Thyme For The Table

menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipes
  • About Me
  • Blogging Resources
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Recipes
    • About Me
    • Blogging Resources
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • ×
    • A stack of wooden cutting boards and charcuterie boards.
      Charcuterie Board vs Cutting Board
    • A bowl of granola with pistachios and raisins and a spoon next to it.
      The BEST Pistachio Granola Recipe
    • A wooden bowl with everything bagel cashews.
      The Best Everything Bagel Cashews Recipe
    • Bugles, honey chex, pretzels, cheddar goldfish, and pretzels in a large bowl with ranch seasoning on it.
      Bugle Ranch Snack Mix Recipe
    • An everything bagel with cream cheese, tomato, and red onion on it with bagels behind it.
      Homemade Everything Bagel Recipe
    • A collage of four images: cheesy scalloped potatoes, hasselback potatoes, baked sweet potatoes and bacon-wrapped potatoes.
      20 Air Fryer Potato Recipes
    • A charcuterie board with waffles, fruit and eggs, a board with chili and toppings, two charcuterie boards with deli meats, crackers, and cheeses and the text: long charcuterie board ideas.
      15 Long Charcuterie Board Ideas
    • A long wooden board with waffles, pineapple, strawberries, syrup, sausage, eggs, bacon, blueberries, grapes, and more.
      The Ultimate Waffle Charcuterie Board
    • A stack of waffles with syrup on them and a fork grabbing two cut pieces of waffle.
      Original Aunt Jemima Waffle Recipe
    • A fork taking a piece of sourdough waffles with fruit, powdered sugar, and syrup on top.
      Quick Sourdough Discard Waffles Recipe
    • Four images: spaghetti pasta with red sauce, apple and blue cheese salad, roast chicken, and mini cheesecakes.
      What to Serve After a Charcuterie Board (55 Recipes)
    • Sesame bagels and everything bagels on a cooling rack.
      Are Bagels Vegan?
    Home » Recipes » Bread

    The Best Sandwich Bread and Video

    Published: Sep 15, 2022 · Modified: Mar 18, 2024 by Jen Talley · This post may contain affiliate links · This blog generates income via ads

    • Facebook
    • Email
    • X
    • Yummly
    • Flipboard
    Jump to Recipe
    Homemade bread with the text: the best sandwich bread video tutorial and recipe.

    The best sandwich bread is fluffy, but doesn't fall apart and isn't crumbly. This easy homemade bread has the perfect soft crumb.

    Sliced homemade sandwich bread on a wood cutting board with jar of jam next to it.

    While store-bought bread is often an easy go-to, homemade bread is really the greatest thing! It smells wonderful, tastes delicious, and will save you money!

    It's amazing with peanut butter and jelly, as a grilled cheese sandwich, or with thin slices of your favorite meat! This is the best bread for all of those sandwich recipes you want to try.

    This bread recipe, with its beautiful golden crust, will bring such joy to your taste buds from the first bite.

    By the way, I have the perfect recipe for leftover bread! Try these Homemade Croutons!

    This bread recipe can also be shaped into rolls for these delicious Old Fashioned Sloppy Joes. Check out my Italian Sandwich Bread Recipe too!

    Why You'll Love This Recipe

    • This delicious white bread is easy to make especially with the video tutorial.
    • The crumb holds together really well which means it makes a great sandwich bread.
    • This perfect sandwich bread has a wonderfully soft texture and slightly chewy interior.

    Recipe Ingredients

    You'll need the following ingredients to make The Best Homemade Sandwich Bread.

    The ingredients for the best homemade sandwich bread.

    Warm Water helps create the best environment for the yeast to do its magic.

    SAF Instant Yeast is a great brand for many types of bread. I've included more info about this yeast below!

    Salt helps to strengthen the gluten strands in your bread and leads to better-looking and tasting bread.

    Canola Oil has a mild flavor that helps the bread's flavor to shine through while keeping it moist.

    Honey adds moisture as well as a sweet flavor to the bread.

    Unbleached Bread Flour provides the structure for the bread.

