Easy Homemade Sandwich Bread

 Ingredients

•  3 cups all-purpose flour
•  1 cup warm milk
•  2 tbsp sugar
•  2 tbsp melted butter
•  2¼ tsp instant yeast
•  1 tsp salt

 Step-by-Step Recipe

 Step 1: Activate the Yeast

•  Pour warm milk into a large bowl.
•  Add sugar and yeast.
•  Stir gently and let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.

 Step 2: Make the Dough

•  Add flour and salt.
•  Pour in melted butter.
•  Mix until a shaggy dough forms.

 Step 3: Knead the Dough

•  Transfer dough to a lightly floured surface.
•  Knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
•  The dough should be soft but not sticky.

 Step 4: First Rise

•  Place dough in a lightly greased bowl.
•  Cover with a towel or plastic wrap.
•  Let rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

 Step 5: Shape the Loaf

•  Gently punch down the dough.
•  Shape into a loaf.
•  Place into a greased loaf pan.

 Step 6: Second Rise

•  Cover again.
•  Let rise for 30–40 minutes until the dough rises above the rim of the pan.

 Step 7: Bake

•  Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
•  Bake for 30–35 minutes until golden brown.
•  The loaf should sound hollow when tapped.

 Step 8: Cool & Serve

•  Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes.
•  Transfer to a wire rack and cool completely before slicing.

 Quick Q&A

Q: Can I use instant yeast?

 Yes! Instant yeast works perfectly and can be mixed directly with the ingredients.

Q: How do I store homemade bread?

 Keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Q: Can I freeze it?

 Yes! Slice and freeze for up to 2 months.

 Soft, fluffy, and better than store-bought bread! Perfect for breakfast, sandwiches, or toast.