Bread for sandwiches

Sandwich Bread Recipe: Easy to Make and Delicious

Sandwich bread is an essential item in any kitchen, providing the perfect base for quick snacks, delicious lunches, or even dinner. This simple yet effective recipe will help you achieve soft and flavorful bread, ideal for any filling you desire. Treat yourself to a moment of indulgence and let me guide you step by step through this culinary adventure.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Rising time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Baking time: 45 minutes
Total: 2 hours and 30 minutes
Servings: 16 slices

Necessary ingredients:
- 1 kg bread flour (make sure not to use cake or pastry flour)
- 25 g fresh yeast
- 400 ml lukewarm milk
- 200 ml lukewarm water
- 4 tablespoons melted butter (but not hot)
- 2 teaspoons honey
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 2 long loaf pans
- Flour for dusting the work surface

A Bit of History
Bread is one of the oldest foods prepared by humans, playing an essential role in human nutrition for thousands of years. Today’s recipe draws inspiration from ancient traditions but is adapted to fit our modern lifestyle. Sandwich bread became popular in the 20th century, providing a quick and convenient solution for everyday meals.

Preparation Steps

1. Preparing the liquids: In a small bowl, combine the lukewarm milk, lukewarm water, yeast, and honey. Mix well and let it sit for 5 minutes, ensuring that the yeast is completely dissolved. This step is crucial for activating the yeast, which will make the bread rise beautifully.

2. Mixing the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, place the flour and salt. Create a well in the center of the flour, where you will add the liquid mixture and melted butter. This well will help incorporate the wet ingredients evenly.

3. Forming the dough: Using a spoon, mix the composition well until it becomes hard to stir. This is the magic moment: transfer the dough to a floured work surface.

4. Kneading the dough: Knead the dough for 7-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and no longer sticks to your hands. This process helps develop gluten, which will make the bread fluffier.

5. First rise: Shape the dough into a ball and place it back in the large bowl, which you have dusted with flour. Use a sharp knife to make a cross on the surface of the dough – this will allow the dough to rise evenly. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel and let it sit in a warm place, away from drafts, for about 1 hour.

6. Removing the air: After the dough has risen and doubled in size, gently press it to release the air. Cut the dough into two equal parts and shape them into rolls that fit in the loaf pans.

7. Second rise: Dust the pans with flour or cornmeal and place the rolls of dough inside. Cover with a kitchen towel and let them rise for 40-50 minutes.

8. Baking: During this time, preheat the oven to the maximum temperature (usually 275°C). After the dough has risen, reduce the oven temperature to 200°C (medium) and bake the bread for 45 minutes. You will know it’s ready when the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped gently on the bottom.

9. Cooling: After removing the bread from the oven, transfer it to a cooling rack and, using a brush, coat it well with cold water. Cover the bread with a thick kitchen towel to retain moisture, so the crust doesn’t become too crispy. Let it cool completely before slicing.

Serving and Variations
This sandwich bread is perfect for a variety of fillings, from classic ham and cheese slices to more sophisticated combinations like chicken with avocado or grilled vegetables. I suggest serving it with a fresh salad or a warm soup for a complete meal.

If you want to add a touch of originality, you can experiment with different types of flour, such as whole wheat or rye flour, or you can add sesame or poppy seeds for an extra texture and flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use dry yeast instead of fresh yeast?
Yes, you can use dry yeast. Usually, you need to use about 10 g of dry yeast for every 25 g of fresh yeast.

- How can I tell if the bread is baked?
The bread is ready when it is golden brown on top and when you tap gently on the bottom, it sounds hollow.

- Can I freeze the bread?
Absolutely! The bread freezes very well. Make sure to wrap it tightly in aluminum foil or in an airtight bag to prevent freezing.

Nutritional Benefits
This bread is a good source of complex carbohydrates, providing long-lasting energy. Additionally, the butter adds healthy fats, and the honey offers a touch of sweetness without using refined sugar.

I hope this recipe inspires you to make your own sandwich bread at home. There’s nothing more satisfying than enjoying a slice of freshly baked bread made with your own hands!