastic wrap and bake the bread for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped.

Cool and Serve:

1. Let the bread cool in the pan for 5 to 10 minutes before removing it to a wire rack to cool completely.

2. Allow the bread to cool before slicing and enjoying!

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 2 hours 25 minutes

• Cook Time: 30 minutes

• Total Time: 2 hours 55 minutes

• Servings: 20 slices (makes 2 loaves)

Variations

• Whole Wheat Sandwich Bread: Replace some or all of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour to add more fiber and a heartier flavor to the bread.

• Herb Bread: Add 1-2 teaspoons of dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano to the dough for a fragrant, herby flavor.

• Sweet Bread: For a slightly sweeter version, increase the sugar by ¼ cup and add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the dough.

• Garlic Bread: Add 2-3 cloves of minced garlic to the dough for a savory twist, perfect for serving with pasta dishes.

Storage/Reheating

Store the bread in an airtight container or wrap it in a clean kitchen towel at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the bread by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and placing it in a freezer-safe bag. To thaw, leave it at room temperature for a few hours, or heat individual slices in the toaster.

FAQs

Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?

Yes, this recipe calls for active dry yeast, but you can use instant yeast if you prefer. Instant yeast does not need to be activated in warm water, so you can skip the first step and mix it directly into the dry ingredients.

Can I make this bread without a stand mixer?

Yes, you can make this bread by hand. Mix the ingredients together and knead the dough on a clean surface until it’s smooth and elastic. This will take about 10 minutes.

Can I use a bread machine for this recipe?

Yes, if you have a bread machine, you can use it to knead and rise the dough. Just follow the machine’s instructions for the dough setting, then shape the dough and bake it in a regular loaf pan.

How do I know when the bread is done baking?

The bread is done when the top is golden brown, and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped. You can also use a kitchen thermometer to check the internal temperature, which should be around 190°F (88°C).

Can I freeze the dough before baking?

Yes, you can freeze the dough after the first rise. Shape it into loaves, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and freeze. To bake, let the dough thaw and rise for about 2 hours before baking as instructed.

Can I make this recipe with a gluten-free flour blend?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Keep in mind that gluten-free bread might require additional adjustments, such as adding xanthan gum, and the texture will differ from traditional bread.

What can I use if I don’t have canola oil?

You can substitute canola oil with vegetable oil, sunflower oil, or even olive oil if you prefer. Each oil will slightly change the flavor but should work well in this recipe.

Conclusion

This Easy Homemade Sandwich Bread is perfect for beginners and seasoned bakers alike. It’s soft, fluffy, and versatile enough to be used for sandwiches, toast, or enjoyed as-is. The process is simple, and the results are undeniably satisfying. With just a few ingredients and some patience, you’ll have delicious homemade bread ready to serve your family or guests. Once you try it, you’ll be hooked on making your own fresh bread!

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