Sourdough Sandwich Bread
Make the best soft crust sourdough sandwich bread with our easy no-knead recipe. This Sourdough Sandwich Bread is perfect for any occasion, from casual lunches to gourmet sandwiches. Its unique blend of flavors and textures will elevate your meals, making it a staple in your kitchen. Enjoy the delightful aroma while it bakes, and relish each slice’s soft, chewy goodness.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: This no-knead recipe simplifies the bread-making process, making it accessible for beginners.
- Soft Crust: The result is a wonderfully soft crust that is perfect for sandwiches or toast.
- Versatile Uses: Whether you’re making lunch sandwiches or breakfast toast, this bread fits every meal perfectly.
- Flavorful: With a hint of sweetness from sugar or honey, this sourdough sandwich bread has a rich flavor profile.
- Great for Meal Prep: You can make a large batch and store it for the week, saving you time on busy days.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the recipe, gather the essential tools to ensure a smooth baking experience.
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Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Dough whisk or wooden spoon
- Kitchen towel
- Loaf pan
- Cooking spray
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Large mixing bowl: Provides ample space to mix ingredients without spilling.
- Dough whisk or wooden spoon: Helps combine ingredients thoroughly, creating a uniform dough.
- Loaf pan: Shapes the bread as it bakes, ensuring even cooking and presentation.
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 Ingredients
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 and finish mixing the dough by hand until most of the flour has been absorbed. Don’t worry if some flour remains on the sides. Cover with a clean, damp kitchen towel and let rest for 30 to 45 minutes.
Step 3: Stretch and Fold
Coax the dough from the bowl. Stretch it about 4 inches then push down in the middle while turning it 1/4 turn until forming a circle. Return to the bowl, cover again with a damp towel, and let rise at room temperature for 4-12 hours.
Step 4: Shape Your Dough
In the morning, lightly flour your countertop. Remove dough from the bowl and gently stretch it into a rectangle. Dimple it with your fingers to release air bubbles. Roll up tightly into a log shape and cover for 10 minutes.
Step 5: Prepare for Second Rise
Spray your loaf pan with cooking spray. Tighten your dough log by pulling it towards you along the countertop for about 5-8 inches. Place seam side down in the loaf pan. Cover again and let rise for 1-2 hours until 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
Bake in the center of the oven for approximately 40 minutes until golden brown on top. After removing from oven, tilt pan after 10 minutes to cool on a wire rack.
Step 8: Cool Down
Wait at least one hour before cutting into your freshly baked sourdough sandwich bread to prevent deflation!
Enjoy this delightful homemade bread as part of your meals!
How to Serve Sourdough Sandwich Bread
Sourdough sandwich bread is incredibly versatile and can elevate any meal. Whether you’re preparing a hearty lunch or a simple breakfast, this bread can be the star of your dish.
Classic Sandwich
- Turkey and Swiss: Layer sliced turkey with Swiss cheese, lettuce, and your favorite mustard for a delightful classic.
- Caprese: Stack fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil leaves drizzled with balsamic glaze for a refreshing option.
Toasted Variations
- Avocado Toast: Smash ripe avocado on toasted sourdough with a sprinkle of salt and pepper for a nutritious snack.
- French Toast: Dip slices in an egg mixture and cook until golden for a sweet breakfast treat.
Simple Pairings
- Soup Companion: Serve thick slices alongside your favorite soup for a comforting meal.
- Cheese Platter: Pair with assorted cheeses and fruits for an elegant appetizer.
Breakfast Delight
- Toast with Jam: Spread your favorite jam or preserves on warm slices for an easy breakfast.
- Egg Salad Sandwich: Mix chopped eggs with mayo, mustard, and herbs for a flavorful sandwich.
How to Perfect Sourdough Sandwich Bread
Perfecting your sourdough sandwich bread takes practice and attention to detail. Here are some key tips to ensure success every time.
- Use Active Starter: Make sure your sourdough starter is bubbly and active before using it to achieve the best rise.
- Control Temperature: Keep the dough in a warm environment during fermentation to encourage proper yeast activity.
- Hydrate Flour Well: Allow the dough to rest after mixing; this helps the flour absorb water fully.
- Check Dough Readiness: Perform the poke test; if the indentation remains, it’s ready to bake.
- Bake at Correct Temperature: Preheat your oven thoroughly so that the loaf cooks evenly and develops a nice crust.
