Description
This soft, fluffy sandwich bread is perfect for making everything from PB&J to gourmet sandwiches. With a simple mix of basic ingredients, it yields a tender and airy loaf that’s perfect for everyday use.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups warm water (85-90°F / 440g)
- ½ cup granulated sugar (100g)
- 1½ tablespoons dry active yeast (16g)
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted (56g)
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt (20g)
- 6 cups unbleached all-purpose flour (875g)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the warm water and sugar. Stir until the sugar is dissolved, then add the dry active yeast. Let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes, or until the yeast becomes foamy.
- Add the melted butter and kosher salt to the yeast mixture. Stir to combine.
- Gradually add the flour, 1 cup at a time, stirring after each addition. Once the dough begins to come together, turn it out onto a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- Form the dough into a ball and place it in a greased bowl. Cover with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Shape the dough into a loaf and place it in the prepared pan.
- Cover the pan and let the dough rise for an additional 30-60 minutes, or until it has risen slightly above the top of the pan.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top of the loaf is golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then remove it from the pan and let it cool completely on a wire rack before slicing.
Notes
- You can substitute the unsalted butter with vegetable oil for a dairy-free version.
- For added flavor, you can brush the top of the loaf with melted butter right after baking.
- Ensure the water is not too hot, as water over 100°F can kill the yeast.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American