This fluffy country white sandwich bread is the perfect soft sandwich loaf. This homemade version of your favorite store-bought bread is so much better with fewer ingredients! 

Loaf of white sandwich bread that has been sliced

Country White Sandwich Bread Overview

This classic white bread recipe is one of my favorite bread recipes to make. Although making yeast bread can seem intimidating, it really doesn’t have to be. This recipe calls for very few ingredients and I’m going to walk you through it step-by-step so that you have all the tools you need to be successful!

Why you need to make this recipe

  • This recipe couldn’t be easier with few, simple ingredients required.
  • Homemade white sandwich bread contains no additives or preservatives unlike store-bought bread.
  • Once you get the hang of making your own bread, you will never buy expensive store-bought bread again!

What is White Bread Made From?

White bread is made with white flour which is wheat flour that has had the bran and germ removed. In addition to the white flour, white bread is made with water, salt, and yeast.

Sandwich bread often uses enriching ingredients like milk, sugar, and butter to add more flavor and create a softer texture to the bread.

Loaf of country white sandwich bread after being sliced

Is White Bread Bleached?

Homemade white bread should always be made with unbleached white flour. Unbleached white flour has had the bran and germ removed which leaves only the endosperm that is fairly white in color. Bleaching the flour weakens the protein structure making it difficult to build a good gluten structure.

However, some brands of store bought white bread do use bleached white flour to make their white bread. They also add stabilizers to make up for the weaker protein structure. If you would like white bread that does not use bleached flour, it is best to make it at home.

INGREDIENTS

  • Milk is the main moisture for the bread. Milk keeps sandwich bread nice and soft. I prefer to use whole milk for the added richness but you can use 2%, 1%, or skim milk. You can also use non-dairy milk if you prefer.
  • Water is the secondary moisture for the bread. If we made the bread with only milk it would be too soft and fragile. Water helps encourage gluten development and along with the flour, adds some chew.
  • Active dry or Instant yeast can be used for this bread. Yeast is what leavens the bread and gives it flavor. Instant yeast is also known as rapid-rise or quick-rise yeast.
  • Butter adds richness and tenderness to the bread. Fat shortens gluten strands so bread made with butter will have a softer and more tender structure than bread made without fat like a baguette.
  • Sugar adds a touch of sweetness to the bread and helps keep it soft. It will not taste overly sweet.
  • Salt flavors the sandwich bread so that it does not taste bland and helps control the yeast activity so that it isn’t too active.
  • Flour is the main structure for the bread. The proteins found in wheat flour form gluten once they are mixed in a dough. This is what traps the gasses in the dough and also what gives bread chewiness. Bread flour is going to give bread the best structure and chew; however, unbleached all purpose flour can also be used.

How to Make Sandwich Bread

This sandwich bread recipe is easy to make because it utilizes the straight dough method meaning that all of the ingredients are mixed together at once and then kneaded.

Step 1: Proof the Yeast

Proofing the yeast for the white sandwich bread

Combine the warm milk, water, dried yeast, and a pinch of the sugar. Stir together and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it looks a little foamy and bubbles are forming on top.

This step gives the yeast a little jump start and also ensures that the yeast is alive. If you see no activity in the mixture then likely your yeast is too old and you need to start over. This step is technically optional for both active dry and instant yeast but it will get things moving a little faster.

Step 2: Add the Rest of the Ingredients

Add the rest of the sugar, salt, butter, and the smallest amount of flour listed and stir the ingredients together until all of the flour is absorbed. It will look very sticky and shaggy at this point.

Turn the dough out onto a floured work surface and begin kneading it. You can work in as much of the additional flour as needed during this process. The dough should always remain sticky but it shouldn’t stick to the counter or to your hands. It will become more smooth and elastic as you knead it.

Alternatively, you can knead the dough in your stand mixer. But I prefer to do it by hand because you get a better feel for the dough.

Step 3: Bulk Ferment (1st Rise)

White bread dough in bowl before proofing

Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl and turn to coat it. Cover loosely with plastic wrap or a damp towel. Let rise until double in size.

This process allows the yeast to begin feeding and creating gasses and alcohol. This will flavor the bread dough and start building up the gasses to leaven it.

Step 4: Shape the Dough

Gently press the gas out of the dough and turn it onto a clean work surface. You shouldn’t need any more flour at this point. If it is too sticky, you can use a little bit.

If you made the full batch of dough, which makes two loaves, divide the dough evenly in half. To best understand how to shape the dough, the attached video will be helpful. You want to build tension on the dough and shape it in a roll so that it rises and bakes evenly.

Start with the dough in roughly a rectangular shape. Pull out on the top two corners of the dough and bring them into the center, pressing to seal. Fold the top of the dough over to meet the seam you created. Repeat this process two more times. Then roll the dough over and seal it into a tight roll.

Step 5: Proof the Dough (2nd Rise)

Shaped sandwich loaves ready to proof

Place the risen dough in greased loaf pans and cover them again to rise. You want them to rise until the dough is crowning the pans.

To test if your loaves are ready to be baked, use the dent test. Press your finger into the dough about a ½ inch (1.25 cm) and if the dough springs back immediately, then it needs to proof a little bit longer. If it fills in slowly then it is ready to be baked.

Step 6: Bake the Bread

Brushing egg wash on the sandwich loaves

I like t brush the tops of my loaves with an egg wash before baking. This will give them a golden brown color and a bit of shine.

Once the loaves are out of the oven, they need to cool for at least an hour (preferably longer) before slicing. Slicing the bread while it’s hot will cause it to stale quickly.

Slicing the sandwich loaf

Storage

Room Temperature: Store cooled bread in a plastic bag at room temperature for up to 4 days. Remove as much air from the bag as you can. Refrigerating homemade bread will cause it to stale more quickly.