    Additions and Substitutions

    • Honey: Substitute 2 tablespoons of white sugar for honey. Please note that children under the age of 1 should not consume honey.
    • White Flour: To make this bread a little more nutritious you can substitute up to two cups of white flour for whole wheat flour.
    • Oil: Canola, vegetable, and oil can all be used interchangeably in this recipe.

    Yeast

    Let's talk about yeast. I never thought much about different kids or brands of yeast until I started making bread regularly and joined some bread-making forums.

    I learned that not all yeast is created equal. In fact, I favorite yeast. I recommend it to everyone that is interested in bread. It is SAF Instant Yeast. It works so well and it is so forgiving. It doesn't have that flavor that the normal active yeast has.

    King Arthur flour has a great article about different types of yeast. You will get an amazing rise with the SAF Instant Yeast. Give it a try!

    Kitchen Tools

    This dough can be made in a mixer such as a Bosch or a KitchenAid or you can knead it by hand. If you do it by hand you need to be very careful not to over-flour the dough.

    Make sure you have a decent bread knife. It breaks my heart to see fresh, soft bread being squished and torn because of the knife. Give this bread knife a try.

    My favorite loaf pans are the USA Pans from Amazon. They release the bread so easily.

    How to Make The Best Sandwich Bread

    Here are some quick visual instructions. The video tutorial is in the recipe card! The full recipe with ingredient measurements is below!

    For directions on how to make this bread by hand, look for the heading "How to Make Bread by Hand."

    Put everything except the flour into the bowl of your stand mixer with the dough hook attached. Add some of the flour. Mix and knead the dough while adding more flour. It should become slightly sticky and form a ball as it comes off the sides of the bowl.

    Images of the ingredients for bread in a white Bosch mixer.

    After kneading the dough remove it from the mixer and put it on a lightly floured surface. Shape it into a ball.

    Image of dough in a mixer and image of hands kneading dough.

    Move the dough to a large mixing bowl and cover to allow it to have its first rise.

    The dough in a bowl and the dough covered with plastic wrap in a bowl.

    After the first rise, prepare the pans with a little cooking spray or oil. Divide the dough into two pieces and shape it into a loaf.

    First image is of risen dough in a bowl and the second image is two greased loaf pan with dough next to them.

    Rub a little vegetable oil or butter on two pieces of plastic wrap and cover the loaf pans allowing room for the dough to grow. Or place a pan in your oven with some boiling water. Allow the loaves to have their second rise in this warm area with the light on.

    Before and after pictures of dough rising in the bread pans.

    Once the dough has risen, preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Remove the plastic wrap and gently place the loaves in the oven. Bake for 25-20 minutes or until the tops are golden brown. Let the loaves cool on a cooling rack.

    Two loaves of homemade sandwich bread on a cooling rack.

    Recipe Tips & Tricks

    Here are some of the most common tips to help you make perfect bread!

    Dry Crust Before Baking

    • If your dough gets a dry crust when rising or you live in a dry climate try putting the loaves in the oven to rise with a pan of boiling hot water to create a warm steamy environment for your dough to rise.

    Dense Loaf

    • If you made a dense loaf of bread there are few things to try and don't worry because you can use the dense loaf as homemade croutons! Next time, try adding less flour and giving it more rise time before baking. Don't be afraid to let it rise nice and high. See this picture as an example:
    Side view of the risen down in a loaf pan.

    Sunken Loaf

    • If your dough collapsed while baking you may have let it over-rise. Try reducing the rise time next time you bake bread.

    Stuck to the Pan

    • If your bread sticks to your loaf pan you can use parchment paper to keep it from sticking. I love using these USA Loaf Pans. I haven't had any issues with dough sticking.

    How to Make Bread by Hand

    Making sandwich bread without a mixer is easy! The biggest tip is to try your best not to add too much flour. The flour will slowly absorb the moisture from the water and make it less sticky.

