Introduction
To me, making bread is more of a comforting hobby than a task. Kneading the dough by hand can be both therapeutic and satisfying.
Does a soft and fluffy slice of bread with melted butter sound delicious? If so, I have the perfect simple six ingredient bread recipe for you. Whether you prefer white or whole wheat bread, this recipe can be tailored to your preference. Bread baking doesn’t have to be intimidating. This is a beginner-friendly and super simple recipe.
I serve this bread with every meal. With my large family, it can help fill the tummies of ravenous kids and stretch the soup, chili, or stew a little further. It makes fantastic sandwiches and toasts beautifully, and it is a great snack smeared with peanut butter and homemade jam.
I can’t recommend this recipe too highly.
Why Bake Your Own Bread?
There are so many reasons why I love the idea of making our bread in our own house!
Know what we eat: When I make our bread, I know exactly what I am putting in it. It is so important to me that I know exactly what I am nourishing my family with.
- Cost-Effective: Baking bread at home is much less expensive than buying it from the store. A few basic ingredients can yield multiple loaves. You can spend $15 on the ingredients to bake enough bread to feed your family for a week. That same $15 can only buy 3 loaves at the store. Did you know that North American bread is banned in Europe due to its questionable ingredients?
- Freshness: There’s nothing quite like the taste and aroma of freshly baked bread. Plus, homemade bread, properly stored, often stays fresher longer than store-bought varieties.
- Customization: You can customize your bread to your taste. Add seeds, nuts, herbs, or even dried fruits to create your unique loaf.
Satisfaction: The process of baking bread is incredibly satisfying. From the moment you mix the ingredients to the smell that fills your home as it bakes, it’s a gratifying experience.
Ingredients
- Water – water is the moisture of the bread. A liquid component at the correct temperature is crucial for yeast activation.
- Yeast – yeast is the component of the bread that causes the bread to rise and become airy and soft.
- Salt
- Honey – honey is a natural sweetener. You can replace the honey with sugar, but trust me, the honey tastes better. You need to have some sort of sugar in the bread to feed the yeast. I do not recommend using brown sugar. It will make your bread more of a sweet bread instead of a sandwich bread flavor.
- Oil – the preferred oil is olive oil. It adds a distinct taste to the bread and is a healthy fat.
- Flour– I choose to use a combination of sprouted whole wheat flour and all-purpose flour. I do not recommend using bread flour for this recipe because it will make the loaf of bread chewy.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Activate the Yeast
In a large bowl, combine the warm water, a tsp of honey, and active dry yeast. It’s crucial that the water is warm, not hot, as hot water can kill the yeast, while cold water won’t activate it. Run the tap water over your wrist. It should feel very warm but not hot. Let the yeast mixture sit for about 5 minutes. You’ll know the yeast is activated when it becomes frothy and fragrant. - Combine Ingredients
Once the yeast is activated, stir in the salt, honey, and olive oil. These ingredients not only add flavor but also contribute to the bread’s texture and moisture. - Form the Dough
Gradually add the cups of flour to the mixture, one cup at a time. Stir well after each addition. You may not need to use all the flour, or you might need a little more, depending on the humidity and the type of flour. Continue adding flour until a dough forms that is slightly sticky but pulls away from the sides of the bowl. - Knead the Dough
Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead it for about 8-10 minutes. Kneading is a satisfying process. Push your palms firmly into the dough, then pull the dough toward you firmly, folding it as you do so. Continue this process until the dough is smooth and elastic. Alternatively, place the dough into the bowl of your stand mixer. If you’re using a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment, knead for about 4-5 minutes on low speed. The dough should become smooth and elastic. Kneading is a crucial step as it develops the gluten, which gives the bread its structure. - First Rise
Place the bread dough in a well greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size. If you’re using 100% white whole wheat flour, you may need to punch it down and let it rise again. While the dough is rising, prepare three bread pans. Each bread pan should be greased thoroughly to prevent the dough from sticking. - Shape the Loaves
Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air bubbles. Divide it into three equal-sized portions. Shape each portion into a loaf shape and place them in greased loaf pans. - Second Rise
Cover the loaf pan with a kitchen towel and let the dough rise for another 30-45 minutes. The loaves should rise until the dough is just above the rim of the pans. - Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Bake the loaves for 25-30 minutes, or until they are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom. - Cool and Enjoy
Remove the loaves from the oven. Let them stand in the pans for five minutes. Brush the tops of the loaves with butter for extra yumminess and to keep the crust soft. Then, tip them out onto wire racks. Cooling the loaves on their side will prevent them from crushing.
