White Sandwich Bread Recipe

This is your basic white bread recipe. It will produce a loaf that makes good toast or some sandwiches, like grilled cheese or peanut butter and jelly taste great.

Utensils needed:

- Standing mixer or you can use your hands
- Mixing bowl
- loaf pan

Cooking and preparation time:  2 hours 45 minutes

Ingredients: 

- 3 cups bread (preferably) or all-purpose flour
- 2 tbls butter
- 2 tsp salt
- 1 packet (2 1/2 tsp) instant yeast
- 1 1/4 cup lukewarm milk (100-105 degrees F)
- 2 tbls honey or sugar

Directions:

Combine all ingredients.

With a mixer, use the dough hook at the second-lowest speed for 5-7 minutes.

If by hand, use a wooden spatula and slowly mix. Once mixed, turn the dough onto a lightly-floured counter-top and knead with both hands (there are lots of YouTube videos on kneading). Knead for 7-10 minutes.

If the dough appears too wet and sticky, add a LITTLE more flour.

The mixing or kneading should be done until the dough is no longer sticking to the bowl (with a mixer) or your fingers (if by hand) and it has a smooth texture.

Transfer the dough to a greased bowl and cover with plastic wrap or a wet cloth. You don't want the dough lose any of its' moisture. Put the bowl in a warm area. The colder it is, the longer it will take for the bread to rise. Let it sit until it doubles in size, usually between 45 and 60 minutes.

"Punch" the dough down, which will result in the accumulated gases to escape. The dough will collapse. Transfer the dough to a counter top and and flatten it into a square with a rolling pin. This will ensure there are no large gas bubbles in the dough. Form the dough into a tube, about 75% of the inside length and width of your bread pan, and put into your pan. Cover and let sit until it rises at least 1 inch (2 cm) above the edge of your pan.

Heat your oven to 350 degrees F (176C) and put the wire rack at the lower-middle position.

Once the dough has risen, transfer it to the oven and bake for approximately 40-45 minutes. If you have an instant read thermometer, insert it into the end of the loaf, towards the inside middle, and it will be done if it reads 190 F.

Cool and cut.