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A large, smooth mound of homemade bread dough rising in a clear glass baking dish, with the soft, elastic surface visibly puffed and ready to bake.

Simple Homemade Sandwich Bread

Soft, golden homemade sandwich bread with a crisp crust and tender crumb. A forgiving, beginner-friendly loaf made with basic pantry ingredients that tastes far better than store-bought.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 35 minutes
Servings: 12 slices
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 cups 500 g all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons 10 g salt
  • 2 teaspoons 10 g sugar
  • 1½ tablespoons 15 g dry yeast (or 2 tablespoons fresh yeast)
  • 1½ cups warm water
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter optional

Equipment

  • Large bowl, loaf pan or baking sheet, kitchen towel

Method
 

  1. Whisk flour, salt, and sugar in a large bowl.
  2. Dissolve yeast in warm water; let stand 5 minutes until foamy.
  3. Add yeast mixture and optional oil/butter to the flour; stir into a shaggy dough.
  4. Knead 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  5. Place in oiled bowl, cover, and rise 1 hour until doubled.
  6. Punch down, shape into a loaf, and place in greased pan or on parchment.
  7. Cover and rise 30–40 minutes.
  8. Preheat oven to 375°F. Optional: brush with oil/butter and slash the top.
  9. Bake 30–35 minutes until deep golden and hollow-sou

Notes

Water should be warm, not hot. A slightly tacky dough is ideal. Cool before slicing for best texture. Dough can be refrigerated overnight after the first rise. Slices freeze well. Optional oil or butter makes a softer crumb.