Sourdough Sandwich Bread

sourdough bread for sandwiches

Picture the comforting aroma of freshly baked sourdough sandwich bread wafting through your kitchen.

This loaf isn’t only simple to make but offers a touch of indulgence with its soft, golden crust and tender crumb.

Watch as the magic unfolds, with basic ingredients transforming into a delightful, homemade treasure.

Let’s bring this comforting classic to life and enjoy the warmth it brings to your table.

Kitchen Tools Required

  • 1 Mixing bowl
  • 1 Wooden spoon
  • 1 Loaf pan
  • 1 Kitchen towel
  • 1 Measuring cup
  • 1 Measuring spoon set
  • 1 Oven

Ingredients

  • 500 grams Bread flour
  • 250 grams Water
  • 100 grams Sourdough starter
  • 10 grams Salt
  • 25 grams Sugar
  • 25 grams Unsalted butter, softened

Cook & Prep Time

To efficiently manage your time while preparing Sourdough Sandwich Bread, follow this timeline:

  1. Reading and Preparation (5 minutes)
    • Review the recipe and gather all necessary ingredients and equipment.
  2. Mixing Ingredients (5 minutes)
    • Combine bread flour, water, and sourdough starter in a mixing bowl.
  3. Autolyse Rest (30 minutes)
    • Allow the mixture to rest.
  4. Mixing Final Ingredients (5 minutes)
    • Add salt, sugar, and softened butter to the dough and mix thoroughly.
  5. Kneading (10 minutes)
    • Knead the dough until it becomes smooth and elastic.
  6. First Rise (3 hours)
    • Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a kitchen towel, and let it rise.
  7. Shaping the Dough (5 minutes)
    • Punch down the dough, shape it into a loaf, and place it in a greased loaf pan.
  8. Second Rise (1 hour)
    • Cover the loaf pan with a kitchen towel and allow the dough to rise.
  9. Preheating and Baking (40 minutes)
    • Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the bread for 35 minutes.
  10. Cooling (20-30 minutes)
    • Remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool completely on a wire rack before slicing.

Adjust the timeline according to your kitchen environment, as rising times may vary with room temperature.

Recipe Instructions

In a mixing bowl, combine bread flour, water, and sourdough starter until just mixed.

Let the mixture rest for 30 minutes to allow autolyse.

Add salt, sugar, and softened butter to the dough and mix until fully incorporated.

Knead the dough for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.

Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a kitchen towel, and let it rise for 3 hours, or until doubled in size.

Punch down the dough, shape it into a loaf, and place it in a greased loaf pan.

Cover the loaf pan with a kitchen towel and allow the dough to rise for another hour.

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

Bake the bread for 35 minutes or until the top is golden and it sounds hollow when tapped.

Remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool completely on a wire rack before slicing.

Serving Tips

  • Grilled Cheese Sandwich: Use the sourdough sandwich bread to make a classic grilled cheese with your choice of cheese for a deliciously crispy and gooey treat.
  • Avocado Toast: Top slices of the sourdough bread with smashed avocado, a sprinkle of salt, and a dash of red pepper flakes for a nutritious and satisfying breakfast.
  • Classic BLT: Layer bacon, lettuce, and tomato on the sourdough bread for a timeless BLT sandwich that highlights the bread’s hearty texture.
  • French Toast: Dip the bread slices in an egg mixture and fry them for a delightful take on French toast, perfect for brunch or a sweet breakfast.
  • Soup Pairing: Serve the sourdough bread alongside a bowl of your favorite soup, like tomato or butternut squash, for a comforting and hearty meal.

Storage

Store sourdough sandwich bread in a cool, dry place.

Wrap it in a breathable cloth or paper bag to maintain freshness.

For longer storage, freeze slices and thaw as needed.

Freezing

To freeze sourdough sandwich bread, cool completely.

Slice and wrap in plastic wrap.

Store in an airtight container or freezer bag.

Thaw at room temperature or toast slices directly.

Reheating

To reheat sourdough sandwich bread, wrap it in foil and place it in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes.

This preserves moisture and restores freshness.

Final Thoughts

Sourdough sandwich bread is a delightful addition to any meal. Its unique flavor and texture make it a favorite among bread enthusiasts.

The key to a successful loaf lies in the quality of your sourdough starter and the attention given to the dough’s hydration and rising times.

Patience is essential, as good bread takes time.

Enjoy your homemade sourdough sandwich bread with your favorite fillings or simply with a pat of butter.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Substitute Whole Wheat Flour for Bread Flour?

You can substitute whole wheat flour for bread flour, but expect denser bread. Use 75% whole wheat flour and 25% all-purpose flour for better texture. Increase water by 10-15 grams to accommodate the whole wheat’s higher absorption.

How Does Humidity Affect Dough Rising Times?

You need to monitor humidity closely as it impacts dough rising times. High humidity accelerates yeast activity, shortening rise time, while low humidity slows it. Adjust water content slightly to maintain ideal dough consistency in varying conditions.

Is It Possible to Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?

You can adapt this recipe to be gluten-free by using 500 grams of gluten-free bread flour blend. Confirm your sourdough starter is gluten-free. Adjust hydration, as gluten-free flours may absorb liquid differently, confirming dough consistency remains manageable.

Can I Use a Stand Mixer Instead of Hand Kneading?

You can use a stand mixer with a dough hook for kneading. Mix on low speed for 5-6 minutes until the dough’s smooth and elastic. Monitor dough consistency; adjust water if needed for desired hydration level.

What Is the Ideal Room Temperature for Dough Rising?

You should aim for a room temperature between 75°F and 78°F (24°C-26°C) for ideal dough rising. This range allows yeast activity to thrive, ensuring your dough doubles in size efficiently without overproofing.

sourdough bread for sandwiches

Sourdough Sandwich Bread

Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Resting Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 55 minutes
Course Bread
Cuisine American
Servings 1 loaf

Equipment

  • 1 Mixing bowl
  • 1 Wooden spoon
  • 1 Loaf pan
  • 1 Kitchen towel
  • 1 measuring cup
  • 1 measuring spoon set
  • 1 Oven

Ingredients
  

  • 500 grams Bread flour
  • 250 grams Water
  • 100 grams Sourdough starter
  • 10 grams Salt
  • 25 grams Sugar
  • 25 grams Unsalted butter softened

Instructions
 

  • In a mixing bowl, combine bread flour, water, and sourdough starter until just mixed.
  • Let the mixture rest for 30 minutes to allow autolyse.
  • Add salt, sugar, and softened butter to the dough and mix until fully incorporated.
  • Knead the dough for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
  • Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a kitchen towel, and let it rise for 3 hours, or until doubled in size.
  • Punch down the dough, shape it into a loaf, and place it in a greased loaf pan.
  • Cover the loaf pan with a kitchen towel and allow the dough to rise for another hour.
  • Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • Bake the bread for 35 minutes or until the top is golden and it sounds hollow when tapped.
  • Remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool completely on a wire rack before slicing.

Notes

For best results, use a sourdough starter that has been recently fed and is active. The dough’s hydration level is critical, so adjust the water slightly if necessary to achieve a manageable dough consistency. Be mindful of room temperature, as it can affect the rising time. If your kitchen is cooler, consider extending the rise time accordingly.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
Pin This Now to Remember It Later
Pin This

Related Posts