Looking for a simple and delicious white sandwich bread recipe? Look no further! This recipe is perfect for anyone who loves the taste of homemade bread but doesn’t have a lot of time to spend in the kitchen. Made with just a few basic ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, this white sandwich bread is soft, fluffy, and perfect for all your favorite sandwich creations. Whether you’re packing a lunch for work or just want a tasty snack, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite in no time.
The Best Bake Bread Machine White Sandwich Bread
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cups to 1 1/2 cups lukewarm water 100 degrees F 285 to 340 grams
- 3 sugar 32 grams
- 2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast 7 grams
- 1 3/4 teaspoons salt 11 grams
- 2 tablespoons butter, softened 28 grams
- 4 cups unbleached bread flour 480 grams
- 1/3 cup Baker's Special Dry Milk or nonfat dry milk 37 grams
Instructions
- Prepare your ingredients. Make sure you weigh your flour. If you are measuring your flour ensure it’s not packed down.
- Add the ingredients to your bread machine pan as directed by the machine’s manufacture. Typically, the water, salt, butter, and sugar go in first topped by the flour, dry milk, and yeast.
- Put the pan in the in the machine on the dough cycle.
- Prepare a 9” x 5” loaf pan by greasing the inside with butter.
- Gently drop the dough on a lightly floured surface, remove the paddle, and shape it into a loaf then size of your pan.
- Place it into the greased loaf pan and brush the top with melted butter.
- Cover the pan with greased plastic wrap and let the dough rise for 60 to 90 minutes or until it’s peaked over the rim of the pan.
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
- Bake the bread for 30 to 35 minutes, or until it reaches a temperature of 200 degrees F.
- When finished, cool the bread on a wire wrack for at least 25 minutes until cutting into the bread. Enjoy!
Notes
- Use the right type of flour: For best results, use high-quality all-purpose flour or bread flour when making white bread. These flours have a higher protein content than regular flour, which helps to create a stronger gluten network and give the bread structure and elasticity.
- Use lukewarm water: The water you use for your dough should be lukewarm (around 110-115°F) to activate the yeast and help the dough rise. Water that’s too hot can kill the yeast, while water that’s too cold may not activate the yeast enough.
- Knead the dough well: Kneading the dough helps to develop the gluten, which is what gives the bread its structure and texture. It also helps to distribute the yeast and other ingredients evenly throughout the dough.
- Let the dough rise properly: Proper rising time is important for a fluffy, light texture in the bread. The dough should double in size during the first rise and again during the second rise.
- Use a thermometer to check doneness: To ensure that the bread is fully cooked, use a thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the bread has reached 190-200°F.
- Cool the bread properly: After baking, let the bread cool on a wire rack before slicing it. Cutting into the bread too soon can make it dense and gummy.
- Cool the bread completely: Allow the bread to cool completely before storing it. If you store it while it’s still warm, it can create excess moisture and lead to a gummy texture.
- Wrap the bread: Wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This will help to keep it fresh and prevent it from drying out. You can also use a bread bag or a reusable bread wrap.
- Store at room temperature: Store the bread at room temperature in a cool, dry place. Avoid storing it in direct sunlight or near a heat source, as this can cause it to dry out or mold.
- Freeze for long-term storage: If you won’t be consuming the bread within a few days, you can freeze it for longer-term storage. Wrap it in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place it in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to eat it, let it thaw at room temperature for a few hours.
- History
- Pairing Recommendations
- Nutritional Benefits
- Nutritional Breakdown
- Fun Facts
- Variations
- Humor
Jump To:
History:
White bread has a long and interesting history that dates back to ancient civilizations. In ancient Egypt, bread was often made with white flour and was considered a luxury item that only the wealthy could afford. The Romans also enjoyed white bread, which they made by removing the bran and germ from the wheat and grinding the remaining endosperm into a fine flour.
During the Middle Ages, bread continued to be an important staple food for Europeans, but the quality of bread varied widely depending on the availability of wheat and other grains. It wasn’t until the 1800s that advances in technology, such as the roller mill and commercial yeast, made it possible to produce large quantities of affordable, high-quality white bread.
By the early 20th century, white bread had become the standard in many Western countries, and it was often marketed as a symbol of modernity, hygiene, and progress. However, in recent years, there has been a growing movement towards more whole-grain and artisanal breads, as many people have become concerned about the health and nutritional benefits of consuming highly processed white bread, make your own for a healthy choice!
Pairing Recommendations:
White sandwich bread is a versatile type of bread that can be paired with a variety of different foods to create delicious meals and snacks. Here are a few pairing recommendations for white sandwich bread:
- Peanut butter and jelly: This classic combination is a staple of many childhood lunches and is still a tasty and satisfying snack for people of all ages.
