Thrifty Homemade Sandwich Bread Recipe

Introduction

This thrifty homemade sandwich bread is simple to make and perfect for everyday use. With just a few basic ingredients, you can enjoy fresh, soft bread that’s ideal for sandwiches or toast.

Ingredients

• 1 cup hot water
• 2 Tbsp sugar
• 2-3/4 tsp yeast (1 packet + 1/2 tsp)
• 3 cups all-purpose flour OR bread flour
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1-1/2 tsp salt

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a bowl, mix the hot water (hot from the tap, not scalding), sugar, and yeast. Stir and let sit for about 10 minutes until the yeast blooms and becomes frothy.
2. Step 2: Pour the yeast mixture into a stand mixer. Add the vegetable oil, salt, and flour one cup at a time, using the dough hook attachment. If you don’t have a stand mixer, combine ingredients with a hand mixer and then knead by hand.
3. Step 3: Mix until the dough clings to the hook and doesn’t stick to the bowl. Continue mixing for another 3-4 minutes once a non-sticky dough forms.
4. Step 4: Remove the dough from the hook, shape it into a ball, place it in a bowl, and cover with a light kitchen towel. Let it rise in a draft-free place for about 1.5 hours until it doubles in size.
5. Step 5: Punch down the dough, shape it into an oval loaf and tuck the seams underneath.
6. Step 6: Place the shaped dough into a greased loaf pan. Cover loosely with plastic wrap, spraying the wrap with cooking oil if you want to prevent sticking.
7. Step 7: Let the dough rise a second time for about one hour until it nearly doubles again.
8. Step 8: Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for approximately 25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches about 190°F (88°C) with an instant-read thermometer.

Tips & Variations

• Use bread flour for a chewier texture, or all-purpose flour for a softer loaf.
• To speed up rising, proof the dough in a warm spot or use a yogurt setting on a multipurpose cooker like an Instant Pot.
• Add herbs or garlic powder to the dough for extra flavor.
• Spraying plastic wrap with oil prevents the dough from sticking during the second rise.

Storage

Store the bread in an airtight container or wrapped in plastic at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the sliced bread in a sealed bag for up to 3 months. Reheat slices in a toaster or oven for best results.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?

Yes, you can use active dry yeast. Just make sure to dissolve it in warm water before using, as this helps activate it properly.

What if my bread didn’t rise as expected?

Make sure your water is warm but not too hot, as excessive heat can kill the yeast. Also, allow enough time in a draft-free warm spot for the dough to rise fully. Using fresh yeast helps ensure good fermentation.

Thrifty Homemade Sandwich Bread Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 112 reviews

• Author: Lana
• Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 1 loaf 1x

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Description

This thrifty homemade sandwich bread recipe delivers a soft, fluffy loaf perfect for everyday sandwiches and toast. Utilizing simple pantry staples and an easy yeast-activation process, this bread is accessible for bakers of all levels. The dough is mixed using a stand mixer or by hand, allowed to rise twice for optimal texture, and baked to a golden crust with a tender crumb inside.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dry Ingredients

• 2–3/4 tsp yeast (1 packet + 1/2 tsp)
• 3 cups all-purpose flour OR bread flour
• 1–1/2 tsp salt
• 2 Tbsp sugar

Wet Ingredients

• 1 cup hot water (not scalding, but hot from the tap)
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil

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Instructions

1. Activate the Yeast: Mix together the hot water, sugar, and yeast in a bowl and stir well. Let the mixture sit for about 10 minutes, allowing the yeast to bloom and become foamy, indicating it’s active and ready to use.
2. Combine Ingredients: Pour the bloomed yeast mixture into a stand mixer bowl. Add the vegetable oil, salt, and flour one cup at a time while mixing with the dough hook attachment. Alternatively, use a hand mixer to combine before kneading by hand.
3. Knead the Dough: Continue mixing for a few minutes until the dough clings to the dough hook and no longer sticks to the sides of the bowl. Then mix for an additional 3-4 minutes to develop the gluten and texture.
4. First Rise: Remove the dough from the mixer and shape into a ball. Place it in a lightly oiled bowl and cover with a light kitchen towel. Let the dough rise in a draft-free area for about 1.5 hours or until it doubles in size. Alternatively, use a warm environment like the yogurt setting on an Instant Pot to reduce rising time.
5. Shape the Loaf: Punch down the risen dough to release air bubbles. Shape it into an oval loaf and tuck the seams underneath to create a smooth surface.
6. Prepare for Second Rise: Grease a loaf pan and place the shaped dough inside. Loosely cover the dough with oiled plastic wrap to prevent sticking and let it rise again until nearly doubled, about one hour.
7. Bake the Bread: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the loaf in the pan for approximately 25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 190°F using an instant-read thermometer and the crust is golden brown.
8. Cool and Serve: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy your homemade sandwich bread.

Notes

• Use warm tap water for yeast activation; water that’s too hot can kill the yeast.
• You can substitute bread flour for all-purpose flour for a chewier texture.
• Using the yogurt setting on an Instant Pot can speed up dough rising time.
• Greasing plastic wrap prevents dough from sticking during the second rise.
• Make sure to check the internal temperature with a thermometer to avoid under or overbaking.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Bread
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: homemade bread, sandwich bread, yeast bread, easy bread recipe, baking bread, thrifty recipes