Classic sandwich bread – makes 2 loaves
There is something so special about a fresh loaf of homemade bread sitting on the kitchen counter. The smell filling your home, the warmth of a freshly sliced piece, and a little butter melting into the middle. It’s one of those simple homemade things that never gets old.
This classic sandwich bread is soft, fluffy, and perfect for just about everything. Whether you’re making sandwiches for the week, enjoying a slice toasted with butter and honey, or sneaking a warm piece straight from the oven, this is a recipe you’ll want to keep close.
The best part? This recipe makes two beautiful loaves, so you can enjoy one now and save the other for later. Simple ingredients, a little patience, and you’ll have homemade bread ready to share with the people you love.
Ingredients
2 cups warm water
1/4 cup honey
1 tablespoon dry-active yeast
2 tablespoons melted butter
4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons salt
Directions
Whisk together the water, honey & yeast. Cover & set aside 5-10 minutes to bloom (once bloomed, the surface will be thick & frothy).
Melt the butter & allow to cool. Combine the butter with the water, honey & yeast mixture after it’s bloomed.
Combine your wet ingredients with the flour & salt. With your dough hook attachment, mix on medium speed for about 5 minutes, until the dough comes together to create a uniformed dough ball.
Oil or flour your bowl & allow the dough to rise in a warm area (or in the oven, off, with the light on) for 1 hour.
Shaping your loaves
Once your dough has doubled in size, gently punch it down to release some of the air. Transfer it to a lightly floured surface and divide it into two equal portions.
Working with one portion at a time, gently stretch or press the dough into a rectangle, roughly the length of your loaf pan.
Starting at one of the shorter ends, begin rolling the dough toward the opposite end, keeping the roll nice and snug as you go. Once rolled, pinch the open seam together and tuck the ends underneath to create a smooth loaf shape.
Place the dough into a greased loaf pan with the seam facing down. Repeat with the second portion of dough.
The second rise
Cover your loaf pans with a clean kitchen towel and place them somewhere warm to rise for 1 hour, or until the dough has puffed up and risen just above the edges of the pans.
Once your loaves have finished their second rise, they’re ready for the oven!
Pre-heat your oven to 350 degrees farheneight & bake your loaves for 30 minutes. Once baked, remove your bread from the loaf pans & transfer them to a cooling rack.
I hope this bread finds a regular place in your kitchen. It’s such a simple, rewarding thing to make something from scratch and share it with the people you love. Whether you’re making sandwiches for school lunches, toast for breakfast, or enjoying a warm slice right off the loaf, homemade bread is always worth the little bit of extra effort. Happy baking! 🤎