- Turkey and avocado: The mild flavor of white bread complements the rich, creamy taste of avocado and the savory flavor of turkey.
- BLT: White bread is a great choice for a classic BLT sandwich, which combines crispy bacon, juicy tomatoes, and fresh lettuce.
- Tuna salad: White bread pairs well with tuna salad, which can be made with canned tuna, mayonnaise, and other seasonings for a delicious and protein-packed sandwich.
- Grilled cheese: White bread is the perfect choice for a grilled cheese sandwich, which can be made with a variety of cheeses for a gooey, melty treat.
- Ham and cheese: White bread is a great base for a ham and cheese sandwich, which can be dressed up with lettuce, tomato, and other toppings.
- Egg salad: White bread pairs well with egg salad, which is made with hard-boiled eggs, mayonnaise, and other seasonings for a creamy and satisfying sandwich.
Nutritional Benefits:
The nutritional benefits of this bread recipe will depend on the specific ingredients used, but in general, homemade white bread can provide several important nutrients. Here are some of the potential nutritional benefits of this bread recipe:
- Carbohydrates: White bread is a good source of carbohydrates, which provide energy for the body. Carbohydrates are an important part of a healthy diet, especially for people who engage in regular physical activity.
- Protein: This bread recipe contains milk, which is a good source of protein. Protein is essential for building and repairing tissues in the body, and can also help to keep you feeling full and satisfied.
- Fiber: Depending on the specific type of flour used, this bread recipe may also contain fiber. Fiber is important for maintaining digestive health and can help to lower cholesterol levels.
- Vitamins and minerals: Milk, flour, and butter are all good sources of vitamins and minerals, including calcium, vitamin D, vitamin B12, and iron. These nutrients are essential for maintaining strong bones, supporting the immune system, and carrying oxygen throughout the body.
It’s important to note that homemade bread should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet, as it can be high in calories and carbohydrates.
Nutritional Breakdown:
Here’s the approximate nutritional breakdown for the ingredients in this white sandwich bread recipe, based on using 1 1/4 cups (284g) of lukewarm water:
- Calories: 2220
- Fat: 29g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Cholesterol: 77mg
- Sodium: 3212mg
- Carbohydrates: 414g
- Fiber: 10g
- Sugar: 59g
- Protein: 70g
It’s important to note that this is an estimate and the nutritional content may vary depending on the specific brands and measurements used. Additionally, when making sandwiches or other dishes with this bread, the overall nutritional content will depend on the other ingredients used.
Fun Facts:
- White bread was once considered a luxury item because it was made with refined flour, which was expensive and time-consuming to produce. This meant that only the wealthy could afford to eat white bread on a regular basis.
- In the 1920s, sliced white bread became a popular convenience food in the United States. The invention of the automatic bread-slicing machine made it possible to produce large quantities of uniformly sliced bread, which revolutionized the bread industry.
- White bread was once thought to be healthier than whole wheat bread because it was easier to digest. However, modern research has shown that whole grain breads are generally more nutritious and offer more health benefits than white bread.
- During World War II, the US government imposed strict regulations on the production of white bread in order to conserve resources for the war effort. These regulations included restrictions on the use of sugar, milk, and other ingredients that were considered non-essential.
- White bread is a popular food in many cultures around the world, and is often used to make traditional dishes like French toast, bread pudding, and panzanella (an Italian bread salad).
- White bread has been the subject of controversy in recent years due to concerns about the health risks associated with consuming large amounts of processed foods. Some nutritionists recommend choosing whole grain breads or other types of breads made with whole, unrefined grains as a healthier alternative to white bread.
Variations:
There are many variations on this recipe for white sandwich bread that you can try to add variety to your baking. Here are a few ideas:
- Whole wheat white bread: Replace some or all of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour to add more fiber and nutrients to the bread.
- Honey oat bread: Add some rolled oats and honey to the dough for a sweet and slightly chewy texture.
- Garlic bread: Mix in some minced garlic and herbs like rosemary or thyme to the dough for a savory, aromatic bread that’s perfect for serving with pasta or soup.
- Cheese bread: Add shredded cheese to the dough for a cheesy, savory bread that’s perfect for sandwiches or toasting.
- Cinnamon raisin bread: Mix in some cinnamon and raisins to the dough for a sweet, fruity bread that’s perfect for breakfast or snacking.
- Seeded bread: Add some sesame, poppy, or sunflower seeds to the dough for a crunchy, nutty bread that’s perfect for sandwiches or toasting.
These are just a few ideas, but feel free to experiment with different flavors and ingredients to create your own unique variations on this classic bread recipe.
Humor:
Why did the loaf of bread break up with his girlfriend?
She was too kneady!
“All sorrows are less with bread.”
– Miguel de Cervantes