Classic White Sandwich Bread

Introduction

Classic White Sandwich Bread is a kitchen staple that brings warmth, comfort, and nostalgia into every home. Soft, fluffy, and slightly chewy with a golden crust, it’s the kind of bread that makes the perfect base for sandwiches, toast, and even French toast. Nothing compares to the aroma of freshly baked bread wafting through the kitchen—it’s one of life’s simplest pleasures.

Unlike store-bought loaves, homemade sandwich bread is free from preservatives, and you control the quality of ingredients. This recipe is straightforward, rewarding, and yields bread that’s both delicious and versatile, making it a must-have for every home baker’s repertoire.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s a true classic. The bread comes out soft enough for peanut butter & jelly sandwiches, yet sturdy enough to hold up to grilled cheese or hearty deli meats. It’s also budget-friendly and deeply satisfying to make from scratch—watching a simple mixture of flour, yeast, and water transform into a fluffy loaf feels almost magical.

There’s also a nostalgic factor here—classic white bread reminds me of childhood lunches, cozy breakfasts, and family gatherings. It’s comfort food in its purest form.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

• Beginner-friendly: Great for new bakers learning yeast breads.
• Better than store-bought: Fresher, softer, and more flavorful.
• Versatile: Perfect for sandwiches, toast, or as a side.
• Freezer-friendly: Bake once, enjoy for weeks.
• Family favorite: Loved by kids and adults alike.

Recipe Details

• Cuisine: American
• Course: Bread / Baking
• Prep Time: 20 minutes (active)
• Rising Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Bake Time: 30–35 minutes
• Total Time: ~2 hours 30 minutes
• Servings: 12 slices (1 loaf)
• Calories: ~150 per slice

Ingredients

• 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (plus more if needed)
• 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
• 1 1/4 cups warm water (110°F / 45°C)
• 2 tbsp granulated sugar
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted (plus more for brushing)
• 1 1/2 tsp salt

Simple Cooking Directions

1. Activate yeast in warm water with sugar.
2. Mix in flour, salt, and butter to form dough.
3. Knead until smooth and elastic.
4. Let rise until doubled, then shape into loaf.
5. Place in greased loaf pan, let rise again.
6. Bake until golden brown.
7. Cool, slice, and enjoy.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Prepare the Yeast

1. In a bowl, combine warm water and sugar. Stir in yeast.
2. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.

Step 2: Make the Dough

1. In a large bowl, mix flour and salt.
2. Add the yeast mixture and melted butter.
3. Stir until a dough forms.

Step 3: Knead

1. Transfer dough to a floured surface.
2. Knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic (or use stand mixer with dough hook for 6 minutes).

Step 4: First Rise

1. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth.
2. Let rise for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

Step 5: Shape the Loaf

1. Punch down dough and roll into a rectangle.
2. Tightly roll into a loaf shape.
3. Place seam-side down into a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan.

Step 6: Second Rise

1. Cover loaf and let rise for 30–40 minutes, until it crowns just above the pan.

Step 7: Bake

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Bake loaf for 30–35 minutes, until golden brown and hollow-sounding when tapped.
3. Brush top with melted butter for a soft crust.

Step 8: Cool

1. Remove from pan and let cool completely on a wire rack before slicing.

How to Serve

• As the base for sandwiches, from PB&J to grilled cheese.
• Toasted with butter, jam, or honey.
• As a side with soups, stews, or breakfast eggs.
• Used in recipes like French toast, bread pudding, or croutons.

Additional Recipe Tips

• Measure flour properly—spoon and level, don’t pack.
• For extra softness, replace some water with warm milk.
• Add 1 egg to enrich the dough for a brioche-like texture.
• Use bread flour instead of all-purpose for extra chewiness.

Variations

1. Honey White Bread – Replace sugar with honey for natural sweetness.
2. Garlic Herb Bread – Add garlic powder and dried herbs.
3. Whole Wheat Bread – Replace half the flour with whole wheat flour.
4. Cheese Bread – Mix in shredded cheddar or parmesan.

Freezing & Storage

• Room Temperature: Store in a breadbox or airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Refrigerator: Store wrapped up to 1 week (may dry out).
• Freezer: Wrap loaf or slices tightly in plastic + foil, freeze up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before using.

Special Equipment Needed

• 9×5-inch loaf pan
• Large mixing bowl
• Stand mixer with dough hook (optional, for kneading)
• Wire cooling rack

Conclusion

The Classic White Sandwich Bread is a timeless, reliable recipe that every home baker should master. With its soft crumb, subtle flavor, and golden crust, it’s a versatile bread that works for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Once you taste the freshness of homemade bread, store-bought loaves will never compare.

Print Recipe

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Classic White Sandwich Bread

Author: Anna Williams Cuisine: American Courses: Lunch

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 20 mins Cook Time 90 mins Rest Time 30 mins Total Time 2 hrs 20 mins

Servings: 12 Calories: 150 per slice

Description

Classic White Sandwich Bread is a kitchen staple that brings warmth, comfort, and nostalgia into every home. Soft, fluffy, and slightly chewy with a golden crust, it’s the kind of bread that makes the perfect base for sandwiches, toast, and even French toast.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

• 3 ¹⁄₂ cups all-purpose flour (plus more if needed)
• 2 ¹⁄₄ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
• 1 ¹⁄₄ cups warm water (110°F / 45°C)
• 2 tbsp granulated sugar
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted (plus more for brushing)
• 1 ¹⁄₂ tsp salt

Instructions

1. Step 1: Prepare the Yeast : In a bowl, combine warm water and sugar. Stir in yeast.Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
2. Step 2: Make the Dough : In a large bowl, mix flour and salt.Add the yeast mixture and melted butter.Stir until a dough forms.
3. Step 3: Knead : Transfer dough to a floured surface.Knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic (or use stand mixer with dough hook for 6 minutes).
4. Step 4: First Rise : Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth.Let rise for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
5. Step 5: Shape the Loaf : Punch down dough and roll into a rectangle.Tightly roll into a loaf shape.Place seam-side down into a greased 9x5-inch loaf pan.
6. Step 6: Second Rise : Cover loaf and let rise for 30–40 minutes, until it crowns just above the pan.
7. Step 7: Bake : Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).Bake loaf for 30–35 minutes, until golden brown and hollow-sounding when tapped.Brush top with melted butter for a soft crust.
8. Step 8: Cool : Remove from pan and let cool completely on a wire rack before slicing.

Keywords: Classic White Sandwich Bread