Classic White Sandwich Bread Recipe
Ingredients
- 625g (5 cups) all-purpose flour
- 10g (1 1/2 tsp) salt
- 50g (1/4 cup) sugar
- 7g (2 1/4 tsp) instant yeast
- 60g (1/4 cup) unsalted butter, softened
- 240ml (1 cup) warm water (about 43°C / 110°F)
- 120ml (1/2 cup) warm whole milk (about 43°C / 110°F)
Instructions
Step 1: Mixing the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, or the bowl of your stand mixer, combine 625g (5 cups) of all-purpose flour, 10g (1 1/2 tsp) of salt, 50g (1/4 cup) of sugar, and 7g (2 1/4 tsp) of instant yeast. Stir the dry ingredients together until well integrated.
Step 2: Combining Wet Ingredients and Forming the Dough
Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and add 240ml (1 cup) of warm water and 120ml (1/2 cup) of warm whole milk. Add the softened butter to the mixture. Using a wooden spoon, stir until the dough begins to come together.
Step 3: Kneading the Dough
If you are using a stand mixer, attach the dough hook and knead the dough on medium speed for 6-8 minutes. If kneading by hand, transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until it is smooth and elastic.
Step 4: First Rise
Lightly grease a large bowl and place the dough in it, turning the dough to coat it with the oil. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and leave it to rise in a warm, draft-free place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
Step 5: Shaping the Dough
After the dough has doubled in size, punch it down gently to release the gas. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and press it into a flat rectangle. Fold the rectangle into thirds, much like folding a letter, and then roll into a log, ensuring the seam is at the bottom.
Step 6: Second Rise
Transfer the dough to a greased bread loaf pan. Cover it lightly and let it rise in a warm area for about 60 minutes, or until the dough has risen about 1 inch above the edges of the pan.
Step 7: Baking
Preheat the oven to 175°C (350°F) during the last 15 minutes of the dough’s final rise. Once ready, bake the bread for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped.
Step 8: Cooling
Remove the bread from the oven and transfer it onto a cooling rack. Brush the top with melted butter for a soft crust, if desired. Allow it to cool completely before slicing.
Conclusion
Congratulations on baking your classic white sandwich bread! With its soft, fluffy crumb and chewy crust, this loaf is sure to become a household favorite. Enjoy experimenting with different spreads, fillings, and toppings, turning breakfast, lunch, or any meal into a delightful experience. Your newly honed bread-making skills will serve you well for years to come, elevating your culinary creations to new heights. Happy Baking!
