How I Perfected My Sandwich Bread Recipe-And Why You Should, Too!

Freshly baked bread aroma was a rare treat in my home growing up. Mom was more of a “grab a loaf at the store” kind of person. But on this snowy weekend, I felt inspired by a baking show to make my very first sandwich bread. What came afterward was a kneading spree, sticky fingers, and a loaf that resembled a lopsided football. Fast-forward to today, and I proudly can say I have mastered the sandwich bread recipe so well that my family refuses to buy it from the store anymore!

Baking bread at home has become my most favorite ritual. It’s not only about preparing something deliciously edible, it’s therapeutic. And trust me, when you pull that golden, fluffy loaf out of the oven, well, you’ll feel like nothing less than a rock star baker! Also, this recipe is quite easy to do, even for a starter in making bread. Allow me to walk you through this process.

The Perfect Sandwich Bread Recipe

Ingredients:

3 ½ cups (450g) all-purpose flour (or bread flour for a chewier texture)
2 ¼ tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
2 tbsp sugar
1 tsp salt
1 cup (240ml) warm water (110°F/45°C)
¼ cup (60ml) warm milk
2 tbsp unsalted butter (softened)

Preparation Time:

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Rising Time: 1.5 hours
Baking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes

Instructions:

Activate the Yeast:
Mix warm water, sugar, and yeast in a small bowl. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until frothy. This always feels like magic to me—like watching bread come to life!
Mix the Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture, warm milk, and butter. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
Knead Away:
Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes, until you achieve a smooth, elastic texture. Pro tip—if you have a stand mixer with a dough hook, let the machine do the work!
First Rise:
Then, place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl and let rise in a warm spot, covered with a damp towel, until it has doubled in size—a length of approximately 1 hour.
Shape the Dough:
Gently punch down the dough—one of my favorite parts of the whole process!—and form into a loaf. Put the loaf into a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan.
Second Rise:
Cover it with a pan and let the dough rise again until it peeks just above the pan, which should take about 30 to 40 minutes.
Bake to Perfection:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the bread for 25 minutes or until the top is golden brown and sounds hollow upon tapping.
Cool and Enjoy:
Let that bread cool for at least 10 minutes before slicing. Trust me, waiting is the hardest part, but it’s worth it in order to not squish your perfect loaf!

Nutritional Info (Per Slice):

Calories: ~140
Protein: 4g
Carbs: 25g
Fat: 3g

Making sandwich bread feels like a mini science experiment. You’ll be amazed how a small blob of dough will rise to double its size and turn into a gorgeously baked loaf. My children are fascinated by this “growth,” often being reminded that it is, at least, your perfect pet dough—only way more delicious! The aroma of bread baking is also one of the best aromas you can fill your house with: warm, inviting, making you feel instantly at home.

And not to go off on a whole tangent here, but that first slice of fresh bread. Slather it in butter and you have a little slice of heaven. I’ve even caught my kids sneaking a piece before the loaf has fully cooled. I say I’m mad, but I couldn’t blame them—it’s really irresistible!

Tips for Bread-Baking Success:

Use a Kitchen Scale:
Measuring flour by weight helps prevent the inclusion of excess flour in the dough, yielding dense bread.
Warm, Not Hot Water:
Yeast is a living microorganism, and you do not want to “kill” it with water that is too hot. Think baby bath temperature.
Don’t Skip the Second Rise:
This may be considered boring, but it gives your bread a fluffiness and softness.
Play with Add-Ins:
Once you get the basics down, try adding some herbs, garlic, or seeds to give it a little something extra.

Final Thoughts:

Knowing this sandwich bread recipe has been a game-changer for my family. It’s healthier, tastier, and way more satisfying than anything from the store. Plus, the smell of baking bread? Absolutely priceless.

What are you waiting for? Turn the music on, roll up your sleeves, and give this recipe a try. You know, you might just find yourself skipping the bread aisle once and for all!