Homemade Buttermilk Sandwich Bread - Step by Step - Restless Chipotle (2024)

Published: Last Updated: by Marye 2562 words. | About 13 minutes to read this article.

This easy buttermilk bread recipe rises high, light, and fluffy! Honey gives it a little touch of sweetness that's just delicious! It's a simple country loaf that the whole family will love!

Prep Time 2 hours hrs 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Rising time 2 hours hrs 15 minutes mins

Total Time 5 hours hrs 15 minutes mins

Jump to Recipe

If you love warm bread fresh from the oven (with butter melting on top) as much as we do you'll find tons more homemade bread recipes here.

Homemade Buttermilk Sandwich Bread - Step by Step - Restless Chipotle (1)
Table of Contents
  • ❤️ Why you'll love it
  • ⭐ Readers say
  • 🧾 Ingredients
  • 🔪 Instructions
  • 🍞 Bread machine instructions
  • 🎥 Video
  • 🥫 Storage
  • 📖Variations
  • 💭 Things to know
  • Troubleshooting
  • 👩‍🍳 FAQs
  • 📚 Related recipes
  • 🍽️ Serve with...
  • 📞 The last word
  • 📖 Recipe
  • 💬 Comments

❤️ Why you'll love it

  • There's nothing like the taste (and smell!) of homemade bread!
  • Over 900 5 star reviews plus lots of rave reviews on Pinterest and Facebook.
  • This easy bread recipe has been in the top 3 on Google since I published it in 2008!

This truly is a no fail buttermilk bread recipe - millions of readers have tried it and loved it because it comes out delicious, light and fluffy every time!

If you've never worked with homemade yeast dough before take a look at this breadmaking guide before you get started. It answers about any question you could have.

⭐ Readers say

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Definitely 5 Stars Thank You for posting these awesome recipes. Having you with your background and experience post for all of us who are always looking to find a better way of preparing delicious food is remarkable!! I personally want to Thank You for your kindness and thoughtfulness!💕💕💕. Debra A.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Just made this for the first time, I have never made bread like this. I was worried because the buttermilk mixture was so fluffy but this bread turned out AMAZING! Such a good flavor! It’s subtly sweet and has great texture. Thanks for the recipe! Stacy

🧾 Ingredients

This is an overview of the ingredients. You'll find the full measurements and instructions in the green recipe card (printable) at the bottom of the page.

Honey buttermilk bread is so unbelievably light that no one will believe it's made from scratch.

Homemade Buttermilk Sandwich Bread - Step by Step - Restless Chipotle (2)
  • I used active dry yeast but you can use rapid rise if you want - just follow the instructions on the packet of yeast.
  • Buttermilk in bread adds a little flavor but mostly it creates that soft, tender crumb we all love. If you don't have any you can make homemade buttermilk.
  • Salt - kosher salt was used. If you use regular table salt cut the amount by about ¼th or so.
  • Bread flour - you can use all purpose flour if you like. There might be a tiny difference in how high it rises. Take a look at this list of different types of flour and how to use them.

🔪 Instructions

This is an overview of the instructions. Full instructions are in the green recipe card at the bottom of the page.

Just follow the images to see how to mix, knead, and shape this easy, homemade sandwich loaf.

Mixing and kneading

Homemade Buttermilk Sandwich Bread - Step by Step - Restless Chipotle (3)
  1. Mix the sugar, ginger, yeast, and warm water in a small bowl and set aside until foamy.
  2. Whisk the buttermilk, honey, salt, and baking soda together in a large bowl.
  3. Add it to the yeast mixture.
  4. Pour into the bowl of a stand mixer.
  5. Add three cups of flour and mix until smooth, about 3 to 5 minutes on low speed of a stand mixer.
  6. Pour in the butter and blend.
  7. Switch to kneading hook (dough hook attachment). Add the rest of the flour, one cup at a time, keeping mixer on low speed.
  8. When buttermilk dough pulls from the sides of the bowl remove it from the mixer to a lightly floured work surface. Knead it by hand a few times until elastic and smooth
  9. Place dough in greased mixing bowl, turn to grease the top, and cover with a clean tea towel. Let rise about 1 ½ hours.

