White Sandwich Bread 2

This delicious, basic white sandwich bread has a firm, yet soft crumb, perfect for making all types of cold, hot and grilled sandwiches.

Recipe Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups warm water
3 3/4 teaspoons instant dry yeast
4 1/2 tablespoons granulated sugar
6 tablespoons powdered milk
3/4 cup dried potato flakes
9 tablespoons butter, softened
2 teaspoons kosher or sea salt
4 1/2 cups organic all-purpose flour

Cooking Directions:

1. To Make the Dough Using Bread Machine: Add all the ingredients to bread machine pan in the order listed, or according to your bread machine manufacturer's directions. Select the Dough Cycle, and press the start button. When dough cycle is complete, proceed with Step 4.
2. To Make Dough Using a Dough Hook: In mixing bowl stir together the warm water, yeast and sugar; allow to sit for 10 minutes. On low speed, mix in the oil, flour and salt to form dough. Knead dough on medium speed for about 6 minutes, or until dough is smooth and elastic and pulls away from the sides of the bowl. Place dough in a large oiled bowl, turning once to coat with oil. Cover with oiled plastic and allow to rise in warm spot until doubled in size, about 1 1/2 hours. Punch dough down and proceed with Step 4.
3. To Make Dough by Hand: In a large mixing bowl stir together the warm water, yeast and sugar; allow to sit for 10 minutes. Stir in the oil, flour and salt, mixing to form dough. Turn dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 6 to 10 minutes or until dough is smooth and elastic. Place in a large oiled bowl, turning once to coat with oil. Cover with oiled plastic wrap and allow to rise in warm spot until doubled in size, about 1 1/2 hours. Punch dough down and proceed with Step 4.
4. Place dough on a lightly floured surface. Knead dough a few times, gathering it into a ball. Using a rolling pin, flatten dough into a rectangle, roughly the length of the baking pan, then roll the dough into a cylinder and place into greased bread pan(s), tucking the ends underneath. Gently press the dough to fill the pan. Cover with a damp cloth and place in a warm spot to rise, about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
5. About 30 minutes before dough is finished rising, preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
6. Bake bread for 30 to 40 minutes, or until nicely browned and bottom sounds hollow when thumped on bottom. Immediately remove bread from pan(s) and cool completely on a wire rack before slicing.

Makes 2 (1 1/2-pound) loaves or 1 (3-pound) loaf.

Tip: If bread is browning too quickly, loosely tent it with aluminum foil.

Recipe and photograph by Hope Cantil; copyright © 1999; property of CooksRecipes.com. See Terms of Use.