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Sandwich Bread Recipe: Bake a Sourdough Loaf You’ll Love

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A homemade sandwich bread recipe can make a huge difference in your daily meals, especially when you try this delicious sourdough sandwich bread recipe. Perfect for breakfast, lunch, or any time you crave a sandwich, this soft and slightly tangy loaf is easy to prepare at home. Its fluffy texture and subtle sourdough flavor make it ideal for any type of sandwich, or even just toasted with butter. Learn how to make a great loaf of bread right in your own kitchen, with simple ingredients and a little patience.

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Sandwich Bread Recipe
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Sandwich Bread Recipe

Recipe by SouhailDifficulty: Intermediate
Servings

12

servings
Prep time

25

minutes
Cooking time

40

minutes
Calories

130

kcal
Dough fermentation

12-14

hours

This sourdough sandwich bread recipe yields a soft, fluffy loaf with a mildly tangy flavor, perfect for sandwiches or toast. It requires a bit of planning for the dough to ferment but results in a delicious homemade loaf that’s worth the effort.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups (480g) active sourdough starter (100% hydration)

  • 3 ½ cups (420g) bread flour

  • 1 cup (240ml) warm water (about 90°F/32°C)

  • 2 tablespoons (30g) sugar

  • 1 ½ teaspoons (9g) salt

  • 2 tablespoons (28g) unsalted butter, softened

Directions

  • Activate Starter: Ensure your sourdough starter is active and bubbly. Feed it 6-8 hours before you start.
  • Mix Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the sourdough starter, warm water, and sugar. Stir well. Add the bread flour and mix until a rough dough forms.
  • Knead Dough: Add salt and butter, kneading the dough for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. The dough should pull away from the sides of the bowl but still be slightly sticky.
  • First Rise (Bulk Fermentation): Cover the bowl with a damp cloth and let the dough rise for 6-8 hours at room temperature or until doubled in size.
  • Shape Dough: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and shape it into a loaf. Place the shaped dough in a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan.
  • Second Rise: Cover the pan loosely with a cloth and let the dough rise for 3-4 hours, or until it has risen about an inch above the rim of the pan.
  • Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • Bake Bread: Bake the loaf for 35-40 minutes, or until it reaches a deep golden brown color and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
  • Cool Completely: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Notes

  • Make sure the sourdough starter is active for the best rise.
  • Use bread flour instead of all-purpose flour for better gluten development.
  • Allow enough time for the dough to ferment and develop flavor.

Tips for the Best Sandwich Bread Recipe

  1. Activate the Starter Properly: Feeding the starter 6-8 hours before using ensures it’s bubbly and strong, helping the bread to rise better.
  2. Monitor Dough Consistency: If the dough feels too sticky, add a bit more flour. If it’s too dry, add a tablespoon of water.
  3. Use the Windowpane Test: To check if the dough is properly kneaded, stretch a small portion of the dough between your fingers. If it stretches thin without tearing, it’s ready.
  4. Create a Steamy Environment: During the first 10 minutes of baking, place a shallow pan of water in the oven to create steam, which helps the bread rise and develop a crispy crust.
  5. Store in a Cool, Dry Place: To extend shelf life, keep the bread in a bread box or sealed plastic bag at room temperature.

Storage

Store your sourdough sandwich bread in a bread box, sealed plastic bag, or wrapped in a clean cloth at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, slice the bread and freeze in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Reheat slices in the toaster or oven for a fresh taste.

How to Serve Sandwich Bread Recipe

Serve this sourdough sandwich bread fresh or toasted. It’s perfect for sandwiches with cold cuts, cheese, or grilled vegetables. For breakfast, try it toasted with butter, jam, or avocado. It also makes excellent grilled cheese or French toast.

Variants

  1. Whole Wheat Sourdough Sandwich Bread: Replace half the bread flour with whole wheat flour.
  2. Herb Sourdough Bread: Add 1 tablespoon of dried herbs (like rosemary, thyme, or oregano) to the dough.
  3. Cheese and Jalapeño Sourdough Bread: Mix in 1 cup of grated cheese and 1/4 cup diced jalapeños.
  4. Sweet Sourdough Bread: Add 2 tablespoons of honey and 1/2 cup of raisins or dried cranberries.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour?

Yes, but the bread may be slightly less chewy and have a softer texture.

Why didn’t my bread rise as much as I expected?

The starter may not have been active enough. Make sure it’s bubbly and has doubled in size before using.

Can I add other flavors or ingredients to this recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to add seeds, nuts, dried fruits, or herbs to customize the flavor.

How do I know when the bread is done baking?

The loaf should be golden brown, and it should sound hollow when tapped on the bottom. The internal temperature should reach 190°F (88°C).

Making this sourdough sandwich bread recipe at home is not only satisfying but also elevates everyday meals. With its fluffy texture and mild tang, it’s the perfect loaf for sandwiches or toast. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced baker, the joy of making homemade bread from scratch is unbeatable. Try this recipe, and you’ll never go back to store-bought bread.

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