There’s something magical about baking your own bread. The warm, inviting smell, the golden crust, the tender crumb—homemade bread turns an ordinary day into something special. This no-knead sandwich bread recipe is as easy as it gets, making it perfect for beginners and experienced bakers alike.
It requires just five basic ingredients, no kneading, and no fancy equipment—just a bowl, a spoon, and a loaf pan. The result is a soft, fluffy loaf with a mild flavor and a beautiful golden crust. Perfect for sandwiches, toast, or enjoying warm with a little butter.
Why You’ll Love This Bread
✅ No Kneading Required
Let the dough rest, and gluten will develop naturally—no hands-on effort needed.
✅ Minimal Ingredients
You probably already have everything in your pantry.
✅ No Special Tools
Just a mixing bowl, spoon, and loaf pan. That’s it!
✅ Hands-Off Process
Let time do the work—just mix, rise, and bake.
✅ Customizable
Make it cheesy, herby, sweet, or whole wheat—endless variations.
✅ Deliciously Soft Texture
Fluffy, tender, and perfect for slicing.
Ingredients
Instructions (Quick Version)
1️⃣ In a bowl, mix warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
2️⃣ Add flour and salt, stir until combined. The dough will be sticky—that’s okay!
3️⃣ Cover and let rise for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
4️⃣ Transfer to a greased loaf pan, smooth the top, and let rise for another 30 minutes.
5️⃣ Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 30–35 minutes, until golden brown.
6️⃣ Cool before slicing. Enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions (Detailed)
H2: Step 1 – Activate the Yeast
In a large bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until it turns foamy. This shows the yeast is active.
H2: Step 2 – Mix the Dough
Add flour and salt to the yeast mixture. Stir until you get a sticky, shaggy dough.
H2: Step 3 – First Rise
Cover the bowl and let the dough rise in a warm spot for 1 hour, until doubled.
H2: Step 4 – Shape the Dough
Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan. Gently transfer the dough in without deflating it too much.
H2: Step 5 – Second Rise
Let the dough rise again in the pan for 30–40 minutes, until just above the rim.
H2: Step 6 – Bake
Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 30–35 minutes. The crust should be golden, and the loaf should sound hollow when tapped.
H2: Step 7 – Cool and Slice
Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a rack. Let it cool completely before slicing.
Tips for Perfect Bread
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Water Temperature Matters: Use warm water (~110°F / 45°C).
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Sticky Dough is OK: Don’t over-flour—sticky dough = soft bread.
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Be Patient: Let it rise fully for best texture.
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Use Bread Flour for Chewier Crust: Optional but delicious.
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Try a Cold Rise: For more flavor, do the first rise overnight in the fridge.
Variations to Try
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Whole Wheat Loaf: Swap 1½ cups flour for whole wheat.
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Cheesy Bread: Add ½ cup shredded cheese to the dough.
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Garlic Herb: Mix in garlic powder and dried herbs.
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Lightly Sweet: Add cinnamon and extra sugar.
Storage & Freezing
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Room Temp: Keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
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Freezing: Wrap in plastic, then a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months.
Conclusion
This No-Knead Sandwich Bread recipe is more than just a simple way to make bread—it’s a chance to bring comfort and warmth into your kitchen with minimal effort. With just five everyday ingredients and no special tools required, even a first-time baker can create a soft, fluffy, and delicious loaf that rivals anything from the store. The hands-off process is perfect for busy schedules, yet it delivers the kind of homemade flavor and texture that only fresh bread can offer.
Whether you’re using it for hearty sandwiches, crispy toast in the morning, or just enjoying a slice with a slather of butter, this bread is sure to become a staple in your home. Plus, the versatility of this recipe means you can make it your own—experiment with whole wheat flour, herbs, cheese, or even a touch of sweetness for something new every time.
Best of all, making bread from scratch is deeply satisfying. Watching it rise, smelling it as it bakes, and cutting into that first warm slice—it’s a reminder of how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly special. Once you experience the ease and taste of this no-knead bread, you might just skip the store-bought kind for good.
Give it a try—and enjoy every slice!
Print
No-Knead Sandwich Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 40 min
- Yield: 1 loaf (about 8–10 slices) 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
An easy, no-knead sandwich bread recipe made with just five ingredients. Soft, fluffy, and perfect for sandwiches or toast—ideal for beginners and home bakers.
Ingredients
Here’s everything you need to make one beautiful loaf:
3 ½ cups (440g) all-purpose flour
1 ½ cups (360ml) warm water
2 teaspoons sugar
1 ½ teaspoons salt
2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) instant yeast
Instructions
1️⃣ In a bowl, mix warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
2️⃣ Add flour and salt, stir until combined. The dough will be sticky—that’s okay!
3️⃣ Cover and let rise for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
4️⃣ Transfer to a greased loaf pan, smooth the top, and let rise for another 30 minutes.
5️⃣ Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 30–35 minutes, until golden brown.
6️⃣ Cool before slicing. Enjoy!
Notes
Use Fresh Yeast: If your yeast doesn’t foam in the warm water during step one, it may be expired. Always check the date and store yeast in a cool, dry place.
Check Water Temperature: The ideal water temperature is around 110°F (45°C). Too hot can kill the yeast, and too cold won’t activate it. If you don’t have a thermometer, aim for water that feels warm but not hot to the touch.
Sticky Dough Is Good: Don’t be tempted to add more flour. A sticky dough makes for a soft, tender bread. Trust the process!
Let It Rise Fully: The dough should roughly double in size during both rises. If your kitchen is chilly, let it rise in a slightly warmed (but turned off) oven.
Customize It: This base recipe is perfect for experimentation! Add herbs, cheese, seeds, or a swirl of cinnamon sugar for variety.
Cool Before Slicing: It’s tempting to cut into warm bread, but waiting until it cools will keep the texture soft and airy, and prevent it from becoming gummy.
Storage Tip: Wrap your bread in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. Avoid refrigerating it—it can make the bread go stale faster. For longer storage, freeze slices and toast as needed.
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 30 min
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: no-knead bread, sandwich bread, homemade bread, easy bread recipe, soft sandwich loaf, beginner bread recipe