Take the mystery out of homemade bread with this foolproof no-knead sandwich bread. If you can stir, you can make this recipe.
How to make no-knead sandwich bread
Are you a beginner bread baker? Or are you looking for something super easy to add to your collection of bread recipes? This no-knead sandwich bread is the perfect recipe to make when you need some fresh bread. It’s simple, foolproof, and delicious! You’ll never have to worry about kneading dough again with this easy recipe that yields soft and fluffy sandwich loaves.
What you’ll love about this recipe:
Soft and fluffy texture. Even kids and picky eaters will enjoy this soft sandwich loaf.
No-knead! This recipe doesn’t involve kneading dough, which eliminates one of the most challenging parts of baking bread
No special equipment or ingredients. You don’t need a stand mixer or heavy-duty machine to make it. You should have everything you need on hand. You don’t even need bread flour.
What you’ll need
- water
- melted butter
- all-purpose flour
- sugar
- salt
- yeast (instant yeast or active dry yeast are both fine)
- a loaf pan (8 1/2 x 4 1/2 x 2 1/2)
Step by step homemade sandwich bread
Mix all the ingredients in a bowl using a wooden spoon. Start with less water. Add more if the bread dough is dry and crumbly. The dough should be slightly sticky and hold together in a ball when you squeeze it.
First, let the dough rise. Cover it with plastic wrap and put it in a warm room for 10-12 hours. Place the dough in the refrigerator if you need to, but it will not rise much there.
Shape the dough into a loaf. Transfer dough onto the counter and shape it into a rectangle that is 8 x 16 inches. Make the short side of your rectangle as long as the long side of your loaf pan. Then fold in the corners and roll up your dough in a log.
Prepare your baking pan with nonstick cooking spray for the second rise and put the loaf in the prepared loaf pan. Cover the loaf with greased plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour. The loaf is ready when it rises over the top of the loaf pan at least 1 inch, which will take about an hour. Around half an hour before you want to bake it, turn on your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and put the rack in the center of the oven.
Bake the bread for 30-35 minutes. It needs to be 195 degrees F in the middle. (Check with an instant-read thermometer.)You want the loaf to be golden brown on the outside. Carefully take it out of the loaf pan and allow it to cool on a wire cooling rack for 1 hour. Wait until the bread is completely cool before cutting into it.
Tips for success
- Instant yeast dissolves easier and works faster than active dry yeast
- Don’t be afraid to add more water to your bread dough if needed. It should be sticky! Different brands of flour absorb moisture differently.
- Let the loaf cool completely before slicing. A warm loaf will crumble and can have a gummy texture inside.
FAQs about no-knead sandwich bread
Can this bread be frozen?
Yes! Make sure it is completely cool and then wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap, put it in a sealed bag, and freeze for up to 3 months.
What can you do if the dough is too dry?
If you have a dry dough that won’t come together, add more water one tablespoon at a time.
Do I need to use a stand mixer for this recipe?
No! You just need a wooden spoon.
Can I use a different kind of flour?
Yes! You can mix 1 cup of white and 2 cups of whole wheat flour. However, the loaf will be denser than with all-purpose flour. You can also try adding a little rye flour or substituting bread flour.
What can I do with the to top make it prettier?
Try brushing with an egg wash using a pastry brush. Or sprinkle with coarse kosher salt, sesame seeds, or a little flour.
More no-knead bread recipes you’ll love
- No-Knead Raisin Bread is easier to shape and super yummy.
- No Dutch oven? You can still make easy, crusty bread without a Dutch oven.
- If you have a sourdough starter, you’ll love no-knead sourdough bread.
Recipe for no-knead sandwich bread
Super Simple No-Knead Sandwich Bread
Equipment
- Plastic Wrap
Ingredients
- 1⅓-1½ cups lukewarm water
- 2 tablespoons butter melted and slightly cooled
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1½ teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon yeast
Instructions
- Mix all ingredients. Combine the water, melted butter, flour, sugar, salt, and yeast in a large mixing bowl. Start with the lesser amount of water, adding a bit more if the dough seems dry and crumbly. The dough should be slightly sticky and hold a ball.
- The first rise. Cover the dough with plastic wrap and place the bowl at room temperature to rise until it is very puffy and has doubled in size, for 10-12 hours. In a warm room, the rising time will be shorter. You can place it in the fridge if needed, but it will not rise much in there.
- Shape into a loaf. Transfer the dough onto a clean countertop and stretch out into an 8 x 16-inch rectangle. Use your loaf pan as your guide and make the short side of your dough as long as the long side of your loaf pan. Tuck in the corners and the top ("shoulders in, head down"), then roll the loaf into a log. Pinch the seams shut.
- The second rise. Prepare your baking pan with nonstick cooking spray. and place the loaf inside. Cover with greased plastic wrap and allow to rise in a warm place for 1 hour. (A slightly warmed but turned-off oven works well.) The loaf is ready when it rises at least 1 inch over the top of the loaf pan. Towards the end of the rising time, preheat your oven to 350 with the rack in the center.
- Bake and cool. Bake the loaf for 30-35 minutes, until the center is 195 degrees F. Carefully remove from the loaf pan and allow to cool on a wire rack for 1 hour. Wait until the loaf is completely cool before slicing.
Notes
Nutrition
The no-knead sandwich bread recipe is simple and easy to make, but it yields an incredibly soft and tasty loaf. The dough does not require any unique ingredients or equipment; you should have everything on hand that you need for this delicious homemade lunchtime meal. You can create your variations by adding different spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, cardamom, etc.; these will add flavor without affecting the consistency of the dough. Who doesn’t love warm, fresh-baked bread?
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