Shaping

Homemade Buttermilk Sandwich Bread - Step by Step - Restless Chipotle (4)
  1. Punch dough down. You'll want to give it a gentle kneading for a minute or two but nothing like the first time! Don't over-knead it.
  2. Shape into loaves.
  3. Place loaves in bread pans and let rise until double. Bake.
  4. Remove finished loaves from oven. Brush with butter.
  5. Cool on a wire rack and slice.
  6. Perfect!

🍞 Bread machine instructions

Many of you have asked how to make buttermilk bread in a bread machine. One reader, Debbie, did and this is what she said:

"If you want to make it and bake it in a bread machine cut the buttermilk bread recipe in half, set it on white bread setting, and add ingredients in this order (or according to your manufacturer's instructions):

  1. Water
  2. Buttermilk
  3. Butter
  4. Honey
  5. Sugar
  6. Salt
  7. Flour mixed with ginger and baking soda
  8. Yeast

🎥 Video

Click on the image to watch me knead this. (Video opens in a new tab).

Homemade Buttermilk Sandwich Bread - Step by Step - Restless Chipotle (5)

🥫 Storage

Homemade bread doesn't last long after it's baked. You can wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place in an airtight storage container and keep it at room temperature for about 2 days.

For longer storage cool completely, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months.

I like to cut it in slices and freeze with a piece of wax paper or parchment paper between the slices. That way I can just thaw what I need without thawing the whole loaf.

To freeze unbaked dough you'll want to double the amount of yeast called for in the recipe and then freeze the dough after shaping it into loaves.

When ready to bake let the loaves thaw overnight in the refrigerator then finish rising at room temperature. It will take a bit longer to rise than normal.

Bake as directed in the recipe.

Homemade Buttermilk Sandwich Bread - Step by Step - Restless Chipotle (6)

📖Variations

This is one of those easy bread recipes that you can change up by adding other ingredients.

  • Knead in raisins and add sugar and cinnamon before shaping for a wonderful cinnamon raisin bread - use shaping instructions in this cinnamon swirl bread recipe.
  • The rich texture of buttermilk bread makes it perfect for slicing thickly and making into French toast.
  • If it gets a bit stale make it into bread pudding. Yum!
  • This makes a great buttermilk dinner rolls recipe, too! Just shape into rolls and bake at 375f for 10 to 15 minutes.

💭 Things to know

Expert tip: You may need more or less flour than called for in the recipe. Weather and climate can affect your ingredients - humidity will often mean you'll need at least an extra ¼ cup or so of flour. If you bake bread on a rainy day it will rise higher than on a clear one due to air pressure!

  • Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature.
  • Use yeast that is within the sell by date. If your bread dough isn't rising well it could be that the yeast is too old.
  • If you're short on time you can let the bread rise in the refrigerator overnight for either the first or second rising time.
  • The baking soda does two things…It works with the acid in the buttermilk to help the bread rise high and light and balances any off tastes from the acids in the buttermilk.
  • Make sure your liquids are not hotter than 110F. Check with an insta-read thermometer. If the liquids are too hot the yeast will die.
  • Be sure to fully knead the dough. It develops the flavor and texture - and will take 8 to 10 minutes by hand of kneading vigorously.
  • Grease the top of the dough before rising.
  • Let dough rise in a warm spot. A draft-free place is best.
  • If you like the crust a darker golden brown brush it with egg yolk mixed with a teaspoon of water just before putting in the oven.
  • Cool the baked bread in the pan for 10 minutes then turn out to finish cooling.
  • Brush the loaves with butter while still hot and then cover with a clean tea towel while cooling for soft crusts.
  • Here's how to use up that leftover buttermilk!

