Here’s a soft and fluffy sandwich bread recipe that’s perfect for everyday use—whether you’re stacking deli meats, spreading PB&J, or just toasting it with butter. There’s something deeply comforting about a loaf of homemade bread. It’s warm, it’s fresh, and you know exactly what’s in it. This recipe creates a beautifully golden crust with a tender, pillowy interior that holds up to all your favorite fillings. It’s simple, reliable, and once you try it, you may never go back to store-bought!
Ingredients:
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3 ¾ cups (450g) all-purpose flour or bread flour
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2 ¼ tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
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1 ½ tsp salt
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2 tbsp sugar
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1 cup warm milk (110°F / 43°C)
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⅓ cup warm water (110°F / 43°C)
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2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
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Extra butter for greasing and brushing
Instructions:
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Activate the Yeast
In a small bowl, combine warm water, warm milk, and sugar. Sprinkle yeast on top and let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy. -
Make the Dough
In a large mixing bowl or stand mixer, combine flour and salt. Add the foamy yeast mixture and softened butter. Mix until a dough forms. -
Knead the Dough
Knead by hand for 8–10 minutes (or 5–6 minutes with a dough hook) until smooth and elastic. Add a sprinkle of flour if it’s too sticky, but don’t overdo it. -
First Rise
Place dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1½ hours, or until doubled in size. -
Shape and Second Rise
Punch down the dough and roll it into a rectangle. Roll it up tightly into a loaf shape and place it seam-side down in a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan. Cover and let rise for another 45 minutes until it crests above the pan. -
Bake
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 30–35 minutes, until golden brown on top and it sounds hollow when tapped. -
Finish
Brush the top with melted butter right after baking. Let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. -