There’s nothing quite like a slice of homemade sandwich bread—warm, fluffy, and perfectly golden on the outside. This Simply Sandwich Bread is soft enough for your favorite PB&J, sturdy enough to hold layers of deli meat and veggies, and versatile enough to toast beautifully for your morning avocado spread.

This loaf bakes up with a tender crumb and light crust, making it an ideal everyday bread. Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned bread maker, this recipe is simple, rewarding, and fills your kitchen with that unmistakable fresh-baked bread aroma.
What Kind of Flour Should I Use?
For the best texture and structure, use bread flour. Its higher protein content helps develop more gluten, giving the loaf that satisfying chew and perfect slice. However, all-purpose flour works in a pinch, just note the bread may turn out slightly softer.
Ingredients for the Simply Sandwich Bread
- Bread Flour: Essential for a chewy yet soft texture and good rise.
- Warm Water: Activates the yeast and hydrates the flour.
- Active Dry Yeast: The leavening agent that gives the bread its airy lift.
- Granulated Sugar: Feeds the yeast and lends a hint of sweetness.
- Salt: Enhances flavor and controls yeast activity.
- Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and tender crumb.
How To Make the Simply Sandwich Bread
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
In a mixing bowl, combine warm water and sugar. Stir until the sugar dissolves, then sprinkle the active dry yeast over the top. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
Step 2: Mix and Knead the Dough
Add flour, salt, and softened butter to the yeast mixture. Mix until a shaggy dough forms. Knead by hand or with a dough hook for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Step 3: First Rise
Place the dough in a greased bowl and cover with a towel or plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
Step 4: Shape and Second Rise
Punch down the dough and shape it into a tight log. Place it into a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan. Cover again and let rise for another 30-45 minutes, until it crowns just above the edge of the pan.
Step 5: Bake the Bread
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped.
Step 6: Cool and Slice
Remove from the pan and let cool on a wire rack completely before slicing. This helps lock in moisture and makes cleaner cuts.

How to Store and Serve This Soft Sandwich Bread
Store your cooled loaf in an airtight container or bread bag at room temperature for up to 4 days. For longer storage, slice and freeze individual pieces—perfect for toasting directly from frozen.
Serve it fresh with butter, toasted with jam, or as the base for your favorite sandwiches. It holds up beautifully to spreads and fillings without falling apart.
What to Serve With Simply Sandwich Bread?
Classic BLT
Layer bacon, lettuce, and tomato with a swipe of mayo between two slices.
Grilled Cheese
Perfectly golden and melty with sharp cheddar or gouda.
Tuna Salad Sandwich
Creamy and tangy, this old-school favorite shines on this bread.
Breakfast Toast
Top with avocado, eggs, or a drizzle of honey.
French Toast
Dips and soaks well without becoming soggy.
Garlic Bread Slices
Toast it under the broiler with butter, garlic, and herbs.
Chicken Salad Stack
Elevate lunch with a herby, crunchy chicken salad.
Want More Bread Ideas?
If you love this simple loaf, you might enjoy experimenting with more comforting and versatile bakes:
- Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese to pair with a side of toasted bread.
- Scalloped Potatoes as a rich, hearty dinner with bread for mopping up sauce.
- Streusel Coffee Cake for your next brunch board.
- Nutella French Toast Casserole made even better with homemade slices.
- Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites for sweet morning cravings.
Save This Pin For Later
📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest board so you can always come back to it.
Let me know how your loaf turned out! Did you swap flours or add a seed topping? Any questions about rising times or freezing? Drop a comment and let’s chat about bread.
Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks and everyday comfort bakes on ChefAlchemy’s Pinterest—your new go-to for homemade inspiration!
Simply Sandwich Bread
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Ready to level up your homemade baking game? This Simply Sandwich Bread is the ultimate beginner-friendly loaf. It’s soft, fluffy, and incredibly versatile—perfect for everything from grilled cheese and French toast to deli sandwiches and buttery toast. With just a few pantry ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll get a golden-crusted, cloud-soft interior that beats store-bought every time. Ideal for quick breakfast, lunchbox meal prep, or cozy dinner ideas—this easy recipe is a staple in every kitchen.
Ingredients
1 cup warm water
2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
2 1/2 cups bread flour
1 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
Instructions
1. In a mixing bowl, combine warm water and sugar. Stir until dissolved, then sprinkle yeast on top. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
2. Add flour, salt, and softened butter. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
3. Knead the dough for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 to 1.5 hours until doubled in size.
5. Punch down dough and shape into a log. Place into a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan.
6. Cover and let rise for another 30–45 minutes, until slightly above pan edge.
7. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for 30–35 minutes until golden and sounds hollow when tapped.
8. Remove from pan and cool on a wire rack before slicing.
Notes
Bread flour gives the best structure, but you can use all-purpose flour in a pinch.
Make sure the water is warm—not hot—to avoid killing the yeast.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 190mg
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 8mg
Keywords: easy recipe, sandwich bread, quick breakfast, baking ideas, homemade bread
