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how to makebest homemade healthy sandwich bread recipe

Homemade Healthy Sandwich Bread

Before diving into the world of homemade sandwich bread, let’s discuss some delightful pairings. Imagine your warm, fresh loaf alongside the savory richness of avocado toast.
Prep Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 3 hours
Course: Bread
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Homemade Healthy Sandwich Bread
Servings: 15
Calories: 120kcal

Equipment

  • Oven
  • Pan

Ingredients

For the Dough:

  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter melted and slightly cooled.
  • 2 tablespoons ground flaxseed meal.
  • 1 teaspoon fine sea salt.
  • 2 cups high-protein bread flour.
  • 1 teaspoon chia seeds optional, for texture and nutrition.
  • 1 tablespoon pure honey.
  • 2 ¼ teaspoons instant yeast quick-rise variety.
  • 1/3 cup hearty old-fashioned oats.
  • 1 tablespoon white sesame seeds.
  • ¾ cup whole wheat flour plus more for kneading.
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon optional, for warmth and depth.
  • 2 tablespoons raw sunflower seeds.
  • 1 ¼ cup warm milk dairy or unsweetened almond milk.
  • 1 tablespoon blue poppy seeds.
  • Neutral oil for greasing the bowl.

For the Egg Wash:

  • 1 large egg lightly beaten.

For the Topping:

  • Optional: additional sesame seeds and poppy seeds for added crunch.
  • 1 tablespoon sunflower seeds.
  • 2 tablespoons rolled oats for sprinkling.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough Mixture

  • In a mixing bowl, combine the warm milk and honey together. Stir until the honey dissolves. Sprinkle the instant yeast over the top and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until frothy. This activation process is crucial; it ensures your bread will rise beautifully.

Step 2: Mix in the Dry Ingredients

  • To the yeast mixture, add the melted butter, flaxseed, salt, whole wheat flour, bread flour, oats, chia seeds, sesame seeds, and cinnamon. Use a wooden spoon to combine these ingredients until they form a shaggy dough. It should be quite sticky, which is precisely what you want.

Step 3: Knead the Dough

  • Turn the dough out onto a floured surface. Knead it for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If it's too sticky, add a little more flour, but be careful not to overdo it. Kneading builds the structure of your bread, ensuring the perfect rise.

Step 4: First Rise

  • Grease a bowl with neutral oil and place your kneaded dough inside. Cover it with a damp cloth or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.

Step 5: Shape the Loaf

  • Once your dough has risen, punch it down gently; this is where the fun begins! Turn it out onto a floured surface again. Shape it into a rectangle and then roll it into a log. Tuck the ends under and place it seam-side down in a greased loaf pan.

Step 6: Second Rise

  • Cover the loaf pan and let it rise again for about 30-45 minutes, or until it puffs up nicely above the edges of the pan. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) during this period.

Step 7: Coat and Bake

  • Brush the top of your loaf with the beaten egg for a glossy finish. Sprinkle any additional seeds or oats on top if desired. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown. The loaf should sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.

Step 8: Cool and Enjoy

  • After baking, let the bread cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. It’s tempting to slice it right away, but try not to—let it cool completely so the texture holds up well when you cut it.

Notes

  • Use Fresh Yeast: When using instant yeast, check its expiration date. Fresh yeast activates better, giving your bread a good rise.
  • Let It Rise Enough: Take the time needed for both the first and second rises. Don’t rush; this step develops the flavor and texture.
  • Don’t Over-knead: While kneading is essential, overdoing it can make the bread tougher. Aim for a balance where it’s smooth but not dry.
  • Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to add herbs like rosemary or garlic powder for extra flavor. Mixing it up enhances the taste!
  • Master Storage: Homemade bread can be stored at room temperature for a few days. For longer shelf life, freeze slices and toast them as needed.

Nutrition

Calories: 120kcal | Carbohydrates: 18g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 4g | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 1g
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