Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Soft and fluffy texture
- Perfect for sandwiches and toast
- Made with simple pantry ingredients
- Easy beginner-friendly recipe
- Freezes beautifully
- Better than store-bought bread
- No special equipment required
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 3½ cups (440g) bread flour
- 1 cup (240ml) warm whole milk (105-110°F / 40-43°C)
- 2¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1½ teaspoons fine salt
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg, room temperature
Optional Egg Wash
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon water
For a shiny golden crust.
Equipment Needed
- 9×5-inch loaf pan
- Large mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Dough scraper (optional)
- Kitchen thermometer (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
In a large mixing bowl, combine:
- Warm milk
- Sugar
- Active dry yeast
Stir gently and let sit for 5-10 minutes.
The mixture should become foamy and bubbly.
If the yeast doesn’t foam, start over with fresh yeast.
Step 2: Mix the Dough
Add:
- Egg
- Softened butter
- Salt
Mix until combined.
Gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, stirring until a shaggy dough forms.
Step 3: Knead the Dough
Transfer dough to a lightly floured surface.
Knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky.
The dough should pass the “windowpane test”—a small piece can be stretched thin without tearing.
Stand Mixer Method
Mix with a dough hook on medium speed for 6-8 minutes.
Step 4: First Rise
Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl.
Turn once to coat.
Cover with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel.
Let rise in a warm place for 60-90 minutes, or until doubled in size.
Step 5: Shape the Loaf
Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
Punch down the risen dough to release excess air.
Transfer to a lightly floured surface.
Shape into a rectangle about the width of the loaf pan.
Roll tightly into a log, pinching seams closed.
Place seam-side down into the prepared loaf pan.
Step 6: Second Rise
Cover loosely and let rise for 30-45 minutes.
The dough should rise about 1 inch above the rim of the pan.
Meanwhile, preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Step 7: Apply Egg Wash (Optional)
Whisk together:
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon water
Brush lightly over the top of the loaf.
This creates a beautiful golden crust.
Step 8: Bake
Bake for 30-35 minutes.
The loaf should be:
- Deep golden brown
- Hollow-sounding when tapped
- 190-200°F (88-93°C) internally
If browning too quickly, tent loosely with foil.
Step 9: Cool
Remove bread from the pan immediately.
Place on a wire rack.
Allow to cool completely before slicing.
This helps the crumb set properly.
Baker’s Tips for Perfect Sandwich Bread
Measure Flour Correctly
Use a kitchen scale for the most accurate results.
Too much flour creates dense bread.
Use Warm Milk
Milk should be warm, not hot.
Temperatures above 120°F (49°C) can kill the yeast.
Don’t Rush the Rise
Bread develops better flavor and texture when allowed to rise fully.
Shape Tightly
A tight roll creates a more even crumb and professional sandwich slices.
Cool Completely
Cutting hot bread can make the interior gummy.
Variations
Honey Sandwich Bread
Replace sugar with 3 tablespoons honey.
Whole Wheat Version
Replace 1½ cups of bread flour with whole wheat flour.
Oatmeal Sandwich Bread
Add ½ cup rolled oats to the dough.
Sprinkle oats on top before baking.
Seeded Sandwich Bread
Mix in:
- Sunflower seeds
- Sesame seeds
- Flax seeds
for extra texture and nutrition.
Storage
Room Temperature
Store in an airtight bread bag or container for up to 4 days.
Freezer
Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.
Slice before freezing for easy use.
Nutrition (Approximate Per Slice)
- Calories: 155
- Protein: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fat: 3g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 2g
Serving Suggestions
Perfect for:
- Classic sandwiches
- Grilled cheese
- Peanut butter and jelly
- Avocado toast
- French toast
- Breakfast toast with butter and jam
- Homemade croutons
Recipe Notes
This Simply Sandwich Bread is everything homemade bread should be—soft, flavorful, versatile, and incredibly satisfying. With its tender crumb and golden crust, it’s the kind of everyday loaf that quickly becomes a household favorite. Once you’ve enjoyed a fresh slice straight from your own oven, you’ll understand why homemade sandwich bread is worth every minute.
