How to Make Soft and Fluffy Sourdough Sandwich Bread Recipe

This soft and fluffy sourdough sandwich bread recipe is made with a natural starter. Perfect for sandwiches, toast, and more. Easy recipe with step-by-step instructions.

If you’ve ever wondered how to make the perfect sourdough sandwich bread, you’re in the right place. This recipe combines the depth of flavor from sourdough with the soft, pillowy texture you expect from a classic sandwich loaf. Whether you’re using it for toast, sandwiches, or as a side to your favorite soup, this sourdough bread is as versatile as it is delicious.

Jump to Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Sourdough Sandwich Bread Recipe

  • Homemade Goodness: Baking your own bread means no preservatives or unnecessary additives, just pure, fresh ingredients.
  • Soft and Fluffy Texture: Perfect for everyday use, this bread has a tender crumb ideal for sandwiches or toast.
  • Rich Sourdough Flavor: The natural fermentation process gives this bread a subtle tang without being overpowering.
  • No Commercial Yeast Needed: Using your active sourdough starter makes this bread wholesome and all-natural.

The Ingredients and Why They Work

  • Oil or Butter: Adds moisture and richness, keeping the bread soft for days.
  • Honey: A natural sweetener that enhances the flavor and helps with browning.
  • Salt: Balances the flavors and strengthens the dough structure.
  • Sourdough Starter: Provides the leavening and signature tang of sourdough bread.
  • Filtered Water: Ensures a clean flavor and supports fermentation.
  • Flour: You can use bread flour, all-purpose flour, or a combination of the two for the perfect texture.

Mix Up the Dough:

  • Mix the Dough – Add all the ingredients to the bowl of a stand mixer, starting with the wet ingredients and finishing with the flour. Using the dough hook attachment, knead the dough for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth, elastic, and pulls away from the sides of the bowl.
  • Bulk Fermentation – Transfer the dough to a large ceramic bowl and cover it with a towel. Allow the dough to bulk rise for 10–12 hours in a warm spot. During this time, the dough will ferment, developing flavor and texture.
  • Divide and Shape – Once the dough has fermented, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and divide it into two equal portions. Shape each portion into a rectangle and roll it up tightly from the short side. Place the rolled dough into buttered loaf pans.
  • Second Rise – Let the dough rise at room temperature for 2–4 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
  • Bake – Preheat your oven to 375°F. Bake the loaves for 40 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped.
  • Cool and Enjoy – Allow the bread to cool in the pans for a few minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. Let it cool completely before slicing for the best texture.

Serving Suggestions

For the best results, I recommend using high-quality, natural ingredients. Shop for your baking essentials at Azure Standard, where you can find everything you need for sourdough success:

  • Unbleached Flour: Perfect for achieving a soft and airy crumb.
  • Raw Honey: Adds natural sweetness to your bread.
  • Sea Salt: Enhances the flavor of your dough.
  • Filtered Water: Ensures clean and consistent fermentation.

Click here to explore these essentials and elevate your baking game!

A freshly baked loaf of sourdough sandwich bread with a golden crust and soft, fluffy interior, sitting on a wooden cutting board in a cozy kitchen.

Tips for Perfect Sourdough Sandwich Bread

  1. Active Starter is Key: Make sure your starter is bubbly and active before mixing the dough.
  2. Don’t Skip the Bulk Rise: The long fermentation time is essential for developing flavor and texture.
  3. Use the Right Pans: Buttered loaf pans ensure even baking and easy release.
  4. Cool Completely: Slicing hot bread can result in a gummy texture, so let it cool fully before serving.

How to Enjoy Your Sourdough Sandwich Bread

  • Classic Sandwiches: From PB&J to turkey and cheese, this bread is perfect for any sandwich.
  • Toast: Spread with butter, jam, or avocado for a quick and delicious breakfast.
  • French Toast: Turn day-old bread into a decadent treat.
  • Side Dish: Serve alongside soups, stews, or pasta dishes.

More Simple Sourdough Recipes:

Frequently Asked Questions for this Sourdough Sandwich Bread Recipe

  • 1. How do I know if my sourdough starter is active enough to use?
    Your starter should be bubbly and have doubled in size after feeding. It should also have a slightly tangy smell. Perform the “float test” by dropping a small amount of starter into water—if it floats, it’s ready!
  • 2. Can I use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour?
    Yes, you can use all-purpose flour, but bread flour will give the bread a better structure and a chewier texture due to its higher protein content.
  • 3. How do I store sourdough sandwich bread?
    Store the bread in an airtight container or a bread bag at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap the loaf tightly and freeze it for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before use.
  • 4. Why is my dough sticky and hard to work with?
    Sourdough dough can be naturally sticky due to its hydration level. Lightly flour your hands and work surface to make handling easier, but avoid adding too much flour, as it can make the bread dense.
  • 5. Can I make this recipe without a stand mixer?
    Yes! You can knead the dough by hand, but it will take longer (10–15 minutes). Look for a smooth, elastic texture as a sign it’s ready.
  • 6. What’s the best way to shape the loaves?
    Roll each dough portion into a rectangle, then tightly roll it up from the short side. This helps create an even crumb and prevents air pockets.

This sourdough sandwich bread recipe is a game-changer for anyone who loves homemade bread with a soft, fluffy texture. It’s beginner-friendly, wholesome, and packed with flavor. Baking sourdough can feel intimidating at first, but this recipe simplifies the process, making it accessible for everyone.

Give it a try, and let me know how it turns out in the comments below. Don’t forget to share your photos and tag me on social media—I’d love to see your creations!

Sourdough Sandwich Bread

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup of oil or softened butter
  • 2 TBS honey
  • 1 TBS salt
  • 1 cup of active bubbly starter
  • 2 1/2 cups filtered water
  • 6-8 cups of flour

Instructions

  • Add all of the ingredients to the bowl of a stand mixer. I usually add the wet ingredients first, and flour last. That is totally optional, though.
  • Using the dough hook, knead the dough until it is stretchy and smooth. It will pull away from the sides of the mixing bowl and be very elastic. This usually takes 10 minutes or so.
  • Remove the dough from the metal bowl and into a large ceramic bowl. Cover with a towel. Allow to bulk rise for 10 to 12 hours in a warm place.
  • Once your dough has fermented, divide the dough into two equal parts.
  • Shape each piece by rolling it into a rectangle, and rolling it up from the short side.
  • Add rolled dough to buttered loaf pans.
  • Let dough rise a second time for 2 to 4 hours at room temperature, or until the dough has doubled.
  • Bake at 375 for 40 minutes, or until golden on top.

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