Why You’ll Love Thrifty Homemade Sandwich Bread Recipe
I love this recipe because it’s inexpensive, dependable, and incredibly versatile. I don’t need any fancy equipment, and the dough is forgiving even if I’m new to bread baking. The loaf turns out soft but sturdy enough for slicing, and it stays fresh longer than most homemade breads I’ve tried.
Ingredients
(Note: All ingredient amounts are listed in the recipe card below.)
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
Directions
I start by mixing the hot water, sugar, and yeast together in a bowl, stirring gently and letting it sit for about 10 minutes until the yeast blooms. Once it’s foamy, I pour the mixture into my stand mixer and add the vegetable oil and salt. I gradually mix in the flour, one cup at a time, using the dough hook.
I continue mixing until the dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl and clings to the hook. After it stops sticking, I let it mix for another few minutes to develop structure. I then remove the dough, shape it into a ball, and place it in a bowl covered with a light kitchen towel. I let it rise in a draft-free spot until doubled in size, which usually takes about an hour and a half.
After the first rise, I punch the dough down, shape it into an oval loaf, and tuck the seams underneath. I place it into a greased loaf pan, cover it loosely, and let it rise again until nearly doubled. Once risen, I bake the loaf at 350 degrees until it’s golden and cooked through.
Servings and Timing
This recipe makes one loaf that yields about 16 slices. I plan for roughly 2 hours and 45 minutes of prep time, including rising, with a cook time of 25 minutes. From start to finish, the total time is approximately 3 hours and 10 minutes.
Variations
I sometimes substitute bread flour when I want a slightly chewier texture. If I want a touch of sweetness, I increase the sugar slightly. For a heartier loaf, I replace up to one cup of the flour with whole wheat flour, adding a tablespoon of extra water if needed.
Storage/Reheating
I store the cooled bread in an airtight bag at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, I slice the loaf and freeze it. When reheating, I toast individual slices or warm the loaf briefly in the oven to refresh the texture.
FAQs
Can I make this bread without a stand mixer?
I can mix everything by hand or with a hand mixer, then knead the dough manually until it’s smooth and elastic.
How do I know when the yeast is active?
I look for a foamy or bubbly surface after about 10 minutes, which tells me the yeast has bloomed properly.
Can I use instant yeast instead?
I can use instant yeast, but I still like to dissolve it in the warm water to ensure even mixing.
What if my dough feels too sticky?
I add flour one tablespoon at a time until the dough pulls away from the bowl and is easy to handle.
How do I tell when the bread is fully baked?
I check that the top is golden and the internal temperature is around 190 degrees when tested.
Can I reduce the rising time?
I sometimes proof the dough in a warm environment to speed things up, but I avoid rushing it too much.
Does this bread work for sandwiches?
I use it regularly for sandwiches because it slices cleanly and holds fillings well.
Can I double the recipe?
I double the ingredients easily, but I bake the loaves separately for even cooking.
Why did my bread turn out dense?
I usually find dense bread means the dough didn’t rise long enough or had too much flour.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
I already consider this recipe dairy-free since it uses oil instead of butter or milk.
Conclusion
I rely on this thrifty homemade sandwich bread whenever I want a dependable, soft loaf made from simple ingredients. It’s easy to prepare, stores well, and adapts to different variations, making it a staple recipe I come back to again and again.
A soft, budget-friendly homemade sandwich bread made with simple pantry staples. This reliable loaf has a tender crumb and mild flavor, perfect for sandwiches, toast, or enjoying warm with butter.
