My First Homemade Sandwich Bread for Cozy Kitchen Days
I finally made homemade bread from scratch and listen… I get it now. The kneading, the waiting, the “is this dough rising or playing in my face?” moment. All of it. But when that loaf came out golden and the kitchen smelled like somebody’s grandma was about to call you in from outside? Worth it.
This was a simple homemade sandwich bread, soft on the inside with a golden buttery top. Perfect for toast, sandwiches, or just eating warm with butter because we are not here to pretend.
Ingredients (makes one loaf)
1½ cup warm whole milk (115°F)
1 tbsp Brown sugar
1(2¼ tsp) packet instant yeast
1½ tsp. kosher salt
1½ tbsp. Honey
3½ cups All Purpose
2 tbsp. very soft butter
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F at least 1 hour before baking.
Add the flour, sugar, yeast and salt to a bowl then add in warm milk and honey. Mix until combined.
Once a dough ball is formed, use your stand mixer or your hands to start kneading. Slowly add in the soft butter 1 tablespoon at a time.
Continue to knead in the mixer or on the counter. (If you are kneading by hand, do 2 minutes on and 2 minutes off, to allow the gluten to form. Perform kneading this way, 3-4 times.) Add 1 to 2 tablespoons of flour if you need to reduce the stickiness.
Your dough should be smooth and elastic before you lightly oil and cover with plastic wrap or lid to rest in a warm place for 1 hour.
Your dough will double in size.
Punch down the dough and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Roll it into a rectangle about 9 inches long and 4 inches wide.
Starting from the 4-inch side, tightly roll the dough into a log.
Grease a loaf pan with softened butter and place the dough inside. Cover with a damp clean cotton towel and let rise for 20-30 minutes, until doubled again.
Bake uncovered for 35 minutes, or until the loaf is golden brown.
Let the bread cool for 5 minutes before turning it out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Add butter!
Slice, store, and enjoy!
Recipe source: thebuttababe on IG
My thoughts:
I loved how soft the inside came out, and the buttery top really made it feel like a real bakery moment. Next time I might let it slice it a little thinner or just use a loaf slicer tool.
Would I make it again? Yes. Absolutely!
#BakingFromScratch #lemon8challenge #homemadebread #howto #fromscratchbaking
Baking homemade bread can truly transform your kitchen experience, turning it into a warm, fragrant haven that calls you to slow down and savor the moment. From my own experiments with homemade sandwich bread, I've found that one of the most satisfying parts is the anticipation during the dough's rise — that magical process where flour, yeast, and water come alive, doubling the dough's size. It can feel like the dough is teasing you, wondering if you'll get it right, but giving it time and patience pays off. Using instant yeast simplifies the process since it doesn't require proofing. However, ensuring your milk is warmed to about 115°F is key to activating the yeast effectively without killing it. The addition of both honey and brown sugar not only feeds the yeast but also lends a subtle sweetness that contrasts delightfully with the kosher salt. Kneading the dough properly to develop gluten is essential for that soft and elastic texture. When kneading by hand, I recommend the method of alternating two minutes kneading and two minutes resting, repeated several times. This approach gives your arms a break and allows the gluten strands to strengthen, resulting in a beautiful crumb once baked. If the dough feels too sticky during kneading, a light dusting of flour helps, but be careful not to overdo it, or the bread might become dense. The buttery top is truly the crown jewel of this sandwich bread. Brushing softened butter before or right after baking adds a richness and golden hue reminiscent of bakery loaves. I've noticed that cooling the bread on a wire rack prevents sogginess, keeping the crust crisp and the inside fluffy. And don't skip the butter spread on your warm slice — it melts perfectly into the soft bread, creating a cozy, comforting bite. One tip that improved my homemade bread: allowing the dough an extra rise during the shaping and proving phase created a lighter texture. Also, investing in a simple loaf slicing guide helped ensure even slices, especially handy for sandwiches. If you're just starting your bread-making journey, this recipe is a wonderful introduction — straightforward and rewarding. Plus, it brings that nostalgic kitchen aroma that instantly makes any day feel special. Happy baking!
It looks really good. Lol, it’s pretty! I love making fresh bread. Thanks