    1. Add liquids: Add the water, yeast, salt, oil, and honey to a large bowl. (If using active dry yeast, add it to the water and allow it to bloom before adding the salt, oil and honey). Give the mixture a little stir.
    2. Incorporate ingredients: Using a wooden spoon or your hands, gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet until a shaggy dough forms.
    3. Knead the dough: Once the dough starts to come together, transfer it to a clean, floured surface. Begin kneading the dough by pushing it away from you with the heel of your hand, then folding it back over itself. Rotate the dough and continue kneading for about 8-10 minutes, or until the dough becomes smooth and elastic.
    4. Test dough consistency: The dough should feel slightly tacky but not overly sticky. If it's too sticky, you can sprinkle a little flour on your hands or the work surface as needed, but be careful not to add too much flour, as this can make the bread dense.
    5. Check dough readiness: To check if the dough is ready, perform the windowpane test. Take a small piece of dough and stretch it gently between your fingers. If it stretches thin enough to let light pass through without tearing, it's ready.
    6. Finish the Recipe: Follow the remaining steps in the recipe card below for rising, baking, and enjoying your freshly baked bread!

    Storage and Reheating

    • Storage: Keep the bread wrapped in plastic wrap, aluminum foil, a bread bag, or a paper bag.
    • Freezing: After the bread has cooled down, wrap it in plastic wrap, freezer paper, or aluminum foil and freeze for up to 6 months.
    • Reheating: After allowing the frozen bread to come to room temperature, wrap the bread in aluminum foil and bake at 350° for 10-15 minutes.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What is the most commonly used bread for sandwiches?

    Loaf bread, a type of yeast bread, is often used for different reasons. While there are different types of bread within this category, white bread tends to be the most popular choice.

    What makes homemade bread light and fluffy?

    The Carbon Dioxide that forms because of the yeast growth is what leads to light, fluffy bread. When the dough rises, it is creating holes in the bread that will give it that perfect texture. When making homemade bread, it is important to not use too much flour and allow for a long rise time to get light and fluffy bread.

    How can I make my homemade bread better?

    It is important to make sure the dough rises correctly. You'll get the best results when you allow both the 1st rise and the 2nd rise. Give the bread plenty of time to rise to become fluffy and soft.

    More Yeast Bread Recipes

    Dutch Oven Blueberry Bread is a creative way to use delicious summer blueberries.

    Sliced sandwich bread with jam next to it.

    More From Thyme for the Table

    Follow on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok. Let's cook together on YouTube! See you there! Don't forget to tag me so I can see what you are making!

    Rate This Recipe! I love hearing from you!

    ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

    • Pera Pizza whole, sliced into 8 pieces on marble surface.
      Pera Pizza with Prosciutto and Pistachios
    • Two slices of pepperoni pizza on a wood cutting board with a towel behind it.
      How to Reheat Pizza in the Air Fryer (5 Tips!)
    • Two loaves of Kamut flour pumpkin bread in loaf pans.
      Kamut Flour Pumpkin Bread with Chocolate Chips
    • Crispy browned air fryer garlic croutons in a small glass bowl with a salad in the background.
      Air Fryer Croutons with Olive Oil

    📖 Recipe

    Sliced fluffy sandwich bread with a jar of jam next to it.

    The Best Sandwich Bread

    The best sandwich bread is fluffy, but doesn't fall apart and isn't crumbly. This easy homemade bread has the perfect soft crumb.
    4.89 from 18 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Prevent your screen from going dark
    Course: Lunch
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 20 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 25 minutes minutes
    Rise Time: 1 hour hour 30 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 2 hours hours 15 minutes minutes
    Servings: 2 loaves
    Author: Jen Talley
    Cost: $3

    Equipment

    • 2 loaf pans 4.5x8.5 inch or 5x9 inch
    • 1 Bosch Mixer OR
    • 1 Kitchen Aid Mixer (or by hand)
    • 1 Bread Knife

    Ingredients

    • 1¾ cups warm water (397 grams)
    • 1 tablespoon SAF instant yeast (or active dry) (9 grams)
    • ½ tablespoon salt (9 grams)
    • ¼ cup canola oil (or vegetable oil) (37 grams)
    • 3 tablespoons honey (63 grams) (or white sugar)
    • 4½ cups unbleached bread flour (or all-purpose flour) (585 grams)
    • cooking spray or oil for the loaf pans

