Soft Sourdough Sandwich Bread Recipe 2025

I have always loved the smell of freshly baked bread wafting through my home. There’s something magical about it. Today, I want to share my Soft Sourdough Sandwich Bread Recipe. This bread is fluffy, flavorful, and perfect for sandwiches or simply enjoying with butter.

What Makes Sourdough Special?

Sourdough bread is unique because it uses wild yeast and bacteria for fermentation. This process not only gives the bread its tangy flavor but also makes it easier to digest. I remember the first time I tasted sourdough; it was like a flavor explosion in my mouth. The crust was crispy, and the inside was soft and chewy. That experience left me hooked.

Ingredients for Soft Sourdough Sandwich Bread Recipe

A good bread starts with quality ingredients. Here is what you will need:

500g all-purpose flour
350g water (room temperature)
100g active sourdough starter
10g salt
1 tablespoon honey or sugar (optional)

How to Make Soft Sourdough Sandwich Bread

If you don’t have a sourdough starter, don’t worry! You can make one at home. It takes about a week to develop, but the flavor is worth the wait.

Combine equal parts flour and water in a jar.
Stir it well and cover it loosely with a cloth.
Feed it daily with more flour and water.

Once your starter is bubbly and doubles in size within a few hours, it’s ready to use in this recipe.

Mixing the Dough

Start by combining the flour and water in a large bowl. I usually mix it with my hands until no dry flour remains. This process is called autolyse, and it helps to develop gluten. After about 30 minutes, add the sourdough starter and salt.

Tip: If you want a slightly sweeter bread, add honey or sugar at this stage.

Kneading the Dough

Kneading is essential for developing the gluten structure in the bread. I prefer the stretch and fold method for sourdough.

Let the dough rest for 30 minutes.
Wet your hands to prevent sticking and grab one side of the dough, stretching it up and folding it over itself.
Rotate the bowl and repeat this process for about 4 rounds.

This method is gentle and allows the dough to rise beautifully without overworking it.

Bulk Fermentation

After kneading, cover the bowl with a damp cloth and let it sit at room temperature for about 4 to 6 hours. During this time, the dough will rise and develop flavor.

You can perform a series of stretch and folds every 30 minutes during this time. This helps to strengthen the dough further.

Shaping the Dough

Once the dough has doubled in size, it’s time to shape it. Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently flatten it into a rectangle.

Fold the top third down to the center.
Fold the bottom third up over the top.
Roll it tightly from one end to the other.

This shaping technique helps create a tight surface tension, which is crucial for a good rise.

Second Rise

After shaping, place the dough into a greased loaf pan. Cover it with a cloth and let it rise again for about 2 to 3 hours. The dough should rise just above the rim of the pan.

Keep an eye on it; the timing can vary based on the temperature of your kitchen.

Baking the Bread

Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) about 30 minutes before baking.

When the dough is ready, slash the top with a sharp knife. This allows the bread to expand while baking.
Place the loaf in the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes until golden brown.

The smell of baking bread is heavenly. I often find myself peeking through the oven window, eagerly awaiting that golden crust.

Cooling the Bread

Once baked, remove the loaf from the pan and let it cool on a wire rack. This step is crucial; cooling allows the steam to escape and prevents the bread from becoming soggy.

I usually wait at least an hour before slicing into it. The anticipation makes the first bite even more satisfying.

Storing Your Sourdough Bread

To keep your bread fresh, store it in a paper bag at room temperature. If you want to keep it longer, slice and freeze it. Just pop it in the toaster when you’re ready to enjoy a piece.

Tips for Soft Sourdough Sandwich Bread Recipe

Here are some tips I’ve learned over the years:

Use a kitchen scale for accurate measurements.
Be patient; sourdough takes time, but the results are worth it.
Experiment with different flours for unique flavors.
Keep notes on your baking process to improve each time.

Why You Will Love This Soft Sourdough Sandwich Bread Recipe

This Soft Sourdough Sandwich Bread Recipe is a game-changer. It’s fluffy, flavorful, and perfect for sandwiches or toast. I often make grilled cheese sandwiches with it or simply slather it with butter and jam. The possibilities are endless.