Description
There’s nothing quite like the warm, comforting smell of fresh bread wafting through your kitchen. If you’re on the hunt for the perfect loaf, look no further than this Simply Sandwich Bread recipe.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1/2 cup warm water
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 3 1/2 cups bread flour
- 1 1/4 teaspoons salt
Instructions
- Start by taking a small bowl and combining warm water (around 110°F), honey, and active dry yeast. Stir this mixture lightly to ensure it’s well combined, then let it sit for 5-10 minutes. This step is crucial as it activates the yeast, leading to a foamy surface that indicates it’s ready to work its magic on the dough.
- In a larger mixing bowl, pour in the bloomed yeast mixture along with the whole milk and the softened butter. Whisk together gently. The warmth of the milk and butter will help keep the yeast active while adding moisture and flavor to the bread.
- Now comes the fun part! Gradually add the bread flour and salt into the wet mixture, stirring continuously until a shaggy dough forms. Be sure to combine them well, but don’t worry if the dough is somewhat sticky; that’s completely normal.
- Transfer the dough to a floured work surface. Knead the dough by hand for about 8-10 minutes, or utilize a stand mixer for 6 minutes using the dough hook. You want the resulting dough to be smooth and elastic, demonstrating that the gluten has developed properly.
- Once kneaded, place the dough in a greased bowl, covering it with a clean dish towel. Allow it to rise in a warm environment for 1.5 to 2 hours or until it has doubled in size. This step is important for developing flavor and texture in your bread.
- After the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release gases. Shape it into a log and place it in a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan. Ensure the dough fits comfortably in the pan as it will rise again.
- Cover the loaf pan with a towel and let it rise a second time for about 45-60 minutes. You know the dough is ready when it crowns approximately one inch above the rim of the pan.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Once preheated, place the loaf in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when it’s golden brown on top and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- After baking, allow the loaf to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Waiting is key here; slicing too early may result in a gummy texture.
Notes
Using all-purpose flour in place of bread flour is an option, though the texture will be slightly different. For a richer crust, brush melted butter on top of the loaf immediately after it comes out of the oven.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Category: Bread
Nutrition
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Protein: 4 g