This Soft and Fluffy Homemade Sandwich Bread is the quintessential loaf—golden on the outside, tender and pillowy on the inside. Perfect for sandwiches, toast, or simply enjoying warm with a dollop of butter, this bread is simple, wholesome, and satisfying. There’s nothing quite like the aroma of fresh-baked bread filling your kitchen!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This sandwich bread is incredibly versatile and yields perfect slices for any meal. Whether you’re making a classic PB&J, an avocado toast, or a hearty sandwich, this loaf provides the perfect base with its soft, airy texture and lightly golden crust. The best part? It’s easy to make from scratch with ingredients you probably already have in your pantry.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the bread:
all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
instant dry yeast
granulated sugar
salt
warm milk (110°F / 43°C)
warm water
unsalted butter, softened
egg (for enriching the dough)
melted butter (for brushing)
Directions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
- Add softened butter, egg, and salt to the yeast mixture. Stir to combine.
- Gradually add the flour, mixing as you go, until the dough begins to come together into a soft, shaggy dough.
- Knead the dough by hand or with a mixer fitted with a dough hook for 8–10 minutes, until smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a bit more flour as needed.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Once risen, punch the dough down to release the air, then shape it into a log. Place the shaped dough into a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- Cover the dough again and let it rise for another 30–45 minutes, or until it has risen just above the rim of the pan.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped.
- Immediately brush the top with melted butter to add shine and extra flavor. Allow the bread to cool on a wire rack before slicing.
Servings and timing
Servings: 12 slices
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Rise Time: 2 hours
Baking Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes
Calories: Approximately 180 kcal per slice
Variations
- Whole Wheat Version: Replace half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier, nuttier loaf.
- Herb Infused: Add 1–2 tablespoons of dried herbs (such as rosemary or thyme) into the dough for extra flavor.
- Sweet Bread: Add 2 tablespoons of honey and a pinch of cinnamon to the dough for a subtly sweet twist.
- Seeded Loaf: Sprinkle sesame seeds or poppy seeds on top of the dough before baking for a delightful crunch.
- Milk Bread: Use all whole milk (instead of half water and milk) for a richer, more tender loaf.
storage/reheating
Store the bread in an airtight container or a breadbox at room temperature for up to 4 days. For longer storage, slice the loaf and freeze individual pieces, which can be toasted straight from the freezer. If the bread starts to get a little stale, simply toast the slices for a crisp, warm snack.
FAQs
Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?
Yes, but you’ll need to activate the active dry yeast first. Dissolve it in warm water with a little sugar and let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy, then proceed as usual.
How can I tell when the bread is done baking?
The bread is done when it has a golden-brown crust and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. You can also check the internal temperature— it should be around 190°F (88°C).
Can I make this bread without a stand mixer?
Absolutely! You can knead the dough by hand on a lightly floured surface for 8–10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
How can I get a softer crust?
For an extra-soft crust, cover the bread with a clean towel as it cools. You can also reduce the baking time slightly for a softer exterior.
Can I make this bread in a bread machine?
Yes, you can use a bread machine for this recipe, following the machine’s instructions for adding ingredients and kneading. However, the rising and baking times may differ depending on your machine’s settings.
How long should I let the dough rise?
The dough should rise until it has doubled in size, which typically takes about 1 to 1.5 hours at room temperature. If your kitchen is cooler, it may take a little longer.
Can I make this bread ahead of time?
Yes, the dough can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Let the dough come to room temperature before shaping and baking.
Can I freeze the dough?
Yes, you can freeze the dough after the first rise. Once shaped, wrap it tightly and freeze. When ready to bake, let it thaw and rise again before baking.
Conclusion
Soft and Fluffy Homemade Sandwich Bread is a simple, versatile recipe that results in a perfectly golden loaf with a tender crumb. It’s ideal for everyday sandwiches, perfect toast, or a comforting snack with butter. Easy to make and completely customizable, this recipe ensures that fresh, homemade bread is just a few steps away—delicious, wholesome, and satisfying every time.
Print
Soft and Fluffy Homemade Sandwich Bread
- Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 slices 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This classic homemade loaf is beautifully golden on the outside and pillowy soft on the inside—perfect for toast, sandwiches, or enjoying warm with a pat of butter. Simple, wholesome, and delightfully fresh-baked.
Ingredients
- 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (plus more as needed)
- 2 teaspoons instant dry yeast
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup warm milk (110°F / 43°C)
- 1/4 cup warm water
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1 egg (for enriching the dough)
- 1 tablespoon melted butter (for brushing)
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water, warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
- Add softened butter, egg, and salt. Stir to combine.
- Gradually add flour while mixing, until a soft dough forms. Knead by hand or with a mixer for 8–10 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
- Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Punch down the dough and shape into a log. Place into a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- Cover and let rise again for about 30–45 minutes, until it rises just above the rim.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until golden brown on top and hollow-sounding when tapped.
- Immediately brush top with melted butter and allow to cool on a wire rack before slicing.
Notes
- For a more golden crust, brush the dough with melted butter before and after baking.
- If you don’t have a stand mixer, you can knead the dough by hand, but be sure to knead for at least 8–10 minutes for smooth elasticity.
- To check if the bread is done, tap the bottom of the loaf; it should sound hollow.
- This bread can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 20mg