Best Side Dishes for Sourdough Sandwich Bread
Sourdough sandwich bread pairs wonderfully with various side dishes that complement its flavor. Here are some great options to consider:
- Garden Salad: A light salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and vinaigrette balances the heartiness of the bread.
- Roasted Vegetables: Season seasonal veggies with olive oil and herbs, roast until tender for a flavorful side.
- Potato Chips: Crunchy chips add texture alongside sandwiches, perfect for casual lunches.
- Fruit Salad: A mix of fresh fruits provides sweetness that contrasts nicely with savory sandwiches.
- Pickles or Olives: These add tanginess that enhances the flavors of any sandwich served on sourdough bread.
- Pasta Salad: Toss cooked pasta with vegetables and dressing for a filling side that complements the bread well.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making sourdough sandwich bread can be tricky for beginners. Here are some common mistakes to avoid for perfect results every time.
- Using an inactive starter: Always ensure your sourdough starter is fed and bubbly before using it. An inactive starter won’t rise the dough properly.
- Ignoring temperature: Dough needs a warm environment to ferment. If it’s too cold, the process slows down. Make sure the water is at the right temperature.
- Skipping the resting period: Allowing the dough to rest is crucial for gluten development. Don’t rush this step; it helps achieve a soft texture.
- Not measuring ingredients accurately: Baking requires precision. Use a kitchen scale for weighing flour and other ingredients to ensure consistent results.
- Baking without checking readiness: Pressing the dough lightly to check for readiness is vital. If it springs back, it’s ready; if not, give it more time.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store your sourdough sandwich bread in an airtight container.
- It will stay fresh for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Sourdough Sandwich Bread
- Wrap slices or whole loaves tightly in plastic wrap and then foil.
- Frozen sourdough sandwich bread can last up to 3 months.
Reheating Sourdough Sandwich Bread
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F, place bread directly on the rack for about 10 minutes until warm.
- Microwave: Use a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel; heat for 15-20 seconds.
- Stovetop: Toast slices in a skillet over medium heat until golden brown and heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making sourdough sandwich bread.
Can I use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour?
Yes, all-purpose flour works fine, but bread flour gives a chewier texture due to higher protein content.
How do I know when my sourdough sandwich bread is done baking?
The top should be golden brown, and if you tap it, it should sound hollow.
What can I add to my sourdough sandwich bread?
You can customize by adding herbs, cheese, or seeds for extra flavor and texture.
Why did my sourdough sandwich bread not rise?
Insufficient fermentation time or an inactive starter could be reasons for poor rising.
Final Thoughts
This sourdough sandwich bread recipe is not only easy but also incredibly versatile. Whether you enjoy it plain or with toppings, its soft crust and delightful flavor will surely impress. Feel free to customize with your favorite add-ins for a unique twist!
Sourdough Sandwich Bread
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: About 12 slices 1x
Description
Make your own soft crust sourdough sandwich bread with this straightforward no-knead recipe. Perfect for everything from casual lunches to gourmet sandwiches, this bread boasts a delightful aroma and a rich flavor profile. Its tender texture and soft crust make it an ideal canvas for a variety of delicious fillings or spreads. With minimal effort, you can enjoy homemade bread that elevates any meal.
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup sourdough starter (65g)
- 1⅓ cups warm filtered water (300g)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (56g) or 2 tablespoons honey
- 4 cups bread flour (500g) or all-purpose flour
- 1½ tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil (20g)
- 2 teaspoons fine salt (9g)
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the sourdough starter, warm water, and sugar until dissolved. Add the flour, oil, and salt; stir with a dough whisk or wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms.
- Flour or wet your hands and mix the dough by hand until most flour is absorbed. Cover with a damp kitchen towel and let it rest for 30 to 45 minutes.
- Stretch and fold the dough in the bowl, then cover again and let rise at room temperature for 4-12 hours.
- On a floured surface, shape the dough into a rectangle, dimple it to release air bubbles, roll into a log, and let it rest for 10 minutes.
- Place the dough seam-side down in a greased loaf pan, cover again, and allow it to rise for another 1-2 hours until doubled.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Optionally brush an egg wash over the loaf before baking.
- Bake for about 40 minutes until golden brown on top. Cool on a wire rack 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: 150mg
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
