Soft Sourdough Sandwich Bread Recipe
If you’ve been dreaming of a loaf that brings a little bakery magic to your own kitchen, this Soft Sourdough Sandwich Bread will seriously change your bread game. Golden and tender on the outside, with a buttery, pillow-soft crumb, this bread is a dreamy blend of rustic sourdough flavor and classic sandwich bread texture. Whether you love hearty toast, crave the ultimate BLT, or just want to elevate your everyday lunch, this Soft Sourdough Sandwich Bread is as versatile as it is irresistible. Get ready for a recipe that becomes a happy habit!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Everything you need for Soft Sourdough Sandwich Bread is probably already in your pantry. Each component does its part to create a loaf with big flavor, satisfying softness, and a gorgeous rise—there’s no filler here, just a handful of honest, simple ingredients working in harmony.
- Active sourdough starter: This lively ingredient is what gives the bread its signature tang and airy lift—make sure yours is fed and bubbly for best results.
- Warm water: Just the right temperature helps the starter wake up and the dough come together smoothly.
- Granulated sugar or honey: Not only does it add a touch of sweetness to balance the sourdough tang, but it also gives the yeast some extra fuel for rising.
- Unsalted butter (softened): Butter enhances the crumb’s softness and richness, making every slice extra tender.
- Bread flour: This high-protein flour creates the structure you need for that perfect sandwich loaf without sacrificing softness.
- Salt: Just a bit brings out all the subtle flavors in the dough and helps balance the sweetness.
- Nonstick spray or butter for greasing: Greasing your pan and bowl ensures the dough won’t stick and makes for easy release after baking.
How to Make Soft Sourdough Sandwich Bread
Step 1: Mix Your Wet Ingredients
Start by stirring together your sourdough starter, warm water, and sugar or honey in a large mixing bowl. Blend them well until everything is mostly dissolved—this mixture should look milky and frothy, which means the starter is ready to go. This step is essential, as it distributes the flavors evenly and gives your dough the best environment to rise.
Step 2: Bring in the Dry Ingredients and Butter
Add the softened butter right into your bowl before piling in the bread flour and salt. Once everything’s together, use a wooden spoon or your mixer’s dough hook to combine until a shaggy dough forms. Don’t worry if it looks rough at this stage—you’re just getting things started!
Step 3: Kneading to Perfection
Now for the magic: knead the dough by hand or let your stand mixer do the work for 8 to 10 minutes. You’re looking for a smooth, elastic ball—something that bounces back when poked. This step develops gluten, building the strong yet soft texture that makes Soft Sourdough Sandwich Bread so delightful.
Step 4: First Rise
Lift the dough into a greased bowl and cover it with a damp cloth or plastic wrap. Set it aside in a cozy spot and let it rise until doubled in size, about 4 to 6 hours. Don’t rush—this slow, gentle ferment is where the flavor and fluffiness come from.
Step 5: Shape and Pan
Punch down the dough gently to release air, then turn it onto a lightly floured surface. Shape it into a log that will fit snugly into your greased 9×5-inch loaf pan. Tuck the edges under for a neat appearance and cover again for a shorter rise, just until the dough peeks above the rim—usually 1 to 2 hours.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
While the dough finishes rising, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the loaf for 30 to 35 minutes, or until it’s a gorgeous golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped. For an ultra-soft crust, immediately brush the hot loaf with melted butter once it’s out of the oven.
Step 7: Cool and Slice
The hardest part—let your bread cool completely on a wire rack before slicing. This patience pays off with perfect slices that hold their shape whether you’re toasting or layering up your favorite sandwich fixings.
How to Serve Soft Sourdough Sandwich Bread
Garnishes
For a beautiful finish, try brushing the top with a little more melted butter or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt after baking. You could also add a dusting of flour before baking for that rustic artisan vibe, or a scattering of sesame or poppy seeds for crunch and color.
Side Dishes
This bread is a star alongside so many meals. Serve Soft Sourdough Sandwich Bread with homemade soups, crisp salads, or robust stews. It’s the perfect vehicle for grilled cheese, an egg salad sandwich, or a classic PB&J—there’s no wrong way to enjoy it!
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to level up, cut the loaf into thick slices and make French toast, croutons for Caesar salad, or even a savory bread pudding. For a dinner roll vibe, shape the dough into small rolls and bake in a muffin tin—Soft Sourdough Sandwich Bread truly adapts to every craving.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover loaf in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. The bread stays remarkably moist and fresh, making it easy to grab a slice whenever you need. Avoid refrigerating, as it can dry the crumb faster.
Freezing
Want to make Soft Sourdough Sandwich Bread last even longer? Once cooled, slice the loaf and freeze the slices wrapped well in plastic and stored in a freezer bag. You can take out one or two slices as needed—perfect for busy mornings!
Reheating
To refresh a slice, just pop it in the toaster or give it a quick warm-up in the oven. Warming brings back the bread’s signature softness and rekindles that buttery, gently tangy aroma—almost as if it just came out of the oven.
FAQs
Can I make Soft Sourdough Sandwich Bread with whole wheat flour?
You can swap up to half of the bread flour for whole wheat flour for a heartier loaf, but expect a slightly denser texture. Keep an eye on hydration, as whole wheat needs a bit more water.
What if I don’t have a stand mixer?
No mixer? No problem! Kneading by hand is totally do-able. Use a bench scraper to help if it gets sticky, and don’t be afraid to knead an extra minute or two for a smooth, elastic dough.
Why didn’t my loaf rise as much?
Rising can depend on the activity of your sourdough starter and the temperature of your kitchen. Make sure your starter is bubbly and vigorous before beginning, and let the dough rise longer if your space is cool.
Can I use this recipe for dinner rolls?
Absolutely! Shape the dough into 12 balls, place them in a greased baking dish, and bake for 20–25 minutes, checking for a golden top. Enjoy soft, tangy rolls with any meal.
How can I get a softer crust on my Soft Sourdough Sandwich Bread?
Brush the baked loaf with melted butter as soon as it comes out of the oven. This simple step locks in moisture and gives the crust an irresistibly tender bite.
Final Thoughts
Homemade Soft Sourdough Sandwich Bread is all about comfort, flavor, and just a bit of kitchen adventure. Give it a try—you’ll be amazed how much love and personality a simple loaf can bring to your meals. Happy baking!
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Soft Sourdough Sandwich Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 5–8 hours
- Yield: 1 loaf (about 12 slices) 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Soft Sourdough Sandwich Bread recipe yields a tender, flavorful loaf perfect for sandwiches or toast. The tangy sourdough flavor combines with a hint of sweetness, making it a versatile and delicious bread option.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 1 cup active sourdough starter (fed and bubbly)
- 1 1/4 cups warm water
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar or honey
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 4 cups bread flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- nonstick spray or butter for greasing pan
Instructions
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the sourdough starter, warm water, and sugar or honey, stirring until dissolved.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Add the softened butter, bread flour, and salt. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
- Knead and Shape: Knead the dough until smooth, then let it rise until doubled. Shape the dough into a loaf and let it rise again.
- Bake: Preheat the oven, then bake the loaf until golden brown and hollow-sounding.
- Cool and Enjoy: Cool the bread on a wire rack before slicing and serving.
Notes
- For a softer crust, brush the top of the bread with melted butter after baking.
- This bread is great for toast, sandwiches, and stays fresh in an airtight container.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Fat: 4 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 8 mg
