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Soft Homemade White Bread (Sandwich Loaf)

Soft Homemade White Bread (Sandwich Loaf)

A soft, airy homemade loaf made with milk and butter. Perfect for sandwiches and toast.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 38 minutes
Total Time 3 hours 28 minutes
Servings: 1 loaf
Course: Breads & Rolls
Cuisine: Israeli

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup + 1 tablespoon (265 ml) warm water
  • Scant ⅓ cup (65 ml) warm milk
  • 2½ teaspoons (8 g) instant yeast
  • 2¼ tablespoons (28 g) sugar
  • 4½ tablespoons (63 g) softened butter
  • 1⅔ teaspoons salt
  • 3⅔ cups (460–470 g) bread flour

Method
 

  1. In a bowl, mix the water, milk, yeast, and sugar. Cover and set aside for about 5 minutes, until the mixture starts to foam.
  2. Add the butter, salt, and 1 cup of the flour. Mix on low speed for about 30 seconds.
  3. Scrape down the sides of the bowl and add another cup of flour. Keep mixing until it's absorbed.
  4. Add the rest of the flour and knead for 5–8 minutes, until the dough is elastic and not sticky. If it's too sticky, add a little more flour, gradually.
  5. Transfer to a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1–2 hours, until doubled in size.
  6. Grease a 10 x 5-inch (25 x 12.5 cm) loaf pan. Roll the dough into a rectangle about 8½ x 16 inches (22 x 41 cm).
  7. Roll it up into a log about 8½ inches (22 cm) long and place it in the pan.
  8. Cover and let rise for about 1 hour more, until the dough rises about 1 inch (2.5 cm) above the rim of the pan.
  9. Bake in an oven preheated to 350°F (177°C) for 35–38 minutes, until the loaf is golden and sounds hollow when you tap the bottom.
  10. Let cool completely before slicing.

Notes

Tips for the softest loaf
  • Make sure the yeast mixture foams in step 1. If it doesn't, the yeast may be old.
  • Add flour gradually at the end. The dough should be elastic and not sticky, but not dry.
  • Don't slice while warm. Cooling completely lets the crumb set.
Substitutions
  • Bread flour → all-purpose flour (same amount; slightly softer, less chewy crumb).
  • Instant yeast → active dry yeast (same amount; give it the full foaming time in step 1).