    Instructions

    • Add the warm water (about 105℉), instant yeast, salt, canola oil, and honey to a mixer with the dough hook attached. (If using active dry yeast, add it to the water and allow it to bloom before adding the salt, oil and honey)
    • Start by adding only 4 cups of flour to the mixer.
    • Begin to mix and knead dough with mixer. Add the remaining ½ cup of flour slowly as you watch for the dough to be slightly sticky, but begin to form into a ball as it is kneading.
    • Knead for 6 minutes in a Bosch mixer or 9 minutes in a KitchenAid or similar mixer.
    • Transfer the dough to a large bowl and cover it with plastic wrap.
    • Let it rise for 45 minutes to 1 hour. Until it has more than doubled in size, but still keeps the dome shape.
    • Spray two loaf pans with non-stick cooking spray. Punch down the dough. Divide the dough in half. You may need to use a little sprinkle flour to knead and shape it into two 1 lb loaves. Place the two shaped loaves in the loaf pans.
    • Rise Option 1: Rub a little oil or butter on the top of two pieces of plastic wrap. Place the plastic wrap over the dough allowing room for the dough to grow for about 45-60 minutes.
      Rise Option 2: Place a pan in your oven and add 2 cups of boiling water to the pan. Let the loaves rise in the warm, steamy oven with the light on for 30-45 minutes.
    • If using a 4.5x8.5 inch pan: The middle of the risen dough should be about 1 inch above the edge.
      If using a 5x9 inch pan: The middle of the risen dough should be just barely above the top of the edge.
    • Once the dough has risen, very carefully remove the plastic wrap (option 1) or remove them from the warm oven (option 2). Preheat the oven to 350° Fahrenheit. Be gentle placing the loaves in the oven. You don't want the dough to deflate. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until golden brown on top.
    • Remove the loaves from the loaf pans and allow them to cool on a wire cooling rack before slicing them.

    Video

    Notes

    Tips:
    • If your dough gets a dry crust when rising or you live in a dry climate try putting the loaves in the oven to rise with a pan of boiling hot water to create a warm steamy environment for your dough to rise.
    • If you made a dense loaf of bread try adding less flour and giving it more rise time before baking. Use the dense loaf as homemade croutons.
    • If your dough collapsed while baking you may have let it over-rise. Try reducing the rise time next time you bake bread.
    • If your bread sticks to your loaf pan you can use parchment paper to keep it from sticking. I love using these USA Loaf Pans. I haven't had any issues with dough sticking.
    • See the recipe post for directions on how to make the bread by hand.
    Storage:
    • Storage: Keep the bread wrapped in plastic wrap, aluminum foil, a bread bag, or a paper bag.
    • Freezing: After the bread has cooled down, wrap it in plastic wrap, freezer paper, or aluminum foil and freeze for up to 6 months.
    • Reheating: After allowing the frozen bread to come to room temperature, wrap the bread in aluminum foil and bake at 350° for 10-15 minutes.
    *Children under the age of 1 should not consume honey. You can substitute 2 tablespoons of white sugar.

    More Healthy Bread Recipes

    • Onion bagels on a wood plate.
      The Best Onion Bagel Recipe and Video
    • Homemade sesame seed bagels stacked on a plate.
      Sesame Seed Bagel Recipe and Video
    • A wooden bowl with a towel in it and pumpkin bagels laying on top.
      Homemade Pumpkin Spice Bagels (and Video)
    • A fork holding a piece of cinnamon roll with white frosting on it.
      Cinnamon Rolls Without Eggs
    • Facebook
    • Email
    • X
    • Yummly
    • Flipboard

    Comments

      4.89 from 18 votes (4 ratings without comment)

      Leave a Comment or Question Cancel reply

      Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

      Recipe Rating




    1. Doreen Winston says

      September 15, 2022 at 11:22 pm

      5 stars
      I appreciate all the tips given in this recipe. The video was really helpful too. My bread came out amazing. I will be making this again!

