For the longest time, I thought any recipe that uses yeast would be impossible. Not something I could do. But after perfecting my pizza dough recipe, I realized it’s not hard at all! It’s just a matter of making sure your liquids are the right temperature for the yeast – not so hot it will kill it, not too cold that it won’t rise. Using an instant read thermometer makes it SO EASY. The same principles apply in this easy sandwich bread recipe! It is loosely based on an American Test Kitchen recipe. I altered some of the ingredients and the kneading process because I wanted to make sure anyone could make this with what they have on hand. My kids LOVE this recipe! Obsessed. NOTE: This post contains a LOT of process shots. If you don’t think you need those, you can hit that “Jump To The Recipe” button at the top of the post to skip it.
WHAT MAKES THIS BREAD RECIPE EASY
This recipe is easy for a few key reasons:
You don’t need any special ingredients. I swapped the bread flour for all purpose flour and the whole milk for what I had on hand – skim.This bread recipe comes together with just a bowl and a wooden spoon. You don’t need a food processor or a stand mixer with a dough hook.
Now listen. After saying both of those things, I will say if you have bread flour and whole milk on hand you can swap them in (same amounts as listed) as is recommended by ATK.
WHITE BREAD INGREDIENTS
Just a few things needed for this great recipe. For the full recipe and amounts please see the bottom of the post.
All Purpose FlourActive Dry YeastSaltMilkWaterButterHoney
HOW TO MAKE SANDWICH BREAD
Step One: Mix 3 3/4 cups flour (we are saving that last 1/4 cup for the end), the yeast, and the salt in a large bowl. Heat up the milk, water, and cut up butter in a measuring cup until an instant read thermometer reads between 115 and 120 degrees. Then stir in the honey. Step Two: Add the liquid ingredients to the dry. Stir with a wooden spoon adding that remaining 1/4 cup of flour a tablespoon at a time until the bread just begins to not stick to the sides. (It is okay if the bottom still sticks to the bowl.) Step Three: Turn the bread out onto a clean surface and knead it by hand until it just starts to form until a smooth dough ball. Return it to a large clean bowl that has been lightly sprayed with oil. Step Four: Cover the bread tightly with plastic wrap. Set it in a warm place and allow it to rise for 1 to 1 1/2 hours or until it doubles in size. (Mine always needs at least 1 1/2 to get there.) Isn’t it beautiful? Step Five: Turn the bread out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently form it into a 9 inch by 9 inch square. Step Six: Roll the bread up. Step Seven: Place the dough seam side down in a lightly sprayed bread pan. Cover tightly with plastic wrap. Give it another 1 to 1 1/2 hours in a warm place to double in size. Step Eight: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Brush the dough with 1 tablespoon of butter. Pour hot water in a baking dish. Place the baking dish in the oven next to the bread. Bake for 40 to 50 minutes or until an instant read thermometer reads 200 degrees. Step Nine: Turn the cooked bread out onto a wire rack. Give it two hours to cool before you slice it. Enjoy!!
HOW MUCH DOES IT MAKE?
Slicing like a typical sandwich bread (what you see above), you can get 14 slices out of this loaf of white bread.
STORING & FREEZE
Keep the cooled bread in an airtight container for up to 1 week. Alternatively, you can freeze all or part of this bread by wrapping it several times (I do at two times) with plastic wrap and then putting it an airtight container. The bread will last three months in the freezer. Six months if you have a deep freezer.
OTHER GREAT BREAD RECIPES
If you love making bread, but don’t love using yeast, check out these recipes:
Three Ingredient Beer BreadBanana BreadApple Bread
If you make this bread recipe or any of my other recipes, leave me a comment and let me know what you think!
