Pan bread, or sandwich bread as it is sometimes called, is the soft crusted bread baked in a standard bread pan. Bread pans can be small, medium or larger, either longer or wider and recipes are usually written for a particular sized loaf pan. I use a standard 8.5 x 4.5 loaf pan for a 1.5 - 2 lb loaf.
Pan Bread Bread 101
For Pan Bread:
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Recipes are usually able to be completed within 2-3 hours.
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The crust is softer, unlike most artisan breads.
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The goal is a soft texture, quick(er) mix/knead/bake cycle and a bread that is easy to make.
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Baked in a standard bread pan. Size depends on the bread recipe.
Bread Pan Sizes:
8.5 inch x 4.5 inch - Most bread pan recipes will specify an 8.5 x 4.5 inch pan. This size pan allows for a nice sized loaf between 1.5 - 1.75lbs (24-28 oz). The images below are of loaves I have made previously using this size of pan. You can find these recipes on the Recipes page.
Honey Kamut with Flax Spelt Bread Sourdough Loaves
8.5 x 4.5 inch pan 8.5 x 4.5 inch pan 8.5 x 4.5 inch pan
(21 x 11 x 6 cm) (21 x 11 x 6 cm) (21 x 11 x 6 cm)
9 inch x 5 inch - This larger pan increases the volume from the 8.5 x 4.5 pan by 1/3, and is usually used for larger loaves of around 2 or more lbs (32 oz.) in weight. If you were to use this larger pan for a bread recipe that calls for a 8.5 x 4.5 inch pan, because of the added volume, the loaf would not rise much above the pan and would be more flat. If you want nice square, flat loaves, look at a Pullman loaf pan shown below.
5.5 inch x 3 inch - This smaller one is commonly called a mini loaf pan. Perfect for what I call gift loaves, where they are smaller but still large enough to get the full affect of a nice warm loaf of bread. 8 - 12 oz loaves are about right for these small pans. A standard recipe for 1 loaf cut in half is great for these sized pans - or, make the 1 loaf and split the dough in half for two small loaves.
Pullman Pan - When you want or need a nice long square loaf, use a Pullman pan. Not as common as the other pans mentioned on this page, these pans are perfect for light, fluffy potato breads, cut thinly for sandwiches, tea parties or thick-sliced Texas toast.
Pullman pan images courtesy of jimsfoodandbooze.blogspot.com
Pullman pans are available in different lengths, the most common being 9 x 4 x 4 inch and 13 x 4 x 4 inch pans.