      Reply
      • Jen Talley says

        September 15, 2022 at 11:22 pm

        That's awesome Doreen. Making homemade bread is the best!

        Reply
    2. Liza says

      September 20, 2022 at 4:28 pm

      5 stars
      What a fantastic recipe! I've never had good luck baking my own bread, and thanks to your comprehensive directions and tips now I can.

      Reply
      • Jen Talley says

        September 20, 2022 at 4:30 pm

        Hi Liza! I'm glad you found success making bread!

        Reply
    3. Andrea says

      September 20, 2022 at 5:14 pm

      5 stars
      I'm all in for soft, fresh and delicious homemade bread. Yummy!

      Reply
    4. Dana says

      September 20, 2022 at 5:28 pm

      Can't wait to try this! I've made no-knead artisanal bread many times but that isn't the best for sandwiches. This looks awesome and will be such a useful recipe to have up my sleeve.

      Reply
    5. Beth says

      September 20, 2022 at 5:32 pm

      5 stars
      Perfectly soft bread and great for sandwiches. Will never use another recipe!

      Reply
      • Jen Talley says

        September 20, 2022 at 6:52 pm

        Hi Beth! It really is the best homemade sandwich bread! Enjoy!

        Reply
    6. kushigalu says

      September 20, 2022 at 6:02 pm

      5 stars
      WOW! This sandwich bread looks so perfect, I will be trying your recipe soon. Thanks for sharing.

      Reply
      • Jen Talley says

        September 20, 2022 at 6:53 pm

        You're welcome!

        Reply
    7. Jeannie Cartmel says

      May 04, 2023 at 10:10 pm

      5 stars
      This recipe is absolutely amazing. The video is so clear and easy to follow. We haven't bought bread from the store since this recipe has become our go-to. I've been making it every other day, if not daily. Thank you!

      Reply
      • Jen Talley says

        May 05, 2023 at 1:25 am

        Thanks Jeannie for the kind review! I'm so happy your family is enjoying the homemade bread! I'm about to post a recipe for homemade Italian Sandwich Bread. It is very similar to this one. Both are delicious! Thanks again!

        Reply
    8. Jessica McCorkle says

      September 20, 2023 at 8:55 pm

      5 stars
      Made this! It was wonderful! My 4 year old had to back me up that I did indeed make it and it wasn’t purchased from a bakery! My husband thought it was too good to be true! LOL! Thanks so much for sharing this! Italian sandwich bread is my next item to conquer!

      Reply
      • Jen Talley says

        September 21, 2023 at 8:35 pm

        Hi Jessica! If you had success with this recipe then Italian Sandwich Bread will be just as easy! I am so happy your family loved it!!

        Reply
    9. Dev Kirkwood says

      March 04, 2024 at 11:36 pm

      Wondering if I could use my bread maker on the dough setting for the kneading and first rise?
      Thanks!

      Reply
      • Jen Talley says

        March 05, 2024 at 12:21 am

        Yes! Sometimes I use my bread maker for the knead and first rise! I actually just did that yesterday!

        Reply
    10. Eva says

      March 15, 2024 at 2:01 am

      Where can I find further instructions for doing it by hand if we don’t have a mixer? Also what temperature should the water be?

      Reply
      • Jen Talley says

        March 18, 2024 at 7:29 pm

        Hi Eva! The temperature of the water should be about 105 degrees Fahrenheit. I'm going to add directions on how to do it by hand to the post. Thanks!

        Reply
        • Jessi says

          September 23, 2024 at 12:24 am

          5 stars
          Hey there, my first time I ever made this bread it was perfect. I raved about it and sent it to everyone to try and make. The 2nd time I did it, it was wayyyyy too sticky. I don't have a bosch mixer, but a kitchen aid. The last time I tried adding lots of flour to thicken it up, but that didn't help. It made it too tough like you mentioned. Would you suggest less water in this situation?

