Artisan Sandwich Bread

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Only 7 simple ingredients stand between you and a fluffy loaf of homemade sandwich bread. This simple bread is chewy on the inside with a crisp crust that’s perfect for eating as is or toasting to perfection. Follow my easy step-by-step instructions and photos and reference my guide for baking with yeast for a loaf that is pillowy soft on the inside with a perfectly chewy crust. Recipe yields one standard loaf of bread.

JUNE! Uhhh, where did you come from, bro?

It’s hard to believe that we’re already halfway through 2019, which around here is the year of the breads, so this means that today’s recipe (which is so fabulously brought to you by Bob’s Red Mill!!) is #6 in our Bread of The Month series!

Today’s white sandwich bread recipe is something I’ve been wanting to make for a reallyyyyy long time, and when Bob’s Red Mill asked if I’d be interested in using their UNBLEACHED ENRICHED ARTISAN BREAD FLOUR, I couldn’t say yes fast enough.

What I Love About Homemade Sandwich Bread

Let’s make homemade sandwich bread. This is a basic staple in any bread baker’s repertoire, but it’s also a recipe that shouldn’t be overlooked. There’s nothing on earth quite like homemade bread and my recipe is loaf perfection—rising tall, tasting buttery-soft, and making the most epic sandwiches.

It’s truthfully the best homemade bread I’ve ever tasted and it all comes from just 7 ingredients. And if you’re nervous to bake with yeast, I guarantee you will finally feel confident with this no-fuss recipe.

White Sandwich Bread Recipe Ingredients

• warm water
• active dry yeast
• warm milk
• granulated sugar
• salt
• unsalted butter
• bread flour

How to Make Sandwich Bread

STEP #1

Place warm water in a small bowl, then sprinkle the yeast on top of the water. Stir around with a fork or spoon and allow to rest and activate for 10 minutes.

STEP #2

In the bowl of a stand mixer or a large bowl, combine the yeast mixture, warm milk, sugar, salt, cubed butter, and 2 cups of the flour and stir with a wooden spoon or rubber spatula to combine.

STEP #3

Attach the dough hook and mix on low speed. Gradually add the remaining flour until the dough is soft and tacky, but not sticky (it should feel like fresh PlayDoh). Continue to mix until a soft ball of dough forms and pulls away from the sides of the bowl. This should take several minutes.

STEP #4

Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl and flip it over so the ball of dough is completely coated in oil. Cover lightly with a kitchen towel and set in a warm place to rise until doubled in size, about 1 hour.

STEP #5

When the dough has risen, spray a loaf pan with nonstick spray and set aside. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently pat and press the dough into a 9″ x 12″ rectangle. You may also use a rolling pin, but be gentle.

STEP #6

Starting at the short end, roll the rectangle up into a tight log. Pinch the ends to seal and tuck the ends of the roll under the bread. Place into prepared loaf pan, and cover again loosely with a kitchen towel and allow to rise until doubled in size, about 45 minutes to 1 hour.

STEP #7

When you are ready to bake the bread, position an oven rack to the middle setting and preheat the oven.

STEP #8

Brush the loaf with the melted butter, then bake, rotating the loaf halfway through. Loaf is done with it is golden brown and makes a hollow sound when you tap on it.

STEP #9

Remove from the oven and allow to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then remove from the pan and allow to cool completely on a wire rack before slicing.

Tips for making this Sandwich Bread Recipe With Bread Flour

I highly recommend using bread flour for this sandwich bread, as it will give you the softest center. You can use all-purpose if it’s all you have, but know it will be best with bread flour which has higher protein and higher gluten content.

Do not slice your bread while it is hot! You will retain the moisture in the loaf if you wait until it is completely cool.

For more tips on baking with yeast, see my comprehensive guide for how to bake with yeast.

Homemade Sandwich Bread Recipe Variations

Feel free to add herbs and spices to your homemade bread and/or the butter you’re brushing on top before baking. Just be careful not to add more than 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, as cinnamon can inhibit yeast growth.

Storing Artisan Sandwich Bread

Store this sandwich bread just like you’d store any other bread– covered tightly at room temperature. You can keep it in the refrigerator if you want to extend its life.

TO FREEZE:

To freeze this bread, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil, then place in a bread bag or zip top bag to preserve freshness and moisture. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature.

Try it for yourself! Did you ever think that making your own bread for sandwiches at home could be super simple and well worth the time it takes to make it (which, might I add, is really not much time at all)?

Home bake your next loaf of sandwich bread and tell me you prefer to buy it… I challenge you!

Because if you’re looking for a hearty sandwich bread recipe or the best white sandwich bread you can make in your kitchen, this is it, folks!

Thanks, Bob’s Red Mill, for bringing this flour into my kitchen! I can’t wait to use it again.