Sourdough Sandwich Bread

Make the best soft crust sourdough sandwich bread with our easy no-knead recipe. This delightful bread is perfect for sandwiches, toast, or simply enjoying fresh out of the oven. Its airy texture and robust flavor make it a standout choice for any meal. Whether you’re hosting a brunch or preparing a family dinner, this sourdough sandwich bread will impress everyone at the table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: This no-knead recipe requires minimal effort, making it accessible for beginners and busy cooks alike.
• Delicious Flavor: The natural fermentation process enhances the flavor, resulting in a tangy and aromatic loaf that elevates any dish.
• Versatile Use: Perfect for sandwiches, toast, or even as a side to your favorite soups and salads.
• Soft Crust: Unlike traditional sourdoughs, this recipe produces a soft crust that’s easy to bite into and enjoyable for all ages.
• Healthy Ingredients: With simple, wholesome ingredients, you can feel good about what you’re serving your family.

Tools and Preparation

To create your perfect sourdough sandwich bread, having the right tools on hand will streamline the process and ensure success.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• Dough whisk or wooden spoon
• Clean kitchen towel
• Loaf pan
• Cooking spray
• Cooling rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Large mixing bowl: Provides ample space for mixing the dough without making a mess.
• Dough whisk or wooden spoon: Helps combine ingredients effectively while preventing overmixing.
• Loaf pan: Gives shape to the dough during baking, ensuring a uniform loaf.
• Cooling rack: Allows air circulation around the bread after baking, preventing a soggy bottom.

Ingredients

Make the best soft crust sourdough sandwich bread with our easy no-knead recipe. You’ll love our step-by-step instructions and pro-tips for success!

For the Dough

• 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 Ingredients

Add the starter to a large bowl. Mix in warm water and sugar, stirring until dissolved. 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 before finishing mixing the dough by hand until most of the flour has been absorbed. Don’t worry if there is some flour left on the sides or bottom 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 and fold it by pulling it out about 4 inches then pushing down in the middle and turning 1/4 turn until you complete a circle. Return it to the bowl, cover with a damp towel (or plastic wrap if you live in a dry area), and let rise at room temperature for 4-12 hours.

Step 4: Shape the Dough

In the morning, lightly flour your countertop. Remove the dough from the bowl, gently stretching it into a rectangle. Dimple with your fingers to release air from the dough. Roll it up into a log shape and cover; let it rest for 10 minutes.

Step 5: Prepare for Baking

Spray your loaf pan with cooking spray. Tighten your dough log by gently pulling it toward 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 nearly double in size.

Step 6: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 375ºF. If desired, brush an egg wash over the top of your loaf for extra shine.

Step 7: Bake

Bake in the center of your oven for approximately 40 minutes until golden brown on top. Remove from oven; after about 10 minutes, tilt your pan to cool on a cooling rack.

Step 8: Cool Before Slicing

Wait at least one hour before cutting into your bread to prevent deflation of your delicious loaf.

Now you have everything you need to bake fantastic sourdough sandwich bread! Enjoy its delightful taste in every bite!

How to Serve Sourdough Sandwich Bread

Sourdough sandwich bread is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in numerous ways. From classic sandwiches to creative toppings, here are some delicious serving suggestions that highlight the soft crust and flavor of this delightful bread.

Classic Sandwiches

• Turkey and Avocado: Layer slices of turkey with creamy avocado for a hearty lunch option.
• Grilled Cheese: Melt your favorite cheeses between two slices and grill until golden brown.

Toasted Treats

• Avocado Toast: Spread ripe avocado on toasted slices, seasoned with salt and pepper for a quick breakfast.
• Peanut Butter and Banana: Top with peanut butter and banana slices for a filling snack.

Breakfast Options

• French Toast: Dip thick slices in an egg mixture and cook until golden for a sweet morning dish.
• Egg Salad Sandwiches: Mix boiled eggs with mayo, mustard, and spices for a delicious brunch treat.

