Easy Homemade Sandwich Bread
This simple yeast bread recipe transforms everyday ingredients into a warm, delicious sandwich loaf.
Ingredients
- 2½ tbsp active dry yeast 1 packet
- 3 cups of very warm water
- 1 tbsp sugar helps your yeast activate
- ⅔ cup honey
- 3 1/2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp salt
- 6 cups all purpose flour
- 1 cup whole wheat flour
Instructions
Activate the Yeast:
- In a bowl, combine your 3 cups of very warm water, 2½ tbsp active dry yeast, and 1 tbsp sugar. Stir the mixture well and let it sit for a few minutes until you see a frothy foam on the surface. This foam indicates that your yeast is active and ready to use. If no foam appears, discard the mixture and start over—do not move forward until you have a properly foamy liquid.
Mix the Dough:
- Once your yeast is activated, stir in ⅔ cup honey, 3 1/2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, and 1 tbsp salt until everything is well blended.
- Add 6 cups all purpose flour flour gradually, mixing until the ingredients are just combined. Then, pour in 1 cup whole wheat flourwhole wheat flour and mix thoroughly.
Knead the Dough:
- Using a Mixer: Attach the dough hook and let the mixer work for about 4-5 minutes.
- By Hand: Knead the dough on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
First Rise:
- Cover the dough with a clean dish towel, plastic wrap or beeswax wrap while it rests in the bowl. Allow it to rise until it doubles in size, which should take roughly 30-45 minutes.
Shape the Loaves:
- Gently transfer the dough onto a floured surface and divide it into three equal parts. Shape each portion into a loaf and place them into greased bread pans. I use butter or olive oil to grease my pans.
Second Rise:
- Cover the loaves and let them rise again until nearly doubled, about 45 minutes to an hour.
Bake:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Bake the loaves for 25-30 minutes, or until the tops are a beautiful golden brown.
Cool:
- Remove loaves from pans and cool completely before slicing.