1. Is this bread truly soft and fluffy? What’s the secret?

Yes! The magic lies in the kneading, rising time, and olive oil . Kneading properly builds gluten for that airy texture, while a full rise ensures maximum fluffiness. And let’s not forget the olive oil—it locks in moisture and gives a delicate richness.

2. Is it possible to make this Soft & Fluffy Italian Sandwich Bread without a stand mixer?

Absolutely! I make this by hand all the time. It takes about 8-10 minutes of kneading on a floured surface. If you’re using a stand mixer, you’ll cut that time in half. Either way, the key is a smooth, stretchy dough that passes the "windowpane test"—where you stretch it thin, and it doesn’t tear.

3. Is this bread healthy? What’s the nutritional breakdown?

This homemade Soft & Fluffy Italian Sandwich Bread has about 130-150 calories per slice , depending on thickness. Unlike store-bought versions, it has zero preservatives and artificial additives . For a healthier twist, try using whole wheat flour —though it will slightly change the texture.

4. Is it okay to store this bread at room temperature? How long does it stay fresh?

Yes, and it stays soft for up to 3 days if stored properly! Keep it in a bread box or an airtight container to prevent drying out. Want to store it longer? Wrap it in plastic and freeze for up to 3 months —just thaw at room temp when ready to use.

5. Is there a way to make this bread even more flavorful?

Of course! Try adding: Fresh herbs like rosemary or basil for an aromatic twist Garlic powder or parmesan in the dough for a bold Italian flair Honey instead of sugar for a slightly sweeter profile

6. Is it possible to make this bread vegan?

Yes! Simply swap the egg wash for plant-based milk , like almond or oat milk. This will still give your crust a light sheen, though it won’t be as golden as the egg wash version.

7. Is this bread good for sandwiches?

This is THE perfect sandwich bread! It’s soft but sturdy , making it ideal for everything from classic deli sandwiches to grilled cheese . My kids love it for PB&J, and my husband swears by it for his favorite Italian sub!

8. Is there a story behind this recipe?

Yes! My grandmother in Southern Italy baked a loaf like this every Sunday morning, and the smell alone made us run to the kitchen. She taught me that great bread isn’t just about ingredients—it’s about patience and love. That’s why I’m so excited to share this recipe with you!

Easy Soft & Fluffy Italian Sandwich Bread

Description

This Soft & Fluffy Italian Sandwich Bread is the perfect loaf for any occasion. With its soft, airy crumb and golden, sesame-topped crust, it’s ideal for sandwiches, toast, or just enjoying fresh out of the oven with a bit of butter. Whether you’re new to baking or an experienced home chef, this easy-to-follow recipe brings homemade bread to your kitchen with minimal ingredients and simple steps. You won’t want to go back to store-bought again!

Ingredients

Scale

2¾ cups all-purpose flour (plus more for dusting)
2 teaspoons instant or active dry yeast
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 cup water
1½ teaspoons salt
2 tablespoons olive oil (plus extra for greasing)
1 egg
1 tablespoon water
2 tablespoons sesame seeds

Instructions

Combine the Dough Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, combine flour, yeast, sugar, water, salt, and olive oil. Add more water if the dough feels too dry or a little more flour if it’s too sticky.
Knead the Dough:
On a floured surface, knead the dough for 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and stretchy. Alternatively, use a stand mixer with the dough hook on low speed for 5-10 minutes. The dough should be soft and elastic.
First Rise:
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
Shape the Dough:
After the first rise, punch down the dough and transfer it to a floured surface. Stretch it into a rectangle (about 9 by 18 inches), fold in the corners, then roll it up into a log. Pinch the seams closed and place the dough into a greased loaf pan.
Second Rise:
Allow the dough to rise in the loaf pan for 1 hour or until it rises about 1 inch above the top of the pan.
Prepare for Baking:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a small bowl, beat the egg with 1 tablespoon of water. Brush this egg wash over the loaf and sprinkle with sesame seeds.
Bake the Bread:
Bake the loaf in the preheated oven for 40 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped.
Cool Before Slicing:
Remove the bread from the oven and place it on a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy!

Notes

Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.
Flour Substitutions: You can experiment with whole wheat flour for a slightly denser texture. Consider mixing it with all-purpose flour for best results.
Vegan Option: For a vegan version, substitute the egg wash with almond or oat milk, and you can leave out the egg wash completely.
Extra Flavor: Add fresh herbs like rosemary or basil to the dough for an aromatic twist.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: bread
Method: Baking
Cuisine: italian

Keywords: Soft & Fluffy Italian Sandwich Bread, Homemade Italian bread, Sandwich bread recipe, Easy bread recipe, Fluffy bread loaf, Sesame seed bread, Italian sandwich loaf, Fresh bread for sandwiches