Troubleshooting

If you're having problems with yeast doughs and homemade bread I have answers!

  • Yeast Bread Baking Tips Part 1
  • Yeast Bread Baking Tips Part 2
  • Yeast Bread Troubleshooting

Also - these tips on getting your homemade bread to rise properly are what keep mine high and light!

👩‍🍳 FAQs

Can you substitute sugar for the honey in this buttermilk bread recipe?

Yes! This bread recipe is made with honey but you can use sugar in it instead. Use an equal amount or slightly less sugar.

What bread pans are best?

My favorite is glass.
The loaves bake evenly and the crust is perfect. I've heard good things about cast iron but I haven't tried it yet. Aluminum or metal pans are fine if that's what you have - your crust may brown faster so watch it.

How do you keep homemade bread crusts soft?

Rub the crusts with butter and cover with a tea towel as soon as you bring them out of the oven if you like soft crust.

How do you keep crust crispy?

If you want a crusty bread don't cover it as it's cooling. You can also brush it with egg white blended with 1 teaspoon of water before baking.

How do I know when it is done?

You can use an insta-read thermometer if you like. Push it into the side of the loaf - the center of the bread should be about 200F.
You can also turn the loaf out and tap the bottom. It will sound hollow. After you've baked bread a few times you'll just know.

How to make fluffy bread

Try removing a tablespoon of flour and adding a tablespoon of wheat gluten for every cup of flour you add to the bread. This helps it rise better and stay light and fluffy.

Can I use a food processor instead of a mixer?

Sure, you'll need to halve the recipe and follow the manufacturer's instructions. Be careful not to overknead.

Homemade Buttermilk Sandwich Bread - Step by Step - Restless Chipotle (7)
  • Whole Wheat Bread Recipe is similar to this buttermilk white bread but in a whole grain loaf.
  • English Muffin Bread (Takes an Hour) is an easy, no knead bread that tastes exactly like an English muffin! It's one of the most popular bread recipes on Restless Chipotle.
  • Honey Oatmeal Bread is a soft sandwich bread that's perfect for peanut butter & jelly sammiches!
  • Rustic Bread in a Cloche is an artisan loaf with a crispy crust. SO good.
  • Multigrain Bread is nutritious and full of omega-3s BUT it's also delicious!
  • Muesli Bread is my favorite for morning toast.
  • Sour Dough Bread (no knead) is perfect for beginners.
  • Jewish Rye has that tangy rye flavor - I have the secret!
  • Clover Leaf Dinner Rolls are just like Grandma used to make! Soft and fluffy.
  • Quick Dinner Rolls Recipe (30 Minutes)
  • Honey Cracked Wheat Bread
  • Make Ahead Buttermilk Dinner Rolls: Brown and Serve
  • Angel Yeast Biscuits

🍽️ Serve with...

This bread makes delicious sandwiches! Try it with -

  • Tuna salad
  • Chicken salad
  • Pimento cheese
  • Ham salad
  • Tomato sandwiches

📞 The last word

This country white bread is a classic recipe that you'll use again and again!

If you click on the number of servings in the recipe card you can adjust the measurements up or down for the exact number of servings you need. Don't forget that you can click on "add to collection" to save it to your own, private recipe box!

If you love this recipe please give it 5 stars!⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

📖 Recipe

Homemade Buttermilk Sandwich Bread - Step by Step - Restless Chipotle (12)

Honey Buttermilk Bread

4.64 from 1386 votes

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This easy buttermilk bread recipe rises high, light, and fluffy! Honey gives it a little touch of sweetness that's just delicious! It's a simple country loaf that the whole family will love!

