Here’s a recipe for Soft Sourdough Sandwich Bread that has a light, tender crumb and the signature tangy flavor of sourdough. This bread is perfect for sandwiches or toast!
Soft Sourdough Sandwich Bread Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (240g) active sourdough starter (100% hydration)
- 1 cup (240g) warm water (110°F/43°C)
- 3 cups (360g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon sugar or honey
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or melted butter
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon instant yeast (optional, helps with rise)
- 1/4 cup milk (optional, for softer texture)
Instructions:
1. Mix the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the active sourdough starter, warm water, sugar or honey, olive oil or melted butter, and milk (if using). Stir to combine.
- Add the flour and salt to the mixture. Stir to combine into a rough dough.
- If you’re using instant yeast, add it now along with the flour. It’s optional but can speed up the rise and give a softer texture.
2. Knead the Dough:
- Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until the dough becomes smooth and elastic. You can also use a stand mixer with a dough hook for about 5-7 minutes.
- If the dough feels too sticky, add a bit more flour, but be careful not to add too much. The dough should be soft but not overly sticky.
3. First Rise:
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise for about 4-6 hours at room temperature, or until it has doubled in size. Alternatively, you can place it in the fridge for an overnight rise, which will deepen the flavor.
4. Shape the Dough:
- Once the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release the air.
- Shape the dough into a loaf by folding the edges towards the center and then rolling it tightly into a loaf shape.
- Place the shaped dough into a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan. Cover the pan with a towel or plastic wrap and let it rise for about 1-2 hours, or until the dough has risen just above the rim of the pan.
5. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) while the dough is completing its second rise.
6. Bake the Bread:
- Once the dough has fully risen, bake the bread in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- If you’d like a softer crust, you can brush the top of the loaf with butter right after it comes out of the oven.
7. Cool the Bread:
- Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Tips:
- Starter: Make sure your sourdough starter is active and bubbly before using it. You can feed it 4-6 hours before making the bread for the best results.
- Soft Crust: For an even softer crust, use milk or a bit of butter in the dough, and brush the top with butter right after baking.
- Storage: Store your sourdough sandwich bread in an airtight container or plastic bag at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage.
This Soft Sourdough Sandwich Bread is perfect for making hearty sandwiches, or you can simply enjoy a slice with butter. Its tender crumb and slight tang make it an ideal addition to any meal!