Simple White Sesame Seed Bread Recipe

This homemade White Sesame Seed Bread has a golden crust with nutty sesame seeds that pop with each bite! The inside stays soft and fluffy – perfect for sandwiches or just enjoying warm with butter. It’s easier than you think!

Eight simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry make this an attainable recipe you can have on your dinner table in no time. Soft and fluffy bread will elevate any sandwich or be toasted with your favorite jam. Nothing says love quite like hot homemade bread.

This sesame bread is almost hands-off making it easy to make, with a fantastic nutty flavor from toasted sesame seeds and a soft, tender crumb that’s simply amazing, plus it’s straightforward without fussy steps holding you back, and flexible enough to be your go-to bread for lunch boxes or breakfast toast – why settle for store-bought when homemade is this simple?

Ingredients for Sesame Bread

All ingredients are listed on the recipe card, but I wanted to share some important notes here.

Dairy. Even though you can use dairy alternatives to make this sesame bread recipe, we use whole-fat. It creates a softer crumb that’s rich in flavor.

Rapid-rising Dry Yeast. Also referred to as instant yeast or fast-acting, doesn’t need to be activated before it’s used. Since our rising time is relatively short, we can use this yeast instead of active dry yeast. Active dry yeast works best in recipes with longer rise times and needs to be activated. This article does a great job of defining the differences.

All-purpose Flour. Using unbleached flour helps the yeast work better and gives a better rise. You can use bleached or unbleached flour in the same way.

Salt. You can use any salt. We prefer Kosher salt or fine sea salt. They dissolve better and are less likely to leave salt pockets in our baked goods. Don’t eliminate the salt unless you like bland, tasteless bread. (Personal experience)

Egg Whites. We use two egg whites. One is in the sesame bread dough and one is used as a wash.

Sesame Seeds. We love the flavor that sesame seeds give our bread. Since we don’t use them regularly, we store them in the freezer to keep them from becoming rancid. If you don’t have sesame seeds, you can substitute with another seed or leave them off altogether.

How To Make Sesame Bread

Please note, that the printable recipe card has the full list of ingredients, quantities, complete instructions, and nutritional information. The following is a quick overview of the recipe.

Get everything ready to go for this amazing Sesame Bread Recipe.

Grease or spray a 9” x 5” bread pan. Pull out the ingredients. If you have a proof setting on your oven, turn it on.

Warm the milk.

In a small saucepan, heat the milk and butter over low heat until the butter is just melted. You want warm milk, not hot, which can kill the yeast.

Mix up your Sesame Seed Bread.

Add the warm milk to a large mixing bowl and add the yeast and the sugar to the bowl. Gently stir with a spoon and let it sit until it is frothy. Even though not necessary, we still activate it. That’s how we know the yeast is active and working. Plus, I don’t have to remember how each yeast needs to be used. Turn the mixer on low and gradually add the flour to the bowl and mix until it is just incorporated.

Add the salt and one of the egg whites. Increase the speed to medium and continue stirring until the dough starts to pull away from the sides of the bowl.

Knead the Sesame Bread Dough.

Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead the dough using the heel of your hand, pushing it away from you while turning the dough. Knead for about 5 minutes. You should be able to stretch the dough without it pulling apart.

Let the Sesame Bread Rise.

Form the dough into a ball and place in a well-oiled bowl. Turn to coat all sides. Cover the bowl with a damp towel or oiled plastic wrap and place it in a warm spot until the dough has doubled in size, approximately 45 minutes. If you have that proofing oven setting, now is the time to use it.

The second rise.

Remove the dough from the bowl (don’t punch it down) and turn out the dough gently about 3-4 times. Shape the dough into a rectangle and place it in the prepared loaf pan. Cover and place in a warm spot for 20 minutes or until the dough has risen to the top of the pan. While it is rising, preheat your oven.

Bake your sesame bread.

Once the loaf has risen, cut a seam in the top of the dough to allow steam to escape (also called scoring. Brush the loaf with the remaining egg white and sprinkle with the sesame seeds. Bake for 30-35 minutes. Cool.

Substitutions and Variations

• Add honey. For a touch of sweetness, try replacing some of the sugar in the recipe with honey. Honey not only adds flavor but also helps to keep the bread moist and tender.
• Make it your own. Don’t be afraid to get creative and add your own personal touch to the bread. You can add up to one cup of seeds, nuts, or cheese. Or up to 2 teaspoons of fresh or dried herbs to the dough before the first rise.
• Don’t like sesame seeds? Leave them off for a classic white bread recipe, or substitute them with poppy seeds or even rolled oats.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to make sesame seeds stick to bread?

The top of this loaf is brushed with egg white. It’s important to sprinkle the seeds on top of the bread before the egg white dries to make it stick.

Do I have to put Sesame Seeds in this bread?

No, you don’t. Sesame seeds add flavor, crunchy texture, and an amazing aroma to our Sesame Bread Recipe.

How To Reheat & Store

Best Way to Store Sesame Bread

Store this bread in an airtight container or a plastic bag on the counter at room temperature after it’s completely cooled.

Can I Freeze Bread with Sesame Seeds?

You can freeze the loaf of bread or individual slices in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil or freezer bags for up to 3 months. Don’t forget to label it and date it. Thaw at room temperature or toast slices directly from frozen.

Can I Freeze Unbaked Bread?

You can freeze the dough. Allow the dough to rise the first time. Shape it and place it in the loaf pan. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. Freeze immediately. Once frozen, you can remove it from your loaf pan and wrap the shaped dough.

To thaw, place the dough in a greased loaf pan if it was removed after freezing. Cover it with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator to thaw for 8 to 10 hours. Remove it from the refrigerator and let it rise until doubled.

To thaw quickly, let the dough thaw at room temperature for 4 to 5 hours (until thawed and doubled).

Hostess Tips for this Perfect Sesame Bread Recipe

• Kneading dough is very simple. You want to push the dough out with the palm of your hand, fold the dough over and push it out again. Repeat this process over and over.
• Turning dough is even easier. Lightly flour your hands, pick up the dough in the middle, and allow it to droop down and fold onto itself. Repeat this process.
• Don’t punch down this dough. It is important to handle the dough delicately to retain the air bubbles that make it light and fluffy.
• If you froze your dough, expect longer rising times than with fresh dough.
• Test doneness with an instant-read thermometer (internal temp 190-200°F). If the crust starts to get too brown, tent it with aluminum foil.

Related Recipes

If you like this fluffy White Sesame Seed Bread, you might also enjoy some other yummy bread recipes! Try the Honey Wheat Bread for a touch of sweetness, or the No-Knead Artisan Bread that’s super easy to make. The Cinnamon Raisin Bread makes amazing toast, and if you’re in a hurry, the Cherry Quick Bread comes together in just minutes! All these breads have that same homemade goodness that makes your kitchen smell amazing and your family smile at dinnertime.

I hope you enjoyed this delicious recipe as much as we do. Drop me a comment below, and don’t forget to give it a star rating. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐. Your comments and ratings help others decide if this recipe is for them too.

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