Sourdough Sandwich Bread
Make the best soft crust sourdough sandwich bread with our easy no-knead recipe. You’ll love the delightful flavor and texture of this homemade loaf, perfect for sandwiches or toast. This sourdough sandwich bread is versatile enough for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, making it an essential recipe in every home baker’s repertoire. With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, you’ll impress your family and friends with this standout bread.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: No kneading required! This recipe simplifies the bread-making process.
- Delicious Flavor: The fermentation process adds a rich, tangy flavor that elevates your sandwiches.
- Versatile Use: Perfect for everything from classic sandwiches to French toast!
- Perfect Texture: Enjoy a soft crust and airy interior that holds up well to toppings.
- Great for Leftovers: This sourdough sandwich bread stays fresh longer and can be used for various meals.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into this sourdough sandwich bread recipe, make sure you have the right tools on hand. These essentials will make your baking experience smoother and more enjoyable.
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Essential Tools and Equipment
Importance of Each Tool
- Large mixing bowl: Provides ample space to mix and rise the dough comfortably.
- Dough whisk or wooden spoon: Helps combine ingredients without overworking the dough.
- Loaf pan: Ensures even baking and shapes your bread perfectly.
Ingredients
For the Bread
- 1/3 cup sourdough starter (65 grams) (discard or fed 12-24 hours prior see notes below)
- 1⅓ cups warm water, filtered (300 grams) (95º to 100º F or baby bottle warm)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (56 grams) (or 2 rounded tablespoons of honey)
- 4 cups bread flour (500 grams) (or all-purpose flour)
- 1½ tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil (20 grams) (or your preferred cooking oil)
- 2 teaspoons fine salt (9 grams)
How to Make Sourdough Sandwich Bread
Step 1: Mix the Dough
Add the starter to a large bowl. Mix in warm water and sugar until dissolved. Then, add flour, oil, and salt. Stir with a dough whisk or wooden spoon until a thick, shaggy dough forms.
Step 2: Rest the Dough
Flour your hands or wet them, then finish mixing the dough by hand until most of the flour is absorbed. Don’t worry about leftover flour on the sides of the bowl. Cover with a clean, damp kitchen towel and let it rest for 30 to 45 minutes.
Step 3: Stretch and Fold
Coax the dough from the bowl. Stretch it out about 4 inches before pushing it down the middle and turning it a quarter turn until you form a circle. Return it to the bowl, cover again, and let it rise at room temperature for 4-12 hours.
Step 4: Shape the Loaf
In the morning, lightly flour your countertop. Remove the dough from the bowl and stretch it into a rectangle. Use your fingers to dimple the surface gently to release air from the dough. Roll it up into a log shape and cover; let it rest for about 10 minutes.
Step 5: Prepare for Baking
Spray your loaf pan with cooking spray. Tighten your dough log by gently pulling it towards you along the countertop for about 5-8 inches. Place it seam side down in your loaf pan. Cover again and let rise for 1-2 hours until it’s doubled in size.
Step 6: Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 375ºF. If desired, brush an egg wash over the top of your loaf before baking.
Step 7: Bake Your Bread
Bake in the center of your oven for about 40 minutes until golden brown on top. After removing from oven, allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a cooling rack.
Step 8: Cooling Time
Wait at least one hour before cutting into your sourdough sandwich bread to prevent deflation.
Enjoy creating this delicious sourdough sandwich bread that is sure to become a favorite!
How to Serve Sourdough Sandwich Bread
Sourdough sandwich bread is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in many delicious ways. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your meals.
Classic Sandwiches
- Turkey and Avocado: Layer slices of turkey, creamy avocado, and fresh spinach for a nutritious option.
- Ham and Cheese: A classic combination that never disappoints; add pickles for an extra crunch.
Toasted Variations
- Avocado Toast: Mash ripe avocados on toasted sourdough with a sprinkle of salt and pepper for a hearty breakfast.
- French Toast: Dip slices in a mixture of eggs and milk, then cook until golden for a sweet morning treat.
Dippers and Spreads
- Hummus with Veggies: Serve slices with hummus and assorted veggies for a healthy snack.
- Nut Butter Delight: Spread almond or peanut butter on your bread for a protein-packed snack, topped with banana slices.
Soups and Salads
- Grilled Cheese with Tomato Soup: Pair this classic combo for a comforting meal any time of the year.
- Salad Sandwiches: Use sourdough to make egg or chicken salad sandwiches bursting with flavor.
