Soft Sourdough Sandwich Bread

This Soft Sourdough Sandwich Bread is a delightful treat that will elevate your meals. With its fluffy texture and soft crust, it’s perfect for sandwiches, avocado toast, and even French toast! This no-fuss recipe requires minimal effort, making it ideal for busy schedules. Although the process takes about 24 hours, you only need 10 minutes of active work. Enjoy this versatile bread for breakfast, lunch, or dinner!

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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
• Storage
• How to Serve Soft Sourdough Sandwich Bread
• Classic Sandwiches
• Toasted Treats
• Sweet Options
• 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
• What makes this Soft Sourdough Sandwich Bread so special?
• Can I customize my Soft Sourdough Sandwich Bread?
• How do I know if my sourdough starter is ready?
• Why does this recipe take so long?
• How do I prevent my bread from getting stale quickly?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fluffy Texture: The unique fermentation process creates a light and airy bread that’s satisfying to eat.
• Versatile Use: Perfect for sandwiches, toasts, or simply enjoyed with butter and jam.
• Easy to Make: Minimal active time means you can fit it into your schedule without stress.
• Great Flavor: The sourdough starter adds a rich flavor that enhances any meal.
• Perfectly Soft Crust: A soft crust makes slicing easy and enjoyable for all ages.

Tools and Preparation

To make this soft sourdough sandwich bread, you’ll need a few essential tools. Having the right equipment ensures smooth preparation and delicious results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer with dough hook attachment
• Mixing bowl
• Measuring cups
• Loaf pans
• Plastic wrap or kitchen towel
• Cooling rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer with dough hook attachment: This tool simplifies mixing and kneading the dough, saving you time and effort.
• Mixing bowl: A large mixing bowl allows enough space for the dough to rise comfortably.
• Loaf pans: Proper loaf pans ensure even baking and help shape your bread beautifully.

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. Once active, proceed to the next step.

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 an additional 4–6 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, or until it doubles in size. If it’s cold outside, this may take longer.

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 create loaves while tucking edges under as needed. Place in greased loaf pans.

Step 6: Second Rise

Cover loaves and let them rise until they are just above edges of pans. This usually takes about 2–3 hours; keep an eye on them to prevent over-proofing.

Step 7: Bake

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

Step 8: Cool and Enjoy

Remove loaves from pans onto a cooling rack. Brush tops with butter to keep crust soft. Allow bread to cool completely before slicing. Serve with butter and jam or use in various recipes like sandwiches or toast.

Storage

Store in a plastic bag on counter or in refrigerator for up to one week. Freeze for up to three months; slice beforehand for convenience in storing individual portions in separate bags.

With this guide on making soft sourdough sandwich bread at home, you’re set up for success! Enjoy every bite!

How to Serve Soft Sourdough Sandwich Bread

Soft sourdough sandwich bread is versatile and can elevate any meal. Whether you enjoy it fresh out of the oven or toasted, there are countless ways to serve this delightful bread.

Classic Sandwiches

• Turkey and Swiss – Layer sliced turkey and Swiss cheese, adding lettuce and mustard for a classic deli experience.
• BLT – Combine crispy bacon, fresh lettuce, and juicy tomatoes for a delicious brunch option.
• Veggie Delight – Load up with avocado, sprouts, cucumbers, and your favorite spread for a refreshing vegetarian option.

Toasted Treats

• Avocado Toast – Smash ripe avocado on toasted slices, sprinkle with salt and pepper for a quick breakfast.
• French Toast – Dip slices in an egg mixture and cook until golden brown for a sweet morning dish.
• Garlic Bread – Spread butter mixed with garlic on slices, then toast until crispy for a flavorful side.

Sweet Options

• Jam and Butter – Spread your favorite jam and a pat of butter on warm bread for a simple snack.
• Nut Butter Delight – Slather with almond or peanut butter, topped with banana slices for added sweetness.

How to Perfect Soft Sourdough Sandwich Bread

To achieve the best results with your soft sourdough sandwich bread, consider these helpful tips.

• Use Active Starter – Ensure your sourdough starter is bubbly and active before use to promote proper fermentation.
• Warm Ingredients – Use warm liquids in cooler weather to help the dough rise effectively during fermentation.
• Monitor Rising Times – Keep an eye on the dough during both rises; over-proofing can lead to flat loaves.
• Knead Properly – Develop gluten by kneading until the dough is smooth and elastic; this ensures good structure in the final loaf.
• Slash Before Baking – Make slashes on top of the loaves before baking to allow steam to escape and prevent bursting.
• Cool Completely – Let the bread cool fully before slicing to maintain its soft texture.

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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. Here are some great options to enjoy alongside your bread.

1. Creamy Tomato Soup – A classic pairing that enhances the flavors of your sandwiches while providing warmth.
2. Crispy Salad – A fresh green salad adds crunch and brightness to balance the richness of the bread.
3. Potato Chips – The crunchiness of chips contrasts beautifully with the soft texture of the bread.
4. Pickles or Olives – Tangy pickles or olives offer a delightful burst of flavor that cuts through richness.
5. Coleslaw – A tangy coleslaw provides freshness and crunch alongside hearty sandwiches.
6. Roasted Vegetables – Seasoned roasted veggies add depth and nutrition to your meal, making it more satisfying.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking soft sourdough sandwich bread can be a rewarding experience, but it’s essential to avoid common pitfalls.

• Bold starter: Using an inactive starter will yield poor results. Always feed your sourdough starter in advance to ensure it is bubbly and active before beginning.
• Bold measuring flour: Not weighing your flour can lead to inconsistent dough. Use a kitchen scale for accurate measurements for the best texture.
• Bold skipping the rise times: Rushing the rising process can result in dense bread. Allow adequate time for both rises to achieve that fluffy texture.
• Bold not monitoring temperature: Baking in extreme temperatures can affect dough performance. Keep your ingredients at room temperature, especially during cooler months.
• Bold ignoring dough hydration: If the dough feels too dry, add a little more liquid. Ensure it’s slightly sticky for optimal softness.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store soft sourdough sandwich bread in a plastic bag to maintain moisture.
• It can last up to 1 week without losing quality.

Freezing Soft Sourdough Sandwich Bread

• Slice the bread before freezing for convenience.
• Use individual bags to store slices, which can last up to 3 months.

Reheating Soft Sourdough Sandwich Bread

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Wrap slices in a damp paper towel and heat for about 15-20 seconds.
• Stovetop: Toast slices in a skillet over low heat until golden brown on both sides.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What makes this Soft Sourdough Sandwich Bread so special?

This soft sourdough sandwich bread offers a light and fluffy texture, perfect for various uses, from sandwiches to toast.

Can I customize my Soft Sourdough Sandwich Bread?

Absolutely! You can add herbs, cheese, or seeds into the dough for added flavor and texture.

How do I know if my sourdough starter is ready?

Your sourdough starter should be bubbly and have doubled in size after feeding. A float test can also help determine its readiness.

Why does this recipe take so long?

The long fermentation process develops flavor and improves the bread’s structure, resulting in a delicious loaf of soft sourdough sandwich bread.

How do I prevent my bread from getting stale quickly?

Store your soft sourdough sandwich bread properly by using airtight containers or bags and keep it away from direct sunlight.

Final Thoughts

This soft sourdough sandwich bread recipe is not only simple but also incredibly versatile. With its fluffy texture and soft crust, it’s perfect for any meal. Feel free to customize it with your favorite ingredients to make it uniquely yours!