Sourdough sandwich bread offers a delightful twist on the classic loaf, combining the tangy flavour of sourdough with the soft, airy texture perfect for sandwiches. This homemade bread boasts a subtle sourness that pairs well with both savoury and sweet fillings, making it a versatile addition to any meal. Unlike store-bought bread, this sourdough version is free of preservatives and additives, ensuring a wholesome and nutritious option for your family.

More about Sourdough Sandwich Bread

Baking sourdough bread at home can be a rewarding experience. The process of nurturing a sourdough starter and watching it transform simple ingredients into a beautifully risen loaf is truly magical. This recipe simplifies the steps, making it accessible even for beginners, while still delivering bakery-quality bread that will become a staple in your kitchen.

Here is your Tasty, Crunchy and Soft Sourdough Baguette Recipe

Soft Sourdough Sandwich Bread Recipe

Recipe by Eric

Servings

16

servings

Prep time

20

minutes

Cooking time

40

minutes

Total time

1

hour 

Ingredients:

• 1 cup active sourdough starter

• 1 1/2 cups warm water

• 4 cups bread flour

• 2 tablespoons sugar

• 2 teaspoons salt

• 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter

Instructions:

• Activate Starter: Ensure your sourdough starter is active and bubbly. Feed it 4-12 hours before you plan to start baking.
• Mix Dough: In a large bowl, combine the sourdough starter and warm water. Stir in the sugar, salt, and olive oil or melted butter. Gradually add the bread flour, mixing until a shaggy dough forms.
• Knead Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
• First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 4-6 hours, or until doubled in size.
• Shape Dough: Punch down the dough and shape it into a loaf. Place it in a greased loaf pan.
• Second Rise: Cover the loaf pan with a cloth and let the dough rise again for 2-4 hours, or until it has risen slightly above the rim of the pan.
• Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Bake: Bake the bread for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped.
• Cool: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Ideas for Serving

• Classic Sandwiches: Use this bread for classic sandwiches like BLTs, grilled cheese, or turkey and avocado.
• Toast: Toast slices and top with butter, jam, or avocado for a delicious breakfast or snack.
• French Toast: Transform day-old sourdough bread into a decadent French toast for a weekend brunch.

Nutritional Information (per slice)

• Calories: 120
• Fat: 2g
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 4g

History

Sourdough bread dates back thousands of years and was a staple in ancient Egyptian diets. The natural fermentation process, which uses wild yeast and lactic acid bacteria, was discovered accidentally but has since become a cherished method for bread making. The use of sourdough in sandwich bread adds a depth of flavour and nutritional benefits, thanks to the fermentation process.

FAQs

Q: How do I know if my sourdough starter is active?

A: An active starter should be bubbly and have a pleasant, slightly tangy smell. It should also double in size within 4-6 hours of feeding.

Q: Can I use whole wheat flour instead of bread flour?

A: Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for part or all of the bread flour. Keep in mind that whole wheat flour may result in a denser loaf.

Q: How do I store the bread?

A: Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, slice and freeze the bread, then toast slices directly from the freezer.

Q: What if my bread doesn’t rise properly?

A: Ensure your sourdough starter is active and your kitchen is warm enough for the dough to rise. You can also extend the rising time if needed.