Dipping Delight

• With Olive Oil: Serve warm slices drizzled with olive oil and balsamic vinegar for an appetizer.
• Soup Companion: Pair with your favorite soup for a comforting meal.

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How to Perfect Sourdough Sandwich Bread

Achieving the perfect sourdough sandwich bread requires a few essential tips. Keep these in mind to elevate your baking experience.

• Use Active Starter: Ensure your sourdough starter is fed and bubbly for the best rise.
• Water Temperature Matters: Use water that is warm but not hot to promote yeast activity without killing it.
• Proper Kneading Technique: Even though this is a no-knead recipe, properly mixing the dough helps develop gluten.
• Watch the Dough Rise: Monitor the dough during fermentation; it should roughly double in size before shaping.
• Preheat Your Oven Fully: A hot oven creates steam that helps achieve a nice crust on your bread.
• Cool Before Cutting: Allow the bread to cool completely to ensure its structure remains intact when slicing.

Best Side Dishes for Sourdough Sandwich Bread

Pairing side dishes with sourdough sandwich bread can enhance your meal experience. Here are some excellent options that complement this flavorful bread well.

1. Garden Salad: Fresh greens tossed with tomatoes, cucumbers, and vinaigrette make a light side.
2. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal veggies roasted until caramelized add depth to any sandwich meal.
3. Potato Chips: Crunchy chips provide contrast to soft sandwiches, perfect for picnics or casual meals.
4. Coleslaw: This tangy side adds crunch and balances richer flavors in your sandwiches.
5. Tomato Soup: A classic pairing that warms you up on cooler days while perfectly complementing the bread’s texture.
6. Pickles or Olives: Offering a sharp contrast, these can brighten any plate alongside sourdough sandwiches.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making sourdough sandwich bread can be a joyous experience, but it’s easy to make mistakes. Here are some common pitfalls to steer clear of.

• Incorrect starter age: Using a sourdough starter that is too young or too old can affect the rise and flavor. Ensure your starter is active and fed within the last 12-24 hours before use.
• Not measuring ingredients accurately: Baking is a science, and inaccurate measurements can lead to poor results. Use a kitchen scale for precise ingredient amounts.
• Ignoring dough consistency: If your dough feels too dry or too wet, it can impact the final loaf. Adjust flour or water gradually until you achieve a shaggy consistency.
• Skipping the fermentation time: Allowing the dough to ferment properly develops flavor and structure. Don’t rush this step; let it rise for 4-12 hours as needed.
• Cutting too soon: Cutting into your loaf before it cools can cause it to deflate. Be patient and wait at least one hour before slicing.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container or wrap tightly in plastic wrap.
• The bread will last up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Sourdough Sandwich Bread

• Wrap slices individually in plastic wrap or foil, then place them in a freezer bag.
• The bread stays fresh for up to 3 months in the freezer.

Reheating Sourdough Sandwich Bread

• Oven: Preheat to 350ºF, wrap bread in aluminum foil, and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Place a slice on a microwave-safe plate with a damp paper towel on top. Heat for 15-20 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop: In a skillet over medium heat, toast slices lightly for 1-2 minutes on each side until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making sourdough sandwich bread.

How do I know if my sourdough starter is ready?

Your sourdough starter should be bubbly and have doubled in size within 4-6 hours after feeding. It should also have a pleasant tangy aroma.

Can I use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour for Sourdough Sandwich Bread?

Yes, all-purpose flour can be used as a substitute, but using bread flour will yield a chewier texture due to its higher protein content.

How long does Sourdough Sandwich Bread take to rise?

The rising time can vary from 4 to 12 hours depending on your kitchen temperature and humidity levels. Look for the dough to double in size.

Can I make smaller loaves of Sourdough Sandwich Bread?

Yes! You can divide the dough into smaller portions before shaping them into logs. Adjust baking time accordingly.

Final Thoughts

This homemade sourdough sandwich bread recipe is not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize it by adding herbs, seeds, or even cheese for extra flavor. We encourage you to try this easy no-knead method and enjoy fresh slices that elevate any meal!