How to Cut Bread for Sandwiches

Cut your homemade bread into even slices.

Most beginning bread makers bake loaves as treats for special dinners until they get more experienced with the process. If you've gotten to the point where you make your family's bread for everyday occasions, you'll need to slice the bread thinly for sandwiches. Chunks of bread are fine for a side dish with soup or pasta, but sandwiches call for thinner, uniform slices. Set yourself up for success by using the right tools to slice your homemade bread.

Things You'll Need

• Kitchen towel
• Bread board or cutting board
• Serrated knife or electric knife

Instructions

1. Remove the bread from the pan as soon as it's done baking. Place the bread loaf on a kitchen towel, laid out where it won't be touched. Allow the bread to cool completely, which can take four to six hours.

2. Place the cooled loaf of bread on a bread board or cutting board. Lay the loaf of bread on its side. This will help to prevent the bread from squashing during slicing.

3. Place the blade of a serrated bread knife or electric knife against the loaf of bread, 1/2 inch from one end of the loaf. Saw back and forth gently with the bread knife. Don't push down on the knife; let the serrations on the knife blade do the work for you. If you are using an electric knife, let the blade fall through the bread by itself.

4. Aim the bottom of the blade at the cutting board and keep the knife straight. This will help you to achieve a straight slice. Remove the knife when it reaches the bread board.

5. Move the knife down the loaf 1/2 inch. Make another cut in the bread, being careful not to push down on the bread while you're slicing. Continue making slices in the bread until you have enough pieces for your sandwich needs.

Tips & Warnings

• If you try repeatedly and can't cut the slices straight, purchase a slice guide at a housewares store. Place the loaf in the guide and slice through the slits in the sides to make perfect slices every time.

References

• Hillbillly Housewife: How to Slice Homemade Bread