Sourdough Sandwich Bread Recipe

This sourdough sandwich bread is a delightful and versatile option for your daily sandwiches. Made using a sourdough starter, it has a wonderful flavor and a soft, chewy texture that elevates any filling.

The recipe is straightforward and perfect for both beginners and experienced bakers. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a loaf that is perfect for toasting or making sandwiches.

Homemade Sourdough Sandwich Bread

Creating your own sourdough sandwich bread at home is a rewarding experience that brings the warmth of freshly baked bread into your kitchen. This loaf, with its golden brown crust and soft, airy interior, is perfect for any sandwich or simply enjoyed with butter.

The process begins with a sourdough starter, which is the heart of this recipe. This living culture not only helps the bread rise but also contributes to its unique flavor profile. The combination of flour, water, and salt creates a dough that transforms into a delightful loaf through fermentation.

The Ingredients Matter

To achieve the best results, using quality ingredients is essential. The main components include active sourdough starter, warm water, all-purpose flour, and salt. Optional ingredients like sugar or honey can add a hint of sweetness, while olive oil or melted butter can enhance the texture.

Each ingredient plays a role in the final product. The flour provides structure, while the water hydrates the dough, allowing gluten to develop. Salt not only enhances flavor but also strengthens the dough, making it more resilient during the rising process.

Mixing and Kneading the Dough

The first step in the bread-making process is mixing the dough. Combine the sourdough starter with warm water, then gradually add flour and salt. This mixture will form a shaggy dough that requires kneading to develop its elasticity.

Kneading can be done by hand or with a stand mixer. The goal is to work the dough until it becomes smooth and elastic, which typically takes about 10 minutes by hand or 5-7 minutes in a mixer. This step is crucial for creating the perfect texture in your bread.

Rising to Perfection

Once kneaded, the dough needs to rise. Place it in a lightly greased bowl, cover it, and let it sit in a warm area. This first rise usually takes about two hours, during which the dough will double in size, thanks to the fermentation process.

After the first rise, gently punch down the dough to release excess air. This step is vital for shaping the loaf, ensuring that it has a uniform texture. The dough is then shaped into a loaf and allowed to rise again in a greased loaf pan for about an hour.

Baking the Bread

Preheating the oven is an important step that should coincide with the second rise of the dough. Once the dough has risen above the rim of the pan, it’s time to bake. The oven should be set to 375°F (190°C), allowing the bread to develop a beautiful crust.

Baking typically takes 30-35 minutes. The bread is done when it is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. This is the moment when the delightful aroma fills your kitchen, signaling that a delicious loaf is ready to be enjoyed.

Cooling and Slicing

After baking, it’s important to let the bread cool on a wire rack. This cooling period allows the interior to set properly, making slicing easier. Once cooled, the loaf can be sliced, revealing its soft and airy texture.

Enjoy your homemade sourdough sandwich bread in a variety of ways. Whether it’s for a classic sandwich, toast, or simply with a spread of butter, this bread is sure to impress anyone who takes a bite.

Homemade Sourdough Sandwich Bread

This sandwich bread is crafted with a sourdough starter, flour, water, and salt. The fermentation process enhances the flavor and texture, resulting in a loaf that is both delicious and nutritious. The recipe takes about 4 hours from start to finish, including rising time, and yields one loaf.

Ingredients

• 1 cup active sourdough starter
• 1 cup warm water (about 110°F)
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon sugar or honey (optional)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter (optional)

Instructions

1. Mix the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the sourdough starter and warm water. Stir in the flour, salt, and sugar or honey if using. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
2. Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Alternatively, use a stand mixer with a dough hook for 5-7 minutes.
3. First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 2 hours, or until doubled in size.
4. Shape the Loaf: Punch down the risen dough and turn it out onto a floured surface. Shape it into a loaf by flattening it into a rectangle and rolling it tightly. Pinch the seams to seal.
5. Second Rise: Place the shaped loaf in a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan. Cover and let it rise again for about 1 hour, or until it has risen above the rim of the pan.
6. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) while the dough is rising.
7. Bake: Once the dough has risen, bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
8. Cool: Remove the bread from the pan and let it cool on a wire rack before slicing.

Cook and Prep Times

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Rise Time: 3 hours
• Bake Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 4 hours

• Servings: 12 slices
• Calories: 120kcal
• Fat: 2g
• Protein: 4g
• Carbohydrates: 22g