The Best No-Knead Sandwich Bread – Soft, Fluffy & Incredibly Easy! 🍞
There’s nothing better than the smell of freshly baked homemade bread filling your kitchen. This no-knead sandwich bread is a game-changer—requiring just a few basic ingredients and zero kneading! With a soft, fluffy texture and a golden crust, it’s perfect for sandwiches, toast, or simply enjoying with a bit of butter.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔ No Kneading Required – Just mix, let it rise, and bake!
✔ Soft & Fluffy Texture – The perfect everyday sandwich bread.
✔ Minimal Ingredients – Uses simple pantry staples.
✔ Vegan-Friendly – No eggs, no butter—completely plant-based.
✔ Beginner-Friendly – Even if you’ve never baked bread before, this recipe is foolproof!
Cooking & Prep Times
⏱ Prep Time: 10 minutes
⏱ First Rise Time: 1 hour
⏱ Second Rise Time: 30 minutes
⏱ Baking Time: 30-35 minutes
⏱ Total Time: 2 hours
Kitchen Equipment Needed
✅ Large mixing bowl
✅ Measuring cups & spoons
✅ Wooden spoon or spatula
✅ 9×5-inch loaf pan
✅ Kitchen towel or plastic wrap
✅ Oven
The Best No-Knead Sandwich Bread Recipe
Ingredients (Serves 6-8)
✅ 3 ½ cups (440g) all-purpose flour – Forms the structure of the bread.
✅ 1 ½ cups (360ml) warm water – Activates the yeast and hydrates the flour.
✅ 2 teaspoons sugar – Feeds the yeast and adds a slight sweetness.
✅ 1 ½ teaspoons salt – Enhances the overall flavor.
✅ 2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) instant yeast – The key ingredient that makes the bread rise.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
- In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast.
- Stir gently and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy. This means the yeast is active.
- Tip: Ensure the water is warm, not hot, to avoid killing the yeast.
Step 2: Mix the Dough
- Add the flour and salt to the yeast mixture.
- Stir everything together until combined—the dough will be sticky and shaggy, which is perfect!
- No kneading needed—the dough will develop gluten naturally as it rises!
Step 3: First Rise
- Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap.
- Let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
- Best Rising Spots:
✔ A warm kitchen counter
✔ Near a sunny window
✔ Inside your oven with the light on (but don’t turn the oven on!)
Step 4: Shape & Second Rise
- Lightly grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with oil or nonstick spray.
- Transfer the dough into the pan, smoothing out the top.
- Cover and let it rise for another 30 minutes, until it puffs up slightly above the edges of the pan.
Step 5: Bake the Bread
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.
- Tip: Tap the top of the loaf—if it sounds hollow, it’s done!
Step 6: Cool & Enjoy
- Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack.
- Allow it to cool completely before slicing for the best texture.
- Now, slice and enjoy your homemade sandwich bread!
Tips for the Best No-Knead Bread
✔ Use Fresh Yeast – Expired yeast won’t work properly, so always check the date.
✔ Adjust Water Amount – If your dough feels too dry, add a tablespoon of water. If too wet, add a sprinkle of flour.
✔ Don’t Rush the Rising Process – Allow enough time for a full rise to ensure soft, airy bread.
✔ For a Softer Crust – Brush the top with melted butter after baking.
✔ For a Crispier Crust – Lightly mist water into the oven before baking.
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
📌 At Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
📌 Freezing Instructions: Wrap the loaf in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months.
📌 Reheating: Toast slices or warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-10 minutes.
FAQs
1️⃣ Can I use bread flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes! Bread flour will give the bread a slightly chewier texture.
2️⃣ What if my yeast doesn’t foam?
Your yeast might be expired, or the water may have been too hot/cold. Start over with fresh yeast.
3️⃣ Can I add mix-ins like herbs or cheese?
Absolutely! Add dried herbs, shredded cheese, or seeds for extra flavor.
4️⃣ Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, but note the texture may differ.
5️⃣ What’s the best way to slice homemade bread?
Use a serrated bread knife and cut when completely cooled for clean slices.
The Best No-Knead Sandwich Bread
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Measuring cups & spoons
- 9x5-inch loaf pan
- Kitchen towel or plastic wrap
- Oven
Ingredients
- 3 ½ cups 440g all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups 360ml warm water
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- 2 ¼ teaspoons 1 packet instant yeast
Instructions
- Activate Yeast – Combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
- Mix Dough – Stir in flour and salt. Dough will be sticky (no kneading needed).
- First Rise – Cover and let rise for 1 hour until doubled in size.
- Shape & Second Rise – Transfer to a greased loaf pan. Let rise for 30 minutes.
- Bake – Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 30-35 minutes until golden brown.
- Cool & Serve – Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
Notes
✔ Brush with butter for a softer crust, or mist oven with water for crispier crust.