Name: Easy Sourdough Sandwich Bread
Prep time: 12 h 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 13 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 65 grams active sourdough starter active + bubbly; 300 grams lukewarm water; 12 grams salt 2 teaspoons; 14 grams sugar; 15 grams oil (avocado or olive) 1 tablespoon, plus more for coating the pan; 400 grams bread flour; 100 grams all purpose flour

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Ever notice how the smell of freshly baked bread can stop you in your tracks? Like, right there in your kitchen, you’re 10 years old again—hair a mess, cheeks pink from the oven heat, hoping Mom lets you sneak the first slice.

That’s the magic of this Sourdough Sandwich Bread. It’s not just a loaf; it’s a memory in the making. I started baking it during a quiet morning with my girls, flour on our noses, laughter echoing. Simple, soft, a bit tangy—this one’s pure, cozy joy.

Trust me, your toaster’s about to get very busy.

Ingredients & Tools 🍳

Here’s what you’ll need to make the most amazing Sourdough Sandwich Bread. Don’t worry, no fancy equipment required!

Ingredients:

500g bread flour (or all-purpose flour works too!)
100g active sourdough starter (bubbly and ready to go!)
10g salt
50g unsalted butter (softened)
25g sugar (optional, but adds flavor!)
300ml warm water (around body temperature)

Tools:

A large mixing bowl
Bread loaf pan (standard 9″”x5″”)
Kitchen scale (for accuracy!)
Clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap
Bench scraper or spatula

Step-by-Step Instructions 🥄

1. Mix the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine your sourdough starter, flour, salt, butter, sugar, and warm water. Stir until a shaggy dough forms—it’s okay if it looks messy!

2. Knead & Rest

Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8–10 minutes, or until it feels smooth and elastic. If it’s too sticky, sprinkle a little more flour while kneading, but don’t overdo it. Let the dough rest for 30 minutes covered with a kitchen towel.

3. Bulk Fermentation

Pop the dough back into the bowl, cover it, and let it ferment in a warm place for 3–5 hours—or until it doubles in size. This is where the magic of sourdough happens! ⏳

4. Shape & Second Rise

Gently turn your dough out, shape it into a rectangle, and roll it up tight into a loaf. Place it into your greased loaf pan, cover, and let it rise again for 2–3 hours. It’s ready when it looks puffy and fills the pan nicely.

5. Bake to Perfection

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the bread for 35–40 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped. Cool before slicing—if you can wait! 😉

Tips & Troubleshooting 💡

Pro Tip: If your dough feels too stiff, add a tablespoon of water at a time. Sourdough thrives on flexibility!
Note: Don’t rush the fermentation. The long rise is what gives Sourdough Sandwich Bread its unique flavor and texture.
If your bread doesn’t rise, check the health of your sourdough starter. Is it bubbly and active?
Crust browning too fast? Tent it with foil halfway through baking to prevent burning.

Variations / Add-ons

There are so many ways to customize your Sourdough Sandwich Bread! Here are some fun ideas:

Whole Wheat Option: Swap 50% of the flour with whole wheat for an earthy flavor.
Seeded Loaf: Add sesame, flax, or sunflower seeds to the dough or sprinkle on top before baking.
Herby Goodness: Mix in a teaspoon of dried rosemary or thyme for a savory twist.

Serving Ideas & Storage Tips 🧊

Here’s how to enjoy and preserve your freshly baked bread:

Serving Ideas:

Slather slices with butter and jam for a classic breakfast treat.
Use it for sandwiches—PB&J, grilled cheese, or a hearty meat-filled stack.
Toast it lightly and dip into olive oil with balsamic vinegar. Yum! 😍

Storage Tips:

Short-Term: Store in a bread box or wrapped in a clean kitchen towel for up to 3 days.
Long-Term: Slice and freeze in a freezer-safe bag. Reheat slices in the toaster for a fresh-from-the-oven feel!

Pro Tip: Never refrigerate bread—it speeds up staling! Keep it at room temperature or freeze it instead.

For more delicious recipes and cooking inspiration, follow me on Facebook and Pinterest!

Personal Experience of Sourdough Sandwich Bread

Baking this Easy Sourdough Sandwich Bread always reminds me of weekend mornings spent with my family, sharing warm, fluffy slices straight from the oven.

The way the soft crumb pairs with any filling makes it our go-to comfort food that brings everyone back to the kitchen, smiles included.

Time to Bake Your Perfect Sourdough Sandwich Bread!

Making Sourdough Sandwich Bread at home truly transforms your meals with its tender crumb and tangy depth, a technique even King Arthur Baking swears by for consistent results.

I can’t wait for you to try this recipe—don’t forget to share your baking wins or questions below!