🥖 Fluffy Homemade Sandwich Bread Recipe
No fancy mixer. No kneading. Just delicious, soft sandwich bread that anyone can make at home.
✨ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There’s something deeply satisfying about baking your own bread. It feels old-fashioned in the best way. The aroma of warm bread filling your kitchen is enough to stop time. And when you slice into that fluffy, golden loaf—you’ll understand why more people are turning to simple, homemade staples.
This sandwich bread recipe is beginner-friendly, requires no kneading, and uses basic pantry ingredients. It’s light, soft, and perfect for sandwiches, toast, or buttered with your morning coffee.
If you’ve ever been intimidated by baking bread—this is the recipe to change that.
🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need
- 3 ½ cups (440g) all-purpose flour
(Unbleached is ideal. You can substitute with bread flour for a chewier texture.) - 1 ½ cups (360ml) warm water
(About 110°F or 43°C—warm to the touch but not hot.) - 2 teaspoons sugar
(Feeds the yeast and enhances the flavor.) - 1 ½ teaspoons salt
(Balances flavor and strengthens the dough.) - 2 ¼ teaspoons instant yeast
(This is one standard packet.)
🔄 Optional Add-ins:
Add 1 tbsp olive oil or melted butter for a richer loaf. Or toss in herbs like rosemary or thyme for extra flavor.
🥣 Step-by-Step Instructions
1️⃣ Activate the Yeast
In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and instant yeast. Stir and let it sit for 5–10 minutes, until the mixture becomes foamy and bubbly on top. This is how you know your yeast is alive and ready to work.
💡 Tip: If there’s no foam, the yeast might be expired. Try again with a fresh packet.
2️⃣ Mix the Dough
Add the flour and salt to the yeast mixture. Stir with a wooden spoon or silicone spatula until a sticky dough forms. Don’t worry if it looks a little messy—this is normal for a no-knead dough.
The texture should be shaggy, soft, and a bit sticky to the touch.
🧂 Optional: Add a drizzle of olive oil for extra softness and flavor.
3️⃣ First Rise – Let it Rest
Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. Let the dough rest at room temperature for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
🌡️ Ideal rising temperature: 75–80°F (24–27°C). If your kitchen is cool, place the bowl in a turned-off oven with the light on.
4️⃣ Prepare the Loaf Pan
Grease a standard loaf pan (8×4 or 9×5 inch) with a bit of oil, butter, or non-stick spray. This prevents sticking and ensures a beautiful release.
After the first rise, transfer the dough into the loaf pan. Use a spatula or oiled fingers to gently press and smooth the top.
5️⃣ Second Rise – Let it Puff Up
Let the shaped dough rise again for 30 minutes, uncovered. It should puff up near the rim of the pan. This second rise gives the bread a light, airy texture.
⏳ Be patient. This step creates the soft, fluffy bread you want!
6️⃣ Bake It!
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the loaf in the center rack and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped.
You can also insert a thermometer—the internal temperature should reach 190°F (88°C).
7️⃣ Cool & Slice
Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. (Yes, it’s hard to wait—but it’s worth it!)
🧈 Optional Finishes
- Brush the top with melted butter after baking for a soft crust and glossy finish.
- Sprinkle with sesame or poppy seeds before baking for a bakery-style look.
🥪 Serving Ideas
This bread is incredibly versatile. Here are just a few ways to use it:
- Breakfast Toast: Top with avocado, peanut butter, or fruit preserves.
- Grilled Cheese: Melts beautifully and crisps up perfectly.
- Sandwiches: Turkey, ham, BLT, tuna—anything goes.
- French Toast: Soaks up eggs like a dream.
🧊 Storage Tips
- Room Temperature: Store in a bread bag or airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Slice the loaf, wrap slices individually in plastic, and freeze. Toast straight from frozen!
❄️ Homemade bread has no preservatives, so it won’t last as long as store-bought—that’s a good thing!
🙋 FAQs
Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?
Yes! Just dissolve it in the warm water with sugar and let it sit until foamy (same as in step 1).
Can I knead the dough if I want to?
Sure! If you like a more structured crumb, knead it by hand or in a stand mixer for 5–7 minutes before the first rise.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, just divide the dough into two loaf pans. Watch the rise and bake time.
💬 Final Thoughts
Once you make your own sandwich bread, it’s hard to go back. You’ll find this recipe easy, forgiving, and incredibly rewarding. Whether you’re making PB&J for your kids, a hearty breakfast sandwich, or just craving warm bread with soup—this loaf will become a staple in your home.
No knead. No stress. Just soft, homemade bread every time. 🍞