Soft Sourdough Sandwich Bread

This Soft Sourdough Sandwich Bread is a delightful treat that will elevate your meals to another level. With its fluffy texture and soft crust, it’s perfect for sandwiches, avocado toast, or even French toast on lazy weekends. This recipe stands out because it requires minimal effort while delivering maximum flavor. The flexible timing allows you to fit the bread-making process seamlessly into your day, making it ideal for any occasion.

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Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• For Pre-ferment:
• For the Dough:
• How to Make Soft Sourdough Sandwich Bread
• Step 1: Feed Sourdough Starter
• Step 2: Combine Pre-ferment Ingredients
• Step 3: Mix the Dough
• Step 4: First Rise
• Step 5: Shape the Loaves
• Step 6: Second Rise
• Step 7: Bake
• Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
• How to Serve Soft Sourdough Sandwich Bread
• Classic Sandwiches
• Breakfast Treats
• Snacks
• How to Perfect Soft Sourdough Sandwich Bread
• Best Side Dishes for Soft Sourdough Sandwich Bread
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Soft Sourdough Sandwich Bread
• Reheating Soft Sourdough Sandwich Bread
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Can I use whole wheat flour for soft sourdough sandwich bread?
• How long does it take to make soft sourdough sandwich bread?
• What is the best way to store soft sourdough sandwich bread?
• Can I make this recipe without milk?
• How do I customize my soft sourdough sandwich bread?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy Preparation: With only 10 minutes of active work, you can enjoy homemade bread without the hassle.
• Fluffy Texture: The long fermentation process creates a light and airy loaf that’s simply irresistible.
• Versatile Uses: Perfect for sandwiches, toast, or even as a side with soup—this bread fits every meal.
• No Stretching Required: Unlike traditional recipes, this one doesn’t require stretching or folding, making it accessible for all skill levels.
• Flexible Timing: You can easily adjust the timing to suit your schedule, whether you’re baking in the morning or evening.

Tools and Preparation

Gathering the right tools will help you succeed in making this soft sourdough sandwich bread. Here’s what you’ll need to get started.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer with a dough hook attachment
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Plastic wrap or a kitchen towel
• Loaf pans

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer with dough hook: This tool saves time by mixing and kneading the dough efficiently.
• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients and allowing dough to rise properly.
• Plastic wrap or kitchen towel: Helps keep moisture in during rising periods to ensure proper fermentation.

Ingredients

For Pre-ferment:

• 2 cups active sourdough starter
• 2 cups water, milk, or buttermilk (warm if your house is cool)
• 3 cups all-purpose or bread flour

For the Dough:

• 1/4 cup fat (butter, oil, melted coconut oil, or beef tallow; warm if the house is cool)
• 1/2 cup sweetener (honey or sugar)
• 4 teaspoons salt
• 3 cups milk or buttermilk (any kind; warm if the house is cool)
• 9–11 cups all-purpose or bread flour

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How to Make Soft Sourdough Sandwich Bread

Step 1: Feed Sourdough Starter

Feed your sourdough starter by combining no more than 1/2 cup of starter with 2 cups flour and about 1 1/3 cups warm water. Let it sit at room temperature until it becomes active and rises to the top.

Step 2: Combine Pre-ferment Ingredients

In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine 2 cups milk or buttermilk, 2 cups active sourdough starter, and 3 cups flour. Mix on low speed with the dough hook attachment for about 1 minute. Cover and allow the mixture to ferment overnight at room temperature.

Step 3: Mix the Dough

The next morning, add the fat, sweetener, salt, and milk to the pre-ferment mixture. Mix on low speed until partially combined. Add 5 cups of flour and mix on medium speed for 5–10 minutes to develop gluten. Gradually add 4–6 more cups of flour until the dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl and is only slightly sticky. Continue mixing for another 2–3 minutes.

Step 4: First Rise

Transfer the dough to a large oiled mixing bowl. Cover with a towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm spot for 2–3 hours until it doubles in size.

Step 5: Shape the Loaves

Once risen, punch down the dough and transfer it to a lightly floured surface. Divide into four equal pieces. Flatten each piece into a rectangle; fold corners inward to form a triangle. Roll away from you to shape into loaves, tucking edges under as needed. Place loaves in greased loaf pans.

Step 6: Second Rise

Cover loaves and let them rise until they’re just above the edges of their pans—usually takes about 2–3 hours.

Step 7: Bake

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Using a blade, slash tops of loaves for expansion during baking. Bake for around 30 minutes until internal temperature reaches 190°F (88°C).

Step 8: Cool and Enjoy

Remove loaves from pans and place them on a cooling rack. Brush tops with butter to keep crust soft. Allow cooling completely before slicing. Enjoy with butter and jam or use for sandwiches!

How to Serve Soft Sourdough Sandwich Bread

This soft sourdough sandwich bread is versatile and perfect for various meals. Whether you’re making a classic sandwich or a sweet treat, there are countless ways to enjoy this fluffy delight.

