Sourdough Sandwich Bread

Name: Sourdough Sandwich Bread
Prep time: PT-483876H13M17S
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 53 min
Cuisine: Homemade
Ingredients: 65 grams active sourdough starter; 300 grams lukewarm water; 12 grams salt (about 2 teaspoons); 14 grams sugar; 15 grams oil (avocado or olive); 400 grams bread flour; 100 grams all-purpose flour

Recipe By:

Martha

Posted:

February 27, 2025

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Sourdough sandwich bread is such a treat! Imagine fresh slices, perfectly golden and slightly tangy, ready to hold all your favorite fillings. No need to settle for store-bought loaves when you can create something so much better at home. Making this bread is like inviting a little bit of magic into your kitchen. The aroma that wafts through the air as it bakes is simply irresistible. Plus, it’s an excellent way to use your sourdough starter!

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Don’t worry if you think sourdough can be tricky; this recipe is straightforward and forgiving. As you follow along, you’ll notice how fun and rewarding it is. Not only do you get to enjoy the bread fresh from your oven, but you’ll also impress your friends and family with your baking skills. So, let’s roll up our sleeves and create some delicious sourdough sandwich bread together!

Why You’ll Love This Sourdough Sandwich Bread

This sourdough sandwich bread is a game-changer for anyone who loves making sandwiches at home. The texture is just perfect—soft yet sturdy enough to hold your fillings without falling apart.

You’ll enjoy the unique tang that comes from the sourdough fermentation. It adds so much depth to your sandwiches, making even the simplest combinations exciting. Plus, the recipe is simple and very forgiving. If you’ve ever been intimidated by sourdough, rest assured that this one welcomes all skill levels.

Each slice is bursting with flavor, thanks to the long fermentation process. It makes the ideal base for countless toppings, whether you’re slathering on some creamy butter or layering up meats and cheeses. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll never look back!

What is Sourdough Sandwich Bread?

Sourdough sandwich bread isn’t just any bread; it’s special. At its core, sourdough is made through a natural fermentation process, where wild yeast and bacteria work together to create a tangy flavor. This makes it different from regular bread, which is often made with commercial yeast.

But the benefits don’t stop there. Sourdough is typically easier to digest, and many find it more satisfying. The fermentation process also enhances nutrient availability, making it a popular choice among health-conscious eaters. Plus, the history of sourdough is rich, traveled from ancient civilizations to our modern kitchens, carrying with it cultural significance and comfort.

Ingredients for Sourdough Sandwich Bread

Let’s gather what you need for this recipe! You’ll want to have:

65 grams active sourdough starter (make sure it’s bubbly!)
300 grams lukewarm water
12 grams salt (about 2 teaspoons)
14 grams sugar
15 grams oil (avocado or olive; 1 tablespoon, plus more for coating the pan)
400 grams bread flour
100 grams all-purpose flour

It’s a simple list, right? Now, let’s start preparing this delightful dough!

Preparing Your Sourdough Sandwich Bread

Activate Your Sourdough Starter

First things first, you need to activate your sourdough starter. About 4-8 hours before you begin, feed it with equal parts water and flour. Just make sure it’s active and bubbly for the best results. This step is crucial for a successful loaf; a strong starter means a happy dough.

Mixing the Dough

Now for the fun part! In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the lukewarm water and your activated sourdough starter. You should see a bubbly mix. Next, in another bowl, combine the bread flour, all-purpose flour, oil, sugar, and salt. Slowly mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Keep going until there’s no dry flour left.

First Rise

Once it’s all mixed, cover the bowl with a damp tea towel or some plastic wrap. Let the dough rest for one hour. During this time, the gluten will relax and strengthen. After an hour, shape it into a ball and cover it again.

Checking for Rise

It’s time to let the dough do its magic! Leave it to rise until it doubles in size, which will take about 8-10 hours. Check it visually; it should look airy and puffy. Patience is key here!

Shaping the Dough

When the dough has risen beautifully, slide it onto a floured surface. Gently press out any air pockets. You’ll want to tuck in the sides and roll it into a rectangle shape. Let it rest for about 10 minutes; this will help relax the gluten further.

Preparing the Pan

Grab your 9×5 bread pan and lightly oil it. Place your shaped dough into the pan, making sure it fits nicely. Cover it with a ziplock bag, some saran wrap, or another damp tea towel.

Second Rise

Sit back and let it rise again! This time, you want it to rise until it’s at least one inch above the rim of the pan. This can take 2-4 hours, so prepare the oven by preheating it to 400°F.

Baking the Bread

Finally, it’s baking time! Bake the bread uncovered for about 40 minutes. Keep an eye on it; look for a golden brown top and a beautiful rise. Your kitchen will start smelling heavenly!

Cooling the Bread

Once baked, allow the bread to cool in the pan for 5 minutes. Then, carefully transfer it to a cooling rack. Let it cool completely before slicing—this allows the crumb to set properly.

Serving Suggestions

Now that your sourdough sandwich bread is ready, you can get creative! Toast slices and smear them with butter or your favorite jams. How about making classic sandwiches with layers of meats and cheeses?

You could also use the bread as a base for open-faced meals or incorporate it into breakfast dishes like French toast. It’s versatile and always a hit!

Tips for Success

For the best results, ensure your sourdough starter is actively bubbly—this is key! Rather than sticking strictly to the clock, monitor the dough’s visual cues; that’s how you’ll know when it’s ready.

Keeping the rising environment humid can also help with proofing. And for perfect slices, let that delicious bread cool completely before cutting.

Variations

Want to mix it up? There are some fun variations you can try! Add herbs or spices for a flavor twist or incorporate seeds for added texture and nutrition. You can also experiment with whole grain or alternative flours. For a gourmet touch, consider swirling in cheese or caramelized onions!

Pairing Ideas

Pair your fresh bread with a crunchy salad for a wholesome lunch or serve it alongside soups and stews for comfort food. It also works wonderfully as a base for a variety of dips when entertaining guests. And don’t forget how great it is with fresh fruits and cheeses on a brunch platter!

FAQs

Q1: Can I use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour?
A1: Yes, it’s possible! Just note that bread flour helps enhance the bread’s structure and chewiness.

Q2: How do I know when my sourdough starter is ready?
A2: Your starter should be bubbly, double in size, and emit a pleasant tangy aroma.

Q3: What should I do if my dough isn’t rising?
A3: Ensure your starter is active and check the temperature of your environment.

Q4: Can I bake this in a different pan size?
A4: Absolutely! Just keep an eye on the baking time; smaller pans may require less time.

Q5: How long will this bread last?
A5: Sourdough sandwich bread can last at room temperature for up to 3 days, or you can freeze it for longer storage.

Sourdough sandwich bread is not only a delight to make but also a joy to enjoy. The process offers a connection to tradition, and each step yields a tangible reward in the form of fluffy, flavorful bread. With its adaptability, this bread can cater to various tastes and occasions, making it a staple in your kitchen. Whether you’re crafting a perfect sandwich or savoring a slice fresh from the oven, this recipe is sure to become a cherished favorite. Happy baking!

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