It’s tempting to slice into that fragrant, delicious bread immediately, but letting it cool will give you cleaner slices. If you can’t resist, just be careful not to burn your fingers!
Easy Soft Sandwich Bread Recipe
Does a soft and fluffy slice of bread with melted butter sound delicious? If so, I have the perfect simple 6 ingredient bread recipe for you. Whether you prefer white or whole wheat bread, this recipe can be tailored to your preference. Bread baking doesn't have to be intimidating. This is a beginner friendly and super simple recipe.
Ingredients
- 1 quart warm water (4 cups)
- 1 Tbsp yeast
- 2 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 6-8 cups flour 1.5 sprouted whole wheat, the rest all-purpose
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until the yeast is activated and frothy.
- Combine Ingredients: Stir in salt, honey, and olive oil until well combined.
- Form Dough: Gradually add the flour, mixing well after each addition, until a dough forms. Add more if necessary.
- Knead Dough: Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic or for 4-5 minutes in a mixer with a dough attachment.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size. If using 100% whole wheat flour, punch it down and let it rise again.
- Shape Loaves: Punch down the dough to release the air bubbles, then divide it into three equal-sized loaves. Shape each portion into a loaf and place them in greased loaf pans.
- Second Rise: Cover the pans with a kitchen towel and let the dough rise for another 30-45 minutes.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Bake the loaves in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until they are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped.
- Cool and Enjoy: Remove the loaves from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack before slicing. If you can't restrain yourself, be careful not to burn your fingers! One guess as to the kind pf person I am! 😉
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
Tips for Perfect Bread
- Temperature Matters: Ensure your water is the right temperature to activate the yeast. The ideal temperature is between 105-115°F.
- Fresh Yeast: Make sure your yeast is fresh. Expired yeast can result in bread that doesn’t rise properly.
- Kneading: Proper kneading is essential for good gluten development. Your dough should be smooth and elastic.
- Rising Time: Don’t rush the rise time. Proper rising ensures your bread will be light and fluffy.
- Baking Time: Every oven is different. If the top of the dough loaves are browning too quickly, you can cover them loosely with aluminum foil for the last 10 minutes of the bake time.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use whole wheat flour for this recipe?
- Yes, you can substitute the flour with whole wheat flour. This will result in a homemade whole wheat bread.
- Can I use a stand mixer for this recipe?
- Yes, you can. Just be sure that you have a large mixer of at least 5 quarts and has a dough hook or is meant for bread dough.
- Can I bake the bread in a Dutch oven?
- Not this recipe. I would recommend using an artisan bread recipe if you want to use a Dutch oven to bake it.
Variations and Add-Ins
This recipe is incredibly versatile. Why not add some extra flavor and texture to your bread? Here are a few ideas:
- Seeds and Grains: Add a handful of sunflower seeds, sesame seeds, or flax seeds to the dough for added texture and nutrition.
- Herbs and Spices: Mix in some dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano for a savory loaf.
- Cheese: Fold in some shredded cheese for a cheesy bread that’s perfect for sandwiches.
- Sweet Add-Ins: Incorporate dried fruits like raisins, cranberries, or apricots for a touch of sweetness.
Storing and Freezing
Homemade bread doesn’t contain preservatives, so proper storage is important.
Here’s how to store it:
- At Room Temperature: The bread must be completely cool. It can then be stored in a plastic bag or a beeswax wrap. Bread stored this way will stay fresh for three days. (If it lasts that long…)
- Freezing: If you want to keep your bread longer, freeze it. Wrap the cooled loaf in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. For shorter freezer storage, a plastic freezer bag will do just fine. To thaw, leave it at room temperature or toast slices directly from the freezer.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
- Bread Doesn’t Rise: This could be due to inactive yeast, water that’s too hot or too cold, or insufficient rising time.
- Dense Bread: This might be caused by not kneading the dough enough, not allowing enough time for the dough to rise, or using too much flour.
- Dry Bread: Make sure you’re measuring your ingredients accurately. Too much flour can result in dry bread. Also, be sure to store your bread properly.
Conclusion
Baking your own bread at home is a rewarding experience that yields delicious results and will fill your home with the comforting smell of times long past. This easy soft sandwich bread recipe is perfect for beginners and seasoned bakers alike. With its simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, you’ll have fresh, homemade bread that’s perfect for any meal.