Classic Sandwiches

• Turkey and Avocado: Layer sliced turkey, ripe avocado, and arugula for a nutritious lunch option.
• Grilled Cheese: Melt your favorite cheese between two slices, then grill until golden brown for a comforting snack.
• BLT: Crisp bacon, fresh lettuce, and juicy tomatoes create a classic that never goes out of style.

Breakfast Treats

• French Toast: Dip slices in an egg mixture and cook them on the griddle for a delightful breakfast.
• Toast with Jam: Spread your favorite jam or jelly over warm slices for a simple yet satisfying treat.
• Avocado Toast: Smash avocado on the bread and top with salt, pepper, and chili flakes for a trendy brunch option.

Snacks

• Breadsticks: Cut the bread into strips and serve with marinara sauce for dipping.
• Croutons: Cube stale bread, season, and bake for homemade croutons to add crunch to salads.

How to Perfect Soft Sourdough Sandwich Bread

Achieving the perfect soft sourdough sandwich bread can be easy with these helpful tips. Follow these suggestions to enhance your baking experience.

• Bold Starter: Ensure your sourdough starter is active before using it. This will help the bread rise properly.
• Warm Ingredients: Use warm liquids when mixing the dough if your kitchen is cool. This encourages better fermentation.
• Kneading Technique: Mix on medium speed initially but reduce speed as the dough becomes elastic. This helps develop gluten without overworking the dough.
• Watch the Rise: Keep an eye on the first rise; it should double in size but not overproof. Under-proofing can lead to dense bread.
• Cooling Time: Allow the loaves to cool completely before slicing. This ensures better texture and flavor development.
• Storage Tips: Store in a plastic bag at room temperature for softness or freeze individual slices for convenience.

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Best Side Dishes for Soft Sourdough Sandwich Bread

Soft sourdough sandwich bread pairs well with various side dishes that complement its flavor and texture. Here are some great options.

1. Garden Salad: A fresh mix of greens with a light vinaigrette balances the richness of sandwiches.
2. Potato Chips: Crunchy chips provide texture contrast and are perfect for snacking alongside sandwiches.
3. Soup: Pair with tomato or chicken noodle soup for a warm and comforting meal combination.
4. Pickles: Tangy pickles enhance flavors and add an enjoyable crunch to any sandwich plate.
5. Coleslaw: Creamy coleslaw offers a refreshing contrast that works well with meat sandwiches.
6. Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad adds brightness and natural sweetness to your meal presentation.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making soft sourdough sandwich bread can be simple, but a few common mistakes can lead to disappointing results. Here are some pitfalls to avoid:

• Bold Starter Use: Using an inactive starter can ruin your bread’s rise. Always ensure your sourdough starter is bubbly and active before beginning.
• Bold Temperature Ignorance: Baking in a cold kitchen can slow down fermentation. Adjust the temperature of your liquids or find a warm spot for rising dough.
• Bold Flour Variability: Not measuring flour accurately can lead to dry or overly sticky dough. Use a kitchen scale for precise measurements.
• Bold Over-proofing Mistake: Allowing the dough to rise too long can cause it to collapse. Keep an eye on the dough and shape it when it has doubled in size.
• Bold Neglecting Cool Time: Cutting into the bread too soon can result in gummy slices. Let the loaves cool completely before slicing for the best texture.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store soft sourdough sandwich bread in a plastic bag or airtight container.
• It will stay fresh for up to 1 week.

Freezing Soft Sourdough Sandwich Bread

• Slice the bread before freezing for convenience.
• Use freezer bags to keep individual portions separate and secure.
• It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Reheating Soft Sourdough Sandwich Bread

• Bold Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and wrap the bread in foil for about 10 minutes until warm.
• Bold Microwave: Place slices on a microwave-safe plate, covering with a damp paper towel, and heat for 10-15 seconds per slice.
• Bold Stovetop: Toast slices in a skillet over medium heat until golden brown and warm.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use whole wheat flour for soft sourdough sandwich bread?

Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour, but it may yield a denser loaf. Combine with all-purpose flour for better results.

How long does it take to make soft sourdough sandwich bread?

The total process takes about 24 hours, but only 10 minutes of active effort is needed.

What is the best way to store soft sourdough sandwich bread?

Store it in a plastic bag at room temperature or refrigerate for up to a week.

Can I make this recipe without milk?

Absolutely! You can use water instead of milk or any non-dairy milk alternatives.

How do I customize my soft sourdough sandwich bread?

You can add herbs, seeds, or spices into the dough during mixing for extra flavor!

Final Thoughts

This soft sourdough sandwich bread offers delightful versatility, perfect for sandwiches, toast, and more. With its fluffy texture and simple preparation, it’s an ideal addition to any meal. Don’t hesitate to try customizing it with your favorite ingredients!