Course Yeast Bread

Cuisine Amercian Heritage

Prep Time: 2 hours hours 30 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes minutes

Rising time: 2 hours hours 15 minutes minutes

Total Time: 5 hours hours 15 minutes minutes

Servings:20 (2 loaves)

Calories:188

Author:Marye Audet-White

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon yeast, or 1 packet
  • 1 pinch powdered ginger
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • ¼ cup water, warm, 105F - 110F
  • 2 cups cultured buttermilk, warm, 105F - 110F
  • cup honey
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt, if using table salt use ¾ teaspoon
  • ¾ teaspoon baking soda
  • 6 cups bread flour, you may use all-purpose flour
  • ¼ cup butter, melted and cooled so that it is warm to the touch but not hot.

Instructions

  • In a medium sized bowl mix the yeast, ginger, sugar, and 110F water.

  • Set aside for 5 minutes or until foamy.

  • Whisk the buttermilk, honey, salt, and baking soda together and add it to the yeast mixture.

  • Add three cups of flour and mix until smooth, about 3 to 5 minutes on low of a stand mixer.

  • Pour in the butter until it is totally mixed into the batter.

  • Add the rest of the flour, one cup at a time, keeping mixer on low speed.

  • When dough pulls from the sides of the bowl remove it from the mixer to a lightly floured surface. Knead until elastic and smooth. You can also knead in your mixer according to manufacturer's directions.

  • Place in greased bowl, turn to grease the top, and cover bowl with a clean tea towel.

  • Allow the dough to rise for 1 ½ hours, or until double.

  • Punch down and form into two loaves. Place each in a greased loaf pan with seam sides down. Grease tops.

  • Cover, and allow to rise in a warm place for 45 minutes, or until it is just about to the tops of the bread pans.

  • Preheat oven to 375F.

  • Bake for 30 minutes. You can cover the tops with foil if they brown too fast.

  • Remove from oven and brush top of the loaves with melted butter. Place on cooling rack.

  • Allow to cool in pans for 10 minutes.

  • Gently run a knife around the edge between the bread and the pan to loosen it.

  • Turn out and cool completely on a rack.

  • Cover the loaves if you want soft crusts.

Notes

You can use any bread pans that you have - I just prefer glass. The ones I use are 9x4 pyrex which I believe are the 1.5 quart size.

TIPS

  • Expert tip: You may need more or less flour than called for in the recipe. Weather and climate can affect your ingredients - humidity will often mean you'll need at least an extra ¼ cup or so of flour. If you bake bread on a rainy day it will rise higher than on a clear one due to air pressure!
    • Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature.
    • Use yeast that is within the sell by date. If your bread dough isn't rising well it could be that the yeast is too old..
    • Make sure your liquids are not more than 110F. Check with a insta-read thermometer. If the liquids are too hot the yeast will die.
    • Be sure to fully knead the dough. It develops the flavor and texture - and will take 8 to 10 minutes by hand.
    • Grease the top of the dough before rising.
    • Let the dough rise in a warm spot.
    • If you feel the bread gets too brown at 375f bake at 350 f.
    • Cool the baked bread in the pan for 10 minutes then turn out to finish cooling.
    • Brush the loaves with butter while still hot and then cover with a clean tea towel while cooling for soft crusts.

No buttermilk? Try this Amish White Bread!

Need to adjust for high altitude? Check out the instructions from Utah State University.

You'll find more helpful tips and variations in the body of the post.

Nutrition Facts

Calories: 188kcal | Carbohydrates: 33g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 3g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 8mg | Sodium: 183mg | Potassium: 72mg | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 110IU | Calcium: 34mg | Iron: 0.4mg

Nutrition information is estimated as a courtesy. If using for medical purposes, please verify information using your own nutritional calculator. Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

This recipe has been tested several times. If you choose to use other ingredients, or change the technique in some way, the results may not be the same.

This recipe has been undated from the original 2008 version to improve reader experience. Last updated June 26, 2022 for more information and better instructions.

Homemade Buttermilk Sandwich Bread - Step by Step - Restless Chipotle (13)
Homemade Buttermilk Sandwich Bread - Step by Step - Restless Chipotle (2024)
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