Soft Sourdough Sandwich Bread: The Perfect Everyday Loaf

Soft Sourdough Sandwich Bread
Soft Sourdough Sandwich Bread

Step By Step Guide To Make This Cake

Soft sourdough sandwich bread is the ultimate combination of flavor, texture, and versatility. With its mildly tangy taste and pillow-soft crumb, this bread is perfect for sandwiches, toast, or enjoying fresh with butter and jam. The sourdough starter brings natural fermentation to the process, enhancing both the flavor and nutrition of the bread. 

This recipe is designed to be approachable, even for beginners, and creates a loaf so delicious it will quickly become a household staple.

What is Soft Sourdough Sandwich Bread?

Soft sourdough sandwich bread is a naturally leavened bread made with sourdough starter instead of commercial yeast. Unlike traditional rustic sourdough loaves, this bread has a soft, fine crumb and a slightly sweet flavor, making it ideal for sandwiches and everyday use. 

The long fermentation process gives the bread its characteristic tang, while enriching the dough with nutrients and making it easier to digest.

Why You Will Love This Recipe?

This soft sourdough sandwich bread is the best of both worlds: rich in flavor and perfect for any meal. You’ll love its versatility—it works beautifully for everything from peanut butter and jelly sandwiches to hearty grilled cheeses. 

The recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients and requires minimal hands-on time, relying on the slow magic of sourdough fermentation. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or new to sourdough, this recipe delivers a loaf that’s soft, fluffy, and incredibly rewarding.

What Makes This Recipe Special?

Soft Sourdough Sandwich Bread
Soft Sourdough Sandwich Bread

    Soft sourdough sandwich bread is special because it combines the classic tang of sourdough with the pillowy texture of store-bought sandwich bread. This recipe offers a perfect balance of flavor and functionality, making it ideal for everything from hearty sandwiches to delicate French toast. 

    The long fermentation process not only develops a depth of flavor but also enhances the bread’s digestibility and nutritional profile. Unlike rustic sourdough loaves, this bread features a soft crust and fine crumb, making it versatile for any meal or occasion. It’s the best of artisanal baking, tailored for everyday use.

    A Genius Tip for Perfect Sourdough Sandwich Bread

    For an even softer crust, brush the top of the loaf with melted butter immediately after it comes out of the oven. This adds a touch of richness and keeps the crust tender, making the bread perfect for slicing and sandwiches.

    How to Make Soft Sourdough Sandwich Bread

    Prep TimeCook TimeTotal Time
    25 mins (active)35-40 mins8-12 hours (includes rise time)

    Ingredients

    • Active Sourdough Starter - 1/2 cup (120g)
    • Warm Water - 1 cup (240ml)
    • Milk - 1/2 cup (120ml)
    • All-Purpose Flour - 4 cups (500g)
    • Salt - 1 1/2 teaspoons
    • Sugar - 2 tablespoons
    • Unsalted Butter (softened) - 4 tablespoons

    Method

    Soft Sourdough Sandwich Bread
    Soft Sourdough Sandwich Bread
    1. Activate the Starter: In a large bowl, combine the sourdough starter, warm water, and milk. Stir until well mixed.
    2. Mix the Dough: Add the sugar, salt, and softened butter to the liquid mixture. Stirring constantly, gradually add the flour until a shaggy dough forms.
    3. Knead: Place the dough on a surface dusted with flour and knead it for 8 to 10 minutes, or until it is elastic and smooth. As an alternative, use a dough hook on a stand mixer for five to six minutes.
    4. First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap or a damp towel, and let it rise at room temperature for 6-8 hours, or until doubled in size.
    5. Shape the Dough: Punch down the dough and shape it into a log. Place it in a greased 9x5-inch loaf pan.
    6. Second Rise: Cover and let it rise again for 1-2 hours, until it reaches just above the edge of the pan.
    7. Bake: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). The bread should sound hollow when tapped and have a golden brown top after 35 to 40 minutes of baking.
    8. Cool and Slice: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

    Nutritional Value (per slice, based on 12 slices)

    • Calories: 160
    • Fat: 4g
    • Carbohydrates: 28g
    • Protein: 4g

    Serving Ideas and Variations

    • Classic Sandwiches: Use this bread as the base for turkey and cheese sandwiches or BLTs.
    • French Toast: Its soft texture makes it ideal for soaking up egg batter for French toast.
    • Cinnamon Swirl: Before the second rise, spread the dough with butter, cinnamon, and sugar, then roll and bake as directed.
    • Whole Wheat Option: Swap 1 cup of all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor and extra nutrients

    FAQs About Soft Sourdough Sandwich Bread

    Q1: Can I make this bread without a sourdough starter?
    A: This recipe requires an active sourdough starter for natural fermentation. If you don’t have one, try a yeasted bread recipe instead.

    Q2: How do I know my dough has risen enough?
    A: The dough should double in size during the first rise and rise just above the loaf pan during the second rise. If it springs back slowly when poked, it’s ready.

    Q3: How should I store sourdough sandwich bread?
    A: Store the bread in a bread box or airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Slices can be frozen and reheated as needed for extended storage.

    Conclusion

    Soft sourdough sandwich bread is a true kitchen staple—easy to make, endlessly versatile, and packed with the tangy flavor only sourdough can provide. With its pillowy texture and wholesome ingredients, this bread is perfect for any occasion, from breakfast to dinner. 

    Give this recipe a try and enjoy the satisfaction of baking your own delicious, homemade loaf.

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