Description
A simple and satisfying recipe for soft and fluffy sandwich bread, enhanced with honey and butter for perfect flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 ½ cups (420 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 ¼ cups (300 ml) warm water (about 110°F / 43°C)
- 2 ¼ tsp (7 g) active dry yeast
- 3 tbsp (60 ml) honey
- 3 tbsp (43 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ tsp (9 g) salt
- ½ cup (120 ml) warm milk (optional)
- 1 large egg, room temperature
Instructions
- Activate the yeast: In a medium bowl, combine the warm water, honey, and yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt until evenly combined.
- Combine wet and dry: Add the yeast mixture, softened butter, warm milk (if using), and egg to the flour. Mix with a wooden spoon or dough whisk until the dough starts to come together. It will be sticky.
- Knead the dough: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Alternatively, use a stand mixer with a dough hook on medium speed for 6-7 minutes.
- First rise: Lightly oil a large bowl and place the dough inside, turning it once to coat in oil. Cover with a kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm, draft-free spot for 1 to 1 ½ hours, or until doubled in size.
- Shape the loaf: Gently punch down the dough to release gas. Turn it onto a floured surface and shape it into a rectangle roughly 9×12 inches. Roll it tightly from the short end, pinch the seams closed, and tuck the ends under. Place the loaf seam-side down into a greased 9×5 inch loaf pan.
- Second rise: Cover the pan loosely and let the dough rise again for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, until puffed just above the pan’s rim.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the bread for 30-35 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped. If it browns too quickly, tent with foil after 20 minutes.
- Cool: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Notes
For added flavor, consider mixing in herbs, spices, or cheese. Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days or freeze for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 30mg