          Reply
          • Jen Talley says

            September 26, 2024 at 3:46 pm

            Hi Jessi! I'm glad you enjoyed it the first time you made it. First, I would be very careful about measuring all the liquids (water, oil, honey). If those are measured carefully, then you should be good on the amount of flour you need. You want the dough to be somewhat sticky, but pulls away from the sides of the mixer when it is mixing. You can add an extra tablespoon or two if you feel like the dough is too sticky. Don't forget that the flour will absorb some of that liquid during the rise which should also help with stickiness. If you need a little sprinkle of flour on the counter to shape the dough for the rise or for the loaves that is fine too. Just try to start with a very light sprinkle. Using a kithenAid is great. I owned one for 8 years before switching to my Bosch. The more you make the bread the more you will be familiar with the feel of the dough. Let me know if you have any more questions. You can email me too! I am happy to help!

            Reply
    11. Patty says

      February 15, 2025 at 8:26 pm

      I have made your recipe several times and absolutely loved it. This last time it was very sticky and never really pulled away from my mixing bowl. I added way more flour than before. Like a cup and a half more. Waiting for it to rise the first time. Looks good, but time will tell!

      Reply
    12. Melissa Quashie says

      March 01, 2025 at 8:47 pm

      5 stars
      Finally for the first time ever, I've made bread that has the right crust texture and crumb for cold or grilled sandwiches! Thank you. Part of the delicious first batch will become grilled cheese with homemade tomato soup.

      Reply
    13. Wendy Hilty says

      March 05, 2025 at 10:14 pm

      5 stars
      Excellent bread my go to recipe for sandwich bread!

      Reply
    14. Patty Thompson says

      March 22, 2025 at 6:35 pm

      5 stars
      We absolutely love this soft flavorful bread. I no longer buy bread for sandwiches. (Unless I’m in a pinch). This last batch I made I notices a lot of air bubbles in my dough. Even after kneading it some more. Why does this happen? I tried to pop as many as I could before letting it rise in the loaf pans. Time will tell if I got them all! lol. Thanks

      Reply
    15. Meagan says

      March 23, 2025 at 1:55 am

      5 stars
      This bread is amazing made my second set of loafs tonight. The family loves it! I'm going to try and make it with whole wheat flour and see what i get.

      Reply
    16. Drona A says

      April 03, 2025 at 1:23 am

      Hello,
      I follow the recipe accurately but yet when the mixing is completed it is very soft and sticky. The same goes for after it sat for 45-60 mins and then transfer to punch it down, it is very sticky and a mess and not at firm as yours.
      I use all purpose flour and kitchen aid mixer.
      May I ask what is your suggestion to that get it to be like texture of yours?

      Thanks

      Reply
    17. Rachel says

      April 09, 2025 at 12:19 pm

      5 stars
      Our family loves this recipe. Turns out everyone. I use an organic bread flour

      Reply
    18. Amy Hightower says

      May 05, 2025 at 9:06 pm

      4 stars
      This bread recipe is amazing! It is so soft and fluffy! The only reason I didn't give it 5 stars is because both times I've made it, I've had to add at least 1 cup more flour than the recipe calls for if not more.

      Reply
    A head shot of Jen from the food blog Thyme for the Table.

    Welcome to Thyme for the Table! This is the place to find the best recipes to share with your friends and family around the kitchen table!

    More about me →

    Popular

    • An everything bagel and plain bagel on a small wooden cutting board.
      New York Style Sourdough Starter Discard Bagels

    • A bowl of chili with cheese, sour cream, green onions and red onions on top.
      Texas Roadhouse Chili Recipe (Beans Optional)

    • A dutch oven of chili with chili toppings surrounding it.
      The Best Chili Charcuterie Board

    • Rack of pork loin back ribs on a wooden cutting board with a spoon of bbq sauce next to them.
      BBQ Pork Loin Back Ribs Recipe

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • About Us!
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms & Conditions
    • Accessibility Policy

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up for Emails!
    • Follow on Instagram
    • Follow on Facebook
    • Follow on Pinterest

    Contact

    • Contact
    • Media Kit
    • Web Stories

    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2025 Brunch Pro on the Brunch Pro Theme

    Rate This Recipe

    Your vote:




    A rating is required
    A name is required
    An email is required

    Recipe Ratings without Comment

    Something went wrong. Please try again.