Are you tired of store-bought bread that's either too thick, too doughy, or just lacks that homemade taste? Then get ready to elevate your sandwiches and toast with this incredibly easy recipe for thin sandwich bread! This recipe delivers perfectly thin slices, ideal for creating light and flavorful sandwiches or enjoying with your favorite spreads. It's a fantastic addition to your homemade cooking repertoire, perfect for busy weeknights or weekend baking projects. This recipe is a perfect example of delicious dishes that are also easy recipes and healthy meals.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup warm water (105-115°F)
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
- 3 ½ - 4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
Instructions:
Get Started:
- In a large bowl, combine the warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let stand for 5-10 minutes until foamy. This ensures your yeast is active and ready to work its magic!
Combine the Ingredients:
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Stir in the salt and melted butter until well combined.
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Gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, mixing with a wooden spoon or spatula until a shaggy dough forms.
Knead the Dough:
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, a tablespoon at a time. This step is crucial for developing the gluten in the bread, resulting in a lighter texture.
First Rise:
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
Shape and Second Rise:
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Gently punch down the dough to release the air. On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough into a 12x18 inch rectangle.
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Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut the rectangle into 12 equal squares.
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Place the squares in a lightly greased 9x13 inch baking pan, leaving a little space between each.
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Cover the pan with plastic wrap and let rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until almost doubled.
Bake and Cool:
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Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
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Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
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Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents the bread from becoming soggy.
Tips for Perfect Thin Sandwich Bread:
- Yeast is Key: Make sure your yeast is fresh for the best results. Expired yeast can lead to a flat loaf.
- Don't Overknead: Overkneading can result in a tough bread. Aim for a smooth, elastic dough, but don't overdo it.
- Proper Rising Time: Allow sufficient time for the dough to rise. A properly risen dough will yield a lighter and fluffier loaf.
- Thin Slices: Use a sharp knife or bread slicer to get perfectly even and thin slices.
Variations:
- Herb Bread: Add 1-2 tablespoons of dried herbs (such as rosemary, thyme, or oregano) to the dough for extra flavor.
- Garlic Bread: Add 1-2 cloves of minced garlic to the dough.
- Sweet Bread: Reduce the salt slightly and add 1-2 tablespoons of sugar for a sweeter bread.
Nutritional Information (per slice, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 70-80
- Protein: 2-3g
- Carbohydrates: 12-15g
- Fat: 1-2g
This recipe is perfect for adding to your collection of quick dinner ideas and provides a simple yet satisfying way to enjoy homemade goodness. This thin sandwich bread is versatile enough to be enjoyed with a variety of fillings, making it a staple in any kitchen. Enjoy your freshly baked bread!