Sourdough Sandwich Bread is the perfect balance of tangy, chewy, and soft — it’s wonderful for making sandwiches, toast, or just enjoying with a little butter. Here’s a recipe for making this delicious bread from scratch!
Sourdough Sandwich Bread
Ingredients:
- 1 cup sourdough starter (active and bubbly)
- 1 cup warm water (about 110°F/45°C)
- 1 tbsp sugar (helps activate the yeast in the starter)
- 3 cups all-purpose flour (you can also use a combination of white and whole wheat flour)
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 1 tbsp honey or olive oil (optional, for added flavor)
- 2 tbsp milk (optional, for a softer texture)
Instructions:
1. Activate the starter:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the sourdough starter with warm water and sugar. Stir well and let it sit for about 10 minutes until it becomes bubbly and frothy. This shows that the starter is active and ready.
2. Mix the dough:
- Add flour to the starter mixture, a cup at a time, stirring to combine. Once most of the flour has been added, stir in the salt, and then add the butter and honey (or olive oil), mixing until the dough starts to come together.
- If the dough feels too sticky, add a little more flour, but be careful not to add too much. The dough should be slightly sticky but manageable.
3. Knead the dough:
- Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8–10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. Alternatively, you can use a stand mixer with a dough hook for this step, kneading on low speed for about 6-7 minutes.
4. First rise:
- Place the kneaded dough into a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1.5 to 2 hours or until doubled in size.
5. Shape the dough:
- After the first rise, punch down the dough to release air bubbles. Shape the dough into a loaf by rolling it into a tight cylinder, pinching the seams at the bottom.
- Place the shaped dough into a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan.
6. Second rise:
- Cover the pan with a clean towel or plastic wrap and let it rise for about 1–1.5 hours, or until the dough has risen to the top of the pan.
7. Preheat the oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) while the dough finishes rising.
8. Bake:
- Once the dough has fully risen, place the loaf pan in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. The bread should be golden brown on top and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- If the top is browning too quickly, cover it loosely with foil and continue baking.
9. Cool:
- Remove the loaf from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Tips for Perfect Sourdough Sandwich Bread:
- Sourdough starter: Make sure your starter is active and bubbly for the best rise and flavor. Feed it regularly and let it sit at room temperature for a few hours before using.
- Bread texture: For a softer texture, you can add milk instead of water or use butter instead of oil.
- Storage: Store the bread in a plastic bag or wrapped in a cloth for 2-3 days at room temperature. For longer storage, slice and freeze it.
This Sourdough Sandwich Bread has that signature tang from the sourdough starter and a soft, tender crumb, making it ideal for your sandwiches, avocado toast, or just a generous spread of butter.
Would you like suggestions for fillings or variations, like herb-infused or whole wheat versions?