Freezer: Slice the loaves and place them in the freezer in a freezer bag. Toast to refresh.

FAQ

What are the best types of bread for sandwiches?

The most widely used type of bread for sandwiches is white bread! Other popular types include whole wheat, sourdough, seeded, rye, and brioche.

What can I use white bread for?

White bread can be used to make all types of sandwiches including meat and cheese, peanut butter and jelly, grilled cheese, tuna and chicken salad, and BLTs! Other than sandwiches, I love to use white bread to make French toast, bread pudding, and homemade stuffing. 

MORE RECIPES FROM BAKER BETTIE!

If you enjoyed this bread recipe, you might like to try another recipe perfect for making sandwiches.

Fluffy White Sandwich Bread sliced up
Fluffy White Sandwich Bread sliced up
Yield: 2 Loaves

Country White Sandwich Bread

Prep Time 4 hours
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 4 hours 45 minutes

This beautiful and fluffy country white sandwich bread contains no added preservatives. It's so much better than your favorite store-bought white bread.

Ingredients

For a Full Batch (makes 2 loaves)

  • 454 grams (2 cups, 480 milliliters) milk, whole, 2%, 1%, skim, or nondairy (warmed to 110°F/43°C)
  • 120 grams (½ cup, 120 milliliters) water (warmed to 110°F/43°C)
  • 2 ¼ teaspoons (1 package) active dry or instant yeast
  • 50 grams (¼ cup) granulated sugar
  • 85 grams (6 tablespoons) unsalted butter, softened and cut into pieces
  • 2 teaspoons fine sea salt
  • 780-900 grams (6 ½ - 7 ½ cups) bread flour or unbleached all-purpose flour

For a Half Batch (makes 1 loaf)

  • 227 grams (1 cup, 240 milliliters) milk, whole, 2%, 1%, skim, or nondairy (warmed to 110°F/43°C)
  • 60 grams (¼ cup, 60 milliliters) water (warmed to 110°F/43°C)
  • 1 ⅛ teaspoon (½ package) active dry or instant yeast
  • 25 grams (2 tablespoons) granulated sugar
  • 42 grams (3 tablespoons) unsalted butter, softened and cut into pieces
  • 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 390-450 grams (3 ¼ - 3 ¾ cups) bread flour or unbleached all-purpose flour

Instructions

Note: The instructions below list ingredient amounts for the Full Batch (2 loaves). If making a Half Batch (one loaf) use half the ingredients.

  1. PROOF YEAST: Combine the warm milk (454 grams/ 2 cups), warm water (120 grams/ ½ cup), yeast (2 ¼ teaspoons/ 1 package) and a pinch of the sugar to a large mixing bowl. Whisk until the yeast dissolves. Let this mixture sit for about 5-10 minutes. If it is slightly foamy and you can see bubbles forming on top, then your yeast is active. If you don't see any activity, your yeast is likely too old.
  2. MIX DOUGH: Add the diced butter (85 grams/ 6 tablespoons), rest of the sugar (50 grams/ ¼ cup)salt (2 teaspoons), and the smallest amount of flour listed (780 grams/ 6 ½ cups) to the bowl. Stir with a wooden spoon, bowl scraper, or clean hands until all the flour is hydrated and the ingredients are well incorporated. At this point the dough will likely be very sticky and shaggy. Do not add any more flour yet.
  3. KNEAD: If kneading the dough by hand, dust a work surface with flour and turn the dough out onto the work surface. Dust flour over the top of the dough and begin kneading it. Add a bit more flour as needed up to 1 more cup. The dough should feel soft and sticky, but it shouldn't be gluing itself to the counter or your hands. Watch the video tutorial if you are unfamiliar with kneading by hand. Alternatively, you can add the dough to the bowl of your stand mixer fit with the dough hook and knead it on medium-high speed. Add more flour bit by bit to the stand mixer until the dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl. If kneading by hand, knead for about 8-10 minutes. If kneading in the stand mixer, knead for 6-8 minutes. When the dough is smooth and elastic and springs back when a finger is pressed into it, you are done kneading.
  4. BULK FERMENT (1ST RISE): Grease a clean bowl with a bit of oil or non-stick spray and transfer your dough to the bowl, turning to coat. Cover the dough with a damp towel or a piece of plastic wrap and let rise at room temperature until double in size and filled with air. This will take about 1 hour if using instant yeast and 2 hours if using active dry yeast.
  5. SHAPE: Grease one or two standard loaf pans on the sides and bottoms. Turn the dough out onto the lightly floured surface and lightly push the air out of the dough with the palm of your hand. Cut the dough into two equal pieces if making a full batch. Gently pat each piece of dough into a rectangle (about the shape of the loaf pan). Tightly form each piece of dough into a loaf. (Watch the video tutorial for details about how to properly do this.)
  6. PROOF (2ND RISE): Place the formed loaves into the pans and gently press down on them with the palm of your hand to ensure they evenly fill the pan. Cover the shaped dough and let them proof at room temperature until the loaves are beginning to crown the pan. This will take about 1 hour for instant yeast and 2 hours for active dry yeast.
  7. BAKE: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). If you want a shiny brown crust, mix 1 egg with 1 tablespoon of water and brush it on the tops of your loaves. Bake loaves on the center rack for 35-45 minutes until golden brown. The center of the loaves should read 190-200°F (87-93°C) when fully baked. Let cool on baking racks for at least 1 hour (if not longer) before slicing with a serrated knife.
  8. STORE cooled bread in a plastic bag at room temperature for 4 days. Alternatively, you can slice the loaves and place them in the freezer in a freezer bag. Toast to refresh. Refrigerating bread will cause it to stale more quickly.

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