Easy Sandwich Bread: The Foundation of Every Great Meal

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• • 2 ¼ tsp (7g) dry yeast or 25g fresh yeast
  • 1 tsp (5g) sugar
  • 2/3 cup (160ml) warm water (about 110°F/43°C)

• • 4 cups (500g) bread flour
  • 1 ½ tsp (7g) salt
  • ¾ cup (180ml) milk, lukewarm

• 3 tbsp (45g) unsalted butter, softened

For Baking:

• Olive oil, for brushing

Nutrition Facts (Per Slice, Makes 12 Slices)

• • Calories: 140 kcal
  • Protein: 4g

• • Carbohydrates: 25g
  • Fat: 3g
  • Fiber: 1g

• Sodium: 150mg

How to Make Easy Sandwich Bread

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

1. 1. In a small bowl, combine:
      • • 2 ¼ tsp (7g) dry yeast or 25g fresh yeast
        • 1 tsp sugar

       

      • 2/3 cup (160ml) warm water

      Stir gently and let the mixture sit for 5 minutes. This activates the yeast, creating a frothy layer on top. If the mixture doesn’t froth, your yeast may be expired

Step 2: Mix the Dough

1. 1. In a large mixing bowl or stand mixer, combine:
      • 4 cups (500g) bread flour
      • 1 ½ tsp (7g) salt

1. Slowly add the activated yeast mixture, followed by ¾ cup (180ml) lukewarm milk and 3 tbsp (45g) softened butter.
2. Knead the dough using a stand mixer with a dough hook or by hand. Knead for about 5-7 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. It should pull away from the sides of the bowl but remain slightly tacky to the touch.

Step 3: First Rise

1. 1. Lightly oil a large bowl and place the dough inside.

1. Cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm, draft-free place for about 1 hour, or until the dough has doubled in size.

Step 4: Shape the Dough

1. 1. Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release the air.
   2. Turn the dough out onto a lightly oiled surface. Flatten it into a rectangle, with one side roughly the width of your loaf pan (9×5 inches or 23x13cm).

1. Roll the dough tightly into a log, starting from the shorter side. Pinch the seam to seal.

Step 5: Second Rise

1. 1. Spray a 9×5-inch loaf pan with oil. Place the rolled dough seam-side down into the pan.
   2. Cover again with a towel and let it rise for 45-50 minutes. The dough should rise just above the rim of the pan.

Step 6: Bake the Bread

1. 1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
   2. Brush the top of the dough lightly with olive oil. This helps create a golden, slightly shiny crust.
   3. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.

1. Remove from the oven and allow the bread to cool in the pan for 5 minutes. Then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.