How to Perfect Sourdough Sandwich Bread
Achieving the perfect sourdough sandwich bread requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure success every time you bake.
- Use Active Starter: Ensure your sourdough starter is bubbly and active for the best rise.
- Measure Accurately: Use a kitchen scale for precise measurements, especially when it comes to flour.
- Temperature Matters: Allow the dough to ferment in a warm area but not too hot to prevent over-proofing.
- Dimple Before Shaping: Gently dimple the dough before shaping to release excess air bubbles for better texture.
- Rest After Shaping: Give the shaped dough time to relax before the final rise; this helps achieve a better crumb structure.
Best Side Dishes for Sourdough Sandwich Bread
Sourdough sandwich bread pairs wonderfully with various side dishes. Here are some tasty accompaniments that complement its flavor perfectly.
- Crispy Fries: Golden, crispy fries add a satisfying crunch alongside your sandwiches.
- Garden Salad: A fresh garden salad provides lightness and balances the richness of sandwiches.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies bring out natural sweetness and offer health benefits.
- Potato Chips: Crunchy chips add texture; choose seasoned varieties for extra flavor.
- Pickles: Tangy pickles cut through the richness of meats and cheeses, enhancing your meal experience.
- Coleslaw: Creamy coleslaw adds refreshing crunch, perfect beside any sandwich creation.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making sourdough sandwich bread can be a rewarding experience, but it’s essential to avoid common pitfalls.
- Using an inactive starter: Ensure your sourdough starter is bubbly and active before using. Feed it 12-24 hours prior for the best results.
- Not measuring ingredients accurately: Baking is a science. Use a kitchen scale for precision, especially with flour and water.
- Skipping the resting period: Allowing the dough to rest helps develop flavor and texture. Don’t rush this crucial step.
- Inadequate rising time: Be patient! The dough needs enough time to rise until doubled in size, which can take several hours depending on conditions.
- Cutting the loaf too soon: Waiting at least one hour after baking before slicing is vital. This prevents deflation and allows for even crumb structure.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store your sourdough sandwich bread in a plastic bag or airtight container.
- It will stay fresh for up to 5 days when refrigerated.
Freezing Sourdough Sandwich Bread
- Wrap slices or the entire loaf tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag.
- The bread can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Sourdough Sandwich Bread
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F, wrap in foil, and heat for about 10-15 minutes for fresh-tasting bread.
- Microwave: Place slices on a microwave-safe plate with a damp paper towel. Heat in 10-15 second intervals until warm.
- Stovetop: Toast slices on medium heat for a few minutes until heated through and crispy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making sourdough sandwich bread.
Can I use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour?
Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour for bread flour. However, bread flour yields better texture due to its higher protein content.
How do I know if my sourdough starter is ready?
Your sourdough starter is ready when it has doubled in size within 4-6 hours of feeding and produces bubbles throughout.
Can I make this recipe without sugar?
You can reduce or omit sugar, but keep in mind that it helps with browning and flavor. Honey or maple syrup are good alternatives as well.
What’s the best way to store leftover sourdough sandwich bread?
Store it in a plastic bag at room temperature for short-term use or freeze it for long-term storage.
How long does it take to rise?
The dough should rise at room temperature for about 4-12 hours, depending on your kitchen’s warmth.
Final Thoughts
This sourdough sandwich bread recipe offers incredible softness and flavor, making it perfect for sandwiches or toast. Feel free to customize it by adding herbs, seeds, or even cheese for unique variations. Enjoy baking!
Sourdough Sandwich Bread
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
Description
Make your own Sourdough Sandwich Bread with this easy no-knead recipe that yields a delightfully soft loaf, perfect for sandwiches, toast, and more. This bread features a rich, tangy flavor thanks to the fermentation process, and its versatile texture makes it ideal for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. With minimal ingredients and straightforward instructions, you’ll impress everyone at the table. Enjoy warm slices with your favorite spreads or use them to create classic sandwich combinations. This homemade sourdough is sure to become a staple in your kitchen!
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup sourdough starter
- 1⅓ cups warm water
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 4 cups bread flour
- 1½ tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 teaspoons fine salt
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine sourdough starter, warm water, and sugar until dissolved.
- Add flour, olive oil, and salt; stir until a thick dough forms.
- Let the dough rest covered for 30-45 minutes.
- Stretch and fold the dough before letting it rise at room temperature for 4-12 hours.
- Shape the dough into a log and let it rise again for 1-2 hours.
- Preheat oven to 375°F and bake for about 40 minutes until golden brown.
- Cool before slicing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
