Introduction

This soft and fluffy sandwich bread is perfect for homemade sandwiches or simply enjoying with butter. With a tender crumb and light texture, it makes for a delicious and comforting bread that’s easy to bake at home.

Soft and Fluffy Sandwich Bread Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

2 1/4 tsp yeast
2 tbsp honey (or sugar)
1/4 cup water (warmed)
1 1/2 tsp salt
5 tbsp butter
1 egg
6 cups flour
2 cups milk

Instructions

Step 1: Combine the warmed water with yeast and honey or sugar in a small bowl. Set aside until the mixture is foamy. If it does not foam, your yeast is not active and you should start again with fresh yeast.
Step 2: In a large bowl, mix together the yeast mixture, milk, butter, egg, salt, and 5 cups of flour. Stir until combined, then gradually add the remaining flour until the dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl.
Step 3: Knead the dough on a floured surface for 7-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Shape the dough into a ball, place it back in the bowl, cover, and let it rise for about one hour or until doubled in size.
Step 4: Punch down the risen dough and divide it into two equal portions. Flatten each portion into a rectangle, then roll each into a log shape. Place the logs into greased loaf pans and let them rise for another hour.
Step 5: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the loaves for 35-40 minutes until golden brown. If desired, brush the tops with a little more butter right after baking for extra flavor and sheen.

Tips & Variations

Use whole milk for a richer dough or substitute with plant-based milk for a dairy-free version.
For a slightly sweeter bread, increase the honey or sugar to 3 tablespoons.
Make sure your yeast is fresh and the water is warm but not hot to ensure proper activation.
Add herbs like rosemary or garlic powder to the dough for a flavored sandwich bread.

Storage

Store the bread in an airtight container or plastic bag at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw at room temperature and warm in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5-10 minutes to refresh the texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

What if my yeast doesn’t foam?

If your yeast doesn’t foam after mixing with warm water and honey/sugar, it means the yeast is inactive and won’t help your bread rise. Start over with fresh yeast and make sure the water is warm but not hot, around 100-110°F (37-43°C).

Can I make this bread without an egg?

Yes, you can omit the egg to make this bread egg-free. It may slightly affect the texture, making it a bit less rich, but the bread will still come out soft and fluffy.

Soft and Fluffy Sandwich Bread Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 87 reviews

This Soft and Fluffy Sandwich Bread recipe delivers a tender, airy loaf perfect for sandwiches or toast. Made with simple ingredients like yeast, honey, butter, milk, and flour, this homemade bread has a slightly sweet flavor and soft crumb. The dough is kneaded, allowed to rise twice, then baked to golden perfection. Ideal for home bakers looking to create fresh bread with a comforting texture and classic taste.

Author: Bella
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 55 minutes
Yield: 2 loaves (8-10 slices per loaf) 1x
Category: Bread
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Yeast Mixture

2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
2 tbsp honey (or sugar)
1/4 cup water (warmed)

Main Dough

2 cups milk
5 tbsp butter
1 large egg
1 1/2 tsp salt
6 cups all-purpose flour (divided: 5 cups plus extra for kneading)

Instructions

Activate the yeast: Combine the warmed 1/4 cup water with the yeast and honey (or sugar). Let the mixture sit until it becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active. If it does not foam, the yeast is inactive and should not be used.
Mix dough ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the foamy yeast mixture, milk, melted butter, egg, salt, and 5 cups of flour. Stir the ingredients together, gradually adding additional flour as needed until the dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl.
Knead the dough: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead it for 7-10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. Shape the dough into a ball.
First rise: Place the dough ball into a greased bowl, cover it with a clean cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Shape the loaves: Punch down the risen dough and place it on a counter. Divide it into two equal portions. Flatten each portion into a rectangle, then roll them into logs. Place each log into a greased loaf pan.
Second rise: Cover the loaf pans and let the dough rise again for about 1 hour, until the dough doubles in size and reaches the top of the pan.
Bake the bread: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the loaves for 35-40 minutes until golden brown on top and fully cooked. Optionally, brush the tops with extra butter right after baking for a soft, flavorful crust.