Let's be real ... in today's world, the convenience and quality of store bought breads is unbeatable, especially when you have children to care for, and feed. On the flip side, there’s something truly special about making bread at home. The aroma that fills the kitchen, the satisfaction of kneading dough, and, of course, the joy of eating fresh, warm bread straight from the oven.
The sourdough craze took the world by storm in 2020, giving people something to care for, look after, and tend to for hours. I loved making sourdough. I enjoyed feeding my starter every week and preparing my dough and seeing the beautiful crusty creation that came out of the oven. It was time consuming, rewarding, and beyond delicious once I cracked the code. Yum!!
However, now with 2 little kids, making sourdough is an impossible task. I realized we devour sandwich bread, and thought I'd give it a try. It turns out making sandwich bread is much less time consuming. It takes about 2 hours from start to finish, with about 20 minutes committed to the act of actually making the dough. The best part is that it's a simple and fun activity the whole family can enjoy.
Whether you have little ones helping to mix ingredients or older kids learning the art of kneading dough, this recipe is perfect for creating delicious homemade bread—and memories!
Why Make Homemade Bread?
Baking bread is not just about the end result; it’s about the process. It’s a fantastic way to teach kids about patience, following instructions, and working together. Plus, homemade bread tends to be healthier, as you control the ingredients. No preservatives or additives—just wholesome, delicious bread perfect for school lunches, weekend picnics, or a snack with jam.
Ingredients / Equipment
This recipe makes 1 loaf of classic sandwich bread. You can use a stand mixer + dough hook, or your own hands. You'll also need a loaf pan and parchment paper if you have it on hand. Optional: food scale
Preferred brands: King Arthur Flour & Fleischmann's Active Dry Yeast
- 1 1/4 C warm water (10 oz / 300mL)
- 1 - 2 tbsp honey (25 grams)
- 1 packet active dry yeast (2 1/4 tsp or 7grams)
- 4 C + 2 tbsp all-purpose or bread flour (500 grams)
- 1 tbsp sea salt (20 grams)
- 2 tbsp salted butter, softened OR oil for a dairy free alternative (28 grams)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the yeast mixture
In a small bowl, combine the warm water, yeast, and honey. Stir lightly and let it sit for about 10 minutes. It should look frothy on top. This step is essential for ensuring your bread rises properly.
2. Mix the dry ingredients
In a stand mixer with the dough hook (or bowl), combine the flour and salt. Once the yeast mixture is ready, pour it into the dry ingredients. Add the soft butter.
3a. Mix and knead the dough (Stand Mixer)
Set the mixer to low and mix for about 2 minutes. Stop, unstick the dough from the hook and reset. Mix for another 4 minutes. Stop, unstick, reset, and mix for 4 more minutes. Now, it's time to knead! This is a great moment for kids to jump in and get their hands a little messy. On a lightly floured surface, knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. If the dough feels too sticky, sprinkle a little more flour.
3b. Mix and knead the dough (By hand)
With your hands, stir the ingredients together until a dough begins to form. Now, it's time to knead! This is a great moment for kids to jump in and get their hands a little messy. On a lightly floured surface, knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. If the dough feels too sticky, sprinkle a little more flour.
Fun tip: You can set a timer and pass the dough every few minutes if you have multiple kids helping out.
4. Let it Rise!
Place the kneaded dough into a greased bowl and cover it with a clean kitchen towel. Let it rise in a warm, draft-free area for about 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.
5. Shape the dough
Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release any air bubbles. Then, shape it into a loaf by stretching it out and gently rolling it into a log. Place the loaf into a greased 9x5 inch bread pan. (I like to spray the pan and then add parchment on top for an easy extraction) Brush the top with oil or butter.
6. Preheat the oven and bake
Cover and let the loaf continue to rise until the oven is heated. Set your oven to 425F (218C). Bake the bread for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown. The internal temperature should reach 195F.
7. Cool and enjoy
Remove the bread from the pan and let it rest for about an hour. Resist the urge to cut into it right away—letting the bread cool will help it finish cooking inside and make slicing easier.
Tips for a Fun Family Experience
- Little Bakers: Kids can help mix ingredients, shape the dough, and even brush the top of the loaf with oil.
- Older Kids: Let older children take on the more technical steps like kneading the dough or handling the yeast mixture.
- Creative Twist: Add fun ingredients like herbs, cheese, or even cinnamon for a flavorful variation.
Serving Ideas
This bread is perfect for sandwiches, toast, or even homemade croutons. Serve it fresh with butter, or use it to make grilled cheese sandwiches for an easy, kid-approved lunch.
Final Thoughts
Baking sandwich bread together can be a great bonding experience, giving your family a chance to slow down and enjoy time in the kitchen. Plus, the reward of eating freshly baked bread is one everyone will love! Whether you’re making peanut butter and jelly sandwiches or hearty grilled cheese, this homemade bread will elevate every bite.
