There’s nothing quite like the smell of fresh bread wafting through the house. I remember the first time I made sourdough sandwich bread—it was a rainy afternoon, and the dough slowly rose in the warmth of my kitchen. When it was finally baked, the golden crust and soft interior were like a hug on a plate. This recipe matters to me because it creates a comforting staple that can bring people together, whether for a simple sandwich or a beautiful slice of toast. What’s special about this recipe is its simplicity yet rewarding process, which results in a soft and delicious sandwich bread perfect for any meal.
why make this recipe
Making sourdough sandwich bread at home offers several benefits. First, it’s a healthier alternative to store-bought bread, as you control the ingredients. Second, the process of making your own bread can be therapeutic. There’s something calming about kneading dough and watching it rise. Moreover, the taste of home-baked sourdough is unmatched. It’s soft, fluffy, and has a slight tanginess that elevates every bite. You’ll also be able to customize it to your liking, whether you want to add seeds or herbs for extra flavor.
how to make The Best Soft Sourdough Sandwich Bread
Ingredients
- 600 g (2 2/3 cups) lukewarm water
- 200 g (1 cup) active sourdough starter
- 80 g (1/4 cup) honey or pure maple syrup
- 40 g (2 1/2 Tbsp) avocado oil or any mild-flavored oil
- 1050 g (7 cups) bread flour (sifted and leveled, unbleached all-purpose flour will work too)
- 24 g (4 tsp) salt
Directions
Step 1: Feed your Sourdough Starter – Prepare a Levain.
Step 2: Mix & Rest – Combine the water, sourdough starter, honey, and oil in a large bowl. Add the flour and salt, then mix until a shaggy dough forms. Let it rest for 30 minutes.
Step 3: Strengthen the Dough (Stretch & Folds) – Perform several stretch and fold actions on the dough every 30 minutes for the next 2 hours.
Step 4: First Rise – Cover the dough and let it rise for about 4-6 hours at room temperature until it has doubled in size.
Step 5: Cold Proof / Cold Ferment – Place the dough in the fridge overnight (12-18 hours).
Step 6: Shape & Second Rise – Remove the dough from the fridge, shape it into loaves, and place them in greased bread pans. Let them rise at room temperature for 2-3 hours.
Step 7: Score and Bake – Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). Score the tops of the loaves and bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown.
Step 8: Cool, Slice, & Enjoy – Let the loaves cool completely on a rack before slicing.
how to serve The Best Soft Sourdough Sandwich Bread
Serve this bread fresh from the oven as sandwiches filled with your favorite ingredients. It’s perfect for classic turkey and cheese, avocado toast, or even a simple spread of butter and jam. Toasting slices also enhances its flavor for breakfast or snacks.
how to store The Best Soft Sourdough Sandwich Bread
Store the bread at room temperature in a bread box or cloth bag. If you want to keep it fresh for longer, consider freezing slices in an airtight bag. Just pop them in the toaster when you’re ready to enjoy them again.
tips to make The Best Soft Sourdough Sandwich Bread
- Ensure your sourdough starter is active and bubbly for the best results.
- Be patient during the rising times; it’s crucial for developing flavor.
- Use a kitchen scale for accuracy when measuring ingredients.
- Experiment with adding seeds or herbs to the dough for added flavor.
variation
You can make this bread whole grain by substituting half of the bread flour with whole wheat flour. You can also add grains like oats or seeds for added texture and nutrition.
FAQs
1. How long does it take to make sourdough sandwich bread?
The total time can vary, but it typically takes about a day due to the rising and proofing times. Plan for around 12-18 hours for the cold ferment.
2. Can I use active dry yeast instead of sourdough starter?
Yes, you can substitute active dry yeast, but this recipe is specially designed for sourdough for its unique flavor.
3. What should I do if my bread is too dense?
Ensure that your dough has properly risen and fermented. Also, check that your sourdough starter is active. If all else fails, try letting it rise longer next time.
Adding these personal touches will make your bread-making journey memorable and fulfilling. Enjoy the process and the delicious outcome!
Soft Sourdough Sandwich Bread
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 600 g lukewarm water
- 200 g active sourdough starter Ensure the starter is active and bubbly.
- 80 g honey or pure maple syrup
- 40 g avocado oil or any mild-flavored oil
- 1050 g bread flour Sifted and leveled. Unbleached all-purpose flour can also work.
- 24 g salt
Method
Preparation
- Feed your Sourdough Starter and prepare a Levain.
- In a large bowl, combine the lukewarm water, sourdough starter, honey, and oil. Add the flour and salt, then mix until a shaggy dough forms. Allow it to rest for 30 minutes.
- Perform several stretch and fold actions on the dough every 30 minutes for the next 2 hours.
- Cover the dough and let it rise at room temperature for about 4-6 hours until it has doubled in size.
- Place the dough in the fridge overnight (12-18 hours) to cold proof.
Baking
- Remove the dough from the fridge, shape it into loaves, and place them in greased bread pans. Let them rise at room temperature for 2-3 hours.
- Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). Score the tops of the loaves and bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown.
Cooling & Slicing
- Let the loaves cool completely on a rack before slicing.