Soft Homemade White Sandwich Bread

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Soft Homemade White Sandwich Bread

Description

This classic homemade white sandwich bread is soft, fluffy, and perfect for sandwiches, toast, or simply enjoying warm with butter. It has a tender crumb, a golden crust, and stays fresh for several days. Even if you’re new to bread baking, this simple recipe is easy to follow and delivers bakery-style results every time.

🛒 Ingredients

For the Dough

  • 🍞 4 cups (500g) bread flour
  • 🥛 1¼ cups (300ml) warm milk
  • 🥚 1 large egg
  • 🧈 3 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
  • 🍯 2 tbsp sugar
  • 🧂 1½ tsp salt
  • 🌾 2¼ tsp (1 packet) instant yeast

Optional

  • 🧈 Melted butter for brushing after baking

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

1️⃣ Activate the Yeast

  • Pour the warm milk into a large bowl.
  • Stir in the sugar.
  • Sprinkle the yeast over the milk.
  • Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until slightly foamy.

2️⃣ Mix the Dough

  • Add the egg and softened butter.
  • Mix until combined.
  • Add the flour and salt.
  • Stir until a rough dough forms.

3️⃣ Knead

  • Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface.
  • Knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth, soft, and elastic.
  • The dough should stretch without tearing easily.

4️⃣ First Rise

  • Place the dough into a lightly greased bowl.
  • Cover with a clean towel or plastic wrap.
  • Let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

5️⃣ Shape the Loaf

  • Punch down the risen dough gently.
  • Roll it into a rectangle.
  • Roll the dough tightly into a log.
  • Pinch the seam closed.
  • Place it seam-side down in a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan.

6️⃣ Second Rise

  • Cover loosely.
  • Let the dough rise for 35–45 minutes until it rises about 1 inch above the rim of the pan.

7️⃣ Bake

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • Bake for 30–35 minutes.
  • The loaf should be golden brown and sound hollow when tapped.

8️⃣ Finish

  • Remove from the pan immediately.
  • Brush the top with melted butter for a softer crust.
  • Cool completely on a wire rack before slicing.

💡 Tips

  • ✅ Use bread flour for the softest texture.
  • ✅ Warm milk should be warm, not hot.
  • ✅ Do not add too much flour while kneading.
  • ✅ Allow the bread to cool before slicing for clean slices.
  • ✅ Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

❓Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use all-purpose flour?
✔️ Yes, but bread flour gives a softer, taller loaf.

Q: Can I freeze it?
✔️ Absolutely! Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.

Q: Why is my bread dense?
✔️ It may not have risen long enough, or too much flour was added.

Q: Can I make it without eggs?
✔️ Yes. Replace the egg with ¼ cup plain yogurt or omit it for a slightly different texture.

🍽️ Servings

  • Makes: 1 large loaf
  • Serves: 10–12 slices

🥗 Nutrition (Per Slice)

  • 🔥 Calories: ~170
  • 🍞 Carbohydrates: 30g
  • 💪 Protein: 5g
  • 🧈 Fat: 4g
  • 🌾 Fiber: 1g
  • 🍬 Sugar: 3g
  • 🧂 Sodium: 230mg

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