Ingredients
• 3 cups (375g) bread flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon (12g) granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon (8g) active dry yeast
• 1 1/4 cups (295ml) warm water (110-115°F/43-46°C)
• 2 tablespoons (28g) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
Instructions
- Proof the Yeast: In a large bowl, combine the warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy and activated.
- Mix the Dough: Add the bread flour and salt to the yeast mixture. Using a wooden spoon or your hands, mix until a shaggy dough forms. Then, knead the dough for about 5 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a damp towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Shape the Loaf: Punch down the dough to release any air bubbles. On a lightly floured surface, use your hands to gently shape the dough into a rectangle. Fold the short sides into the center, then roll the dough up tightly from the long side, pinching the seam to seal.
- Second Rise: Place the dough seam-side down in a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan. Cover and let rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until the dough has nearly reached the top of the pan.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush the top of the dough with the melted butter. Bake for 30-35 minutes, until the crust is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 195-205°F (91-96°C).
- Cool and Slice: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, transfer the loaf to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing into delicious, fluffy slices.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Rise time: 1.5-2 hours
- Cook Time: Bake time: 30-35 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Cuisine: Americans
Keywords: Easy Sandwich Bread Recipe for Flawless Homemade Loaves