Soft Sandwich Bread

Ingredients

• 3½ cups all-purpose or bread flour
• 2 Tbsp sugar or honey
• 1½ tsp salt
• 2¼ tsp (1 packet) active dry or instant yeast
• 1 cup warm milk (110°F / not hot)
• 2 Tbsp butter or oil, softened
• 1 large egg (optional – makes it extra soft)

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let sit 5 minutes until foamy.
2. Add butter, salt, and egg (if using).
3. Stir in flour, 1 cup at a time, until dough forms.
4. Knead 8–10 minutes by hand (or 5 minutes with a mixer) until smooth and elastic.
5. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise 1–1½ hours until doubled.
6. Punch down, shape into a loaf, and place in a greased 9×5 loaf pan.
7. Cover and rise 30–45 minutes, until dough crowns above the pan.
8. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30–35 minutes until golden.

Tips for Perfect Sandwich Bread

• For extra softness: replace ⅓ cup of the milk with water.
• For a taller loaf: use bread flour.
• Store wrapped at room temperature up to 4 days (or freeze slices).