Sourdough Sandwich Bread Recipe

Baking bread at home is a rewarding experience, and this sourdough sandwich bread recipe ensures a soft, delicious loaf perfect for sandwiches, toast, or any meal. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this guide will help you create bakery-quality bread with ease.

Why This Sourdough Sandwich Bread Recipe Works

This sourdough sandwich bread recipe combines the tangy flavor of sourdough with the soft crumb of classic sandwich bread, making it versatile and family-friendly. It’s a healthier and tastier alternative to store-bought bread.

Key benefits include:

Soft and Tender Texture: Perfect for sandwiches, grilled cheese, and French toast.
Nutritious and Digestible: Sourdough fermentation makes this bread easier on the stomach.
Natural Preservation: It stays fresh for days thanks to natural acidity.

Ingredients for Your Homemade Sourdough Bread

Here’s what you’ll need to make this sourdough sandwich bread recipe:

Ingredient	Measurement	Notes
Active sourdough starter	1/2 cup	Use King Arthur starter or homemade.
Warm water	3/4 cup (6 fl oz)	Filtered water improves consistency.
Bread flour	3 cups (13 oz)	Gold Medal or King Arthur bread flour is great.
Sugar	1 tablespoon	Adds a subtle sweetness.
Salt	1 1/2 teaspoons	Morton kosher salt is recommended.
Butter (softened)	2 tablespoons	Use Land O’Lakes unsalted butter.
Milk	1/4 cup (2 fl oz)	Whole milk adds richness.

Step-by-Step Guide to Baking a Sourdough Sandwich Loaf

Step 1: Prepare Your Starter for the Bread Recipe

Begin by feeding your sourdough starter 6–8 hours before baking. This ensures it’s active, bubbly, and ready to provide the perfect rise for your sourdough sandwich bread recipe.

Step 2: Mix the Dough for a Soft Sourdough Bread

Combine your sourdough starter, warm water, and milk in a large bowl. Stir in the sugar, salt, and butter. Gradually add bread flour until a sticky dough forms. Mixing thoroughly is essential to create the soft crumb characteristic of a homemade sourdough sandwich loaf.

Step 3: Knead the Dough to Perfect Elasticity

Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead by hand for 8–10 minutes, or use a stand mixer with a dough hook for 5 minutes. The dough should feel elastic and slightly tacky.

Step 4: Let the Dough Rise for Maximum Flavor

Place the dough in a greased bowl and cover it with a damp towel. Allow it to rise for 4–6 hours, until it doubles in size. The long fermentation process is what gives this soft sourdough bread its unique flavor.

Step 5: Shape the Dough for Your Sandwich Loaf

Punch down the risen dough and shape it into a loaf. Roll it tightly into a log, then place it seam-side down into a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan. Proper shaping ensures an even rise for your sourdough sandwich bread recipe.

Step 6: Proof the Dough for a Light and Fluffy Loaf

Cover the pan loosely and let the dough proof for 2–3 hours. It should rise until it’s about 1 inch above the rim of the pan. Proofing is key to achieving the soft crumb this homemade sourdough bread is known for.

Step 7: Bake the Sourdough Sandwich Bread

Preheat your oven to 375°F. Bake the loaf for 30–35 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 200°F. The result is a perfectly baked sourdough sandwich bread with a golden crust and soft interior.

Step 8: Cool and Slice Your Homemade Loaf

Let the bread cool on a wire rack for at least an hour before slicing. This final step ensures your homemade sourdough loaf slices cleanly without any gummy texture.

Troubleshooting Your Sourdough Sandwich Bread Recipe

Even with the best recipe, challenges can arise. Here’s how to handle common issues:

Sticky Dough: Add small amounts of flour as needed, but avoid over-flouring.
Bread Too Dense: Ensure your starter is active and give the dough sufficient time to rise.
Over-proofed Dough: In warmer climates, proofing time may need to be shortened.

For more troubleshooting tips, visit this sourdough guide.

Tips for Perfect Homemade Sourdough Bread

Use Accurate Measurements: A digital scale helps ensure consistency.
Create a Warm Proofing Space: Use your oven’s proof setting or a warm kitchen corner.
Experiment with Flavors: Add mix-ins like herbs, seeds, or cheese to customize your loaf.

Variations of Sourdough Sandwich Loaf

This sourdough sandwich bread recipe is versatile and can be adapted to suit your taste:

Whole Wheat Version: Replace 1 cup of bread flour with whole wheat flour for added texture and flavor.
Herb-Infused Loaf: Mix in 1 teaspoon of dried rosemary, thyme, or parsley for a savory twist.
Seeded Crust: Sprinkle sesame or sunflower seeds on top before baking for extra crunch.

FAQs About Sourdough Sandwich Bread

What makes this sourdough sandwich bread recipe special?
It combines the tangy flavor of sourdough with the soft, versatile texture of sandwich bread, making it perfect for everyday meals.

Can I freeze slices of this bread?
Yes, slice the bread and store it in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.

How long does homemade sourdough bread stay fresh?
Stored in an airtight container, it stays fresh for up to 5 days.

Conclusion

This sourdough sandwich bread recipe is a must-try for any home baker. With its soft crumb, tangy flavor, and versatility, it’s perfect for sandwiches, toast, and more. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced baker, this recipe offers a reliable way to enjoy fresh, homemade bread at its best.

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