Nothing compares to the smell of freshly baked bread wafting through your home. It’s warm, comforting, and can make any meal feel special. This Classic White Sandwich Bread recipe is perfect for anyone looking to make their own bread at home. Soft, fluffy, and versatile, it’s great for sandwiches or simply toasted with butter and jam.
Why Make This Recipe
Making your own bread can be a fun and rewarding experience. Store-bought bread often contains preservatives and additives, but with this recipe, you know exactly what’s going into your loaf. Plus, you have the control to customize the flavor and texture to your liking. Using simple ingredients, you can create a delicious bread that your family will love.
How to Make Classic White Sandwich Bread
Follow these easy steps to create your own Classic White Sandwich Bread at home.
Ingredients
- 3 cups warm water (anywhere from 85-98°F)
- 2 Tbsp dry active yeast
- 1/3 cup instant mashed potatoes
- 3 cups bread flour
- 1/3 cup sunflower oil
- 1 Tbsp salt
- 1/4 cup organic cane sugar
- 1 egg
- 4 3/4 cups bread flour
Directions
- In the bowl of a stand mixer, make the sponge by whisking together 3 cups of warm water, 2 Tbsp yeast, 1/3 cup of instant mashed potato flakes, and 3 cups of bread flour. Let that sit for 20 minutes, covered.
- After 20 minutes, the sponge should have risen and look foamy. Whisk in 1/3 cup oil, 1 Tbsp salt, 1/4 cup sugar, and 1 egg until well combined. Then, add 4 3/4 cups of bread flour and knead for 9 minutes at low speed.
- The dough will be tacky. Gather it into a ball and lightly oil the bowl and the top of the dough. Cover and let it rise for 35 minutes.
- Transfer the dough onto a pastry silicone mat and divide it into 3 equal pieces. Flatten each piece into a rectangle, then roll it up jelly-roll style.
- Place the dough into lightly greased bread pans (or use parchment paper) and prick the dough all the way down with a fork to remove air bubbles.
- Allow the bread to rise for 20-25 minutes. Preheat the oven to 350°F about 5 minutes before baking. Bake the loaves for 25-30 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 190°F.
- Butter the tops as soon as the loaves are removed from the oven. Cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then remove onto a wire cooling rack. Cool completely before slicing or storing.
How to Serve Classic White Sandwich Bread
Classic White Sandwich Bread is incredibly versatile. You can use it to make simple sandwiches with your favorite meats and cheeses. It’s also perfect for toast, served with butter and jam, or even as the base for French toast. Get creative with your favorite toppings!
How to Store Classic White Sandwich Bread
To store your bread, make sure it’s completely cooled. Place the loaves in a plastic bag or an airtight container. Store at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, you can freeze the bread. Just slice it beforehand, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil, and place it in a freezer bag. It can last in the freezer for up to three months.
Tips to Make Classic White Sandwich Bread
- Use Fresh Yeast: Make sure your yeast is fresh for the best rise. If it doesn’t foam when mixed with water, it may not be active.
- Knead Well: Kneading develops gluten, which helps give the bread its structure. Don’t skip this step!
- Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the baking time. Overbaking can make the bread dry.
Variation
You can easily customize this bread by adding herbs, seeds, or even whole wheat flour for a healthier option. Try mixing in different flavors to suit your taste!
FAQs
Q: Can I use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour?
A: Yes, but bread flour will give you a slightly better texture due to its higher protein content.
Q: Can I make this bread without a stand mixer?
A: Absolutely! You can mix and knead the dough by hand. It may take a bit longer, but it will work just fine.
Q: How do I know when the bread is baked?
A: The bread is done when it has a golden-brown color and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. Also, check the internal temperature; it should reach 190°F.
Classic White Sandwich Bread
Ingredients
For the dough
- 3 cups warm water (85-98°F)
- 2 Tbsp dry active yeast Make sure the yeast is fresh for the best rise.
- ⅓ cup instant mashed potatoes
- 3 cups bread flour
- ⅓ cup sunflower oil
- 1 Tbsp salt
- ¼ cup organic cane sugar
- 1 large egg
- 4 ¾ cups bread flour Used after the sponge has risen.
Instructions
Preparation
- In the bowl of a stand mixer, whisk together 3 cups of warm water, 2 Tbsp yeast, 1/3 cup instant mashed potato flakes, and 3 cups bread flour to make the sponge. Cover and let it sit for 20 minutes.
- After 20 minutes, stir in 1/3 cup sunflower oil, 1 Tbsp salt, 1/4 cup sugar, and 1 egg until well combined.
- Add 4 3/4 cups bread flour and knead for 9 minutes at low speed. The dough will be tacky.
- Gather the dough into a ball, lightly oil the bowl and the top of the dough, cover, and let it rise for 35 minutes.
- Transfer the dough onto a pastry mat and divide into 3 equal pieces. Flatten each piece into a rectangle and roll it up jelly-roll style.
- Place the dough into lightly greased bread pans or on parchment paper. Prick the dough with a fork to remove air bubbles.
- Allow the bread to rise for 20-25 minutes. Preheat the oven to 350°F about 5 minutes before baking.
Baking
- Bake the loaves for 25-30 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 190°F.
- Butter the tops as soon as the loaves are removed from the oven. Cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then cool completely on a wire rack before slicing or storing.
