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Soft Sourdough Sandwich Bread Recipe

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  • Author: admin
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Total Time: 5 hours 55 minutes
  • Yield: 12 slices
  • Category: Bread
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This Soft Sourdough Sandwich Bread recipe delivers a tender, moist loaf perfect for all your sandwich needs. Using a sourdough starter combined with optional yeast, this bread achieves a beautiful rise, a slightly tangy flavor, and a golden crust. Ideal for beginners and seasoned bakers alike, it requires minimal ingredients and yields 12 hearty slices after slow fermentation for rich taste and texture.

Ingredients

Scale

Wet Ingredients

  • 1 cup sourdough starter (fed or unfed)
  • 1 cup warm water
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
  • 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
  • 1 tablespoon milk (for brushing the top)

Dry Ingredients

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour (or bread flour)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon active dry yeast (optional for quicker rise)

Instructions

  1. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the warm water, honey or maple syrup, and sourdough starter until well blended to create the base of the dough.
  2. Add Oil and Salt: Stir in the olive oil or melted butter and salt, ensuring these ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
  3. Incorporate Flour: Gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, stirring after each addition until a sticky dough begins to form.
  4. Add Yeast (Optional): If you want a faster rise time, incorporate the active dry yeast now and mix thoroughly.
  5. Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
  6. First Rise: Place the kneaded dough into a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise for 4 to 6 hours at room temperature, or refrigerate overnight for a slower fermentation that enhances flavor.
  7. Prepare for Baking: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a loaf pan in preparation for baking.
  8. Shape and Second Rise: Punch down the dough to release air, shape it into a loaf, place it in the prepared pan, and allow it to rise again for 30 to 60 minutes until it surpasses the pan’s rim.
  9. Apply Milk Wash: Brush the top of the risen dough with milk to encourage a golden and slightly glossy crust.
  10. Bake the Bread: Bake the loaf in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes until the crust turns golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  11. Cool the Bread: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely, ensuring the crumb sets perfectly.

Notes

  • For enhanced sourdough flavor, allow the dough to ferment overnight in the refrigerator during the first rise.
  • Adding yeast is optional but helps the bread rise faster; without it, be prepared for a longer fermentation period.
  • You can substitute all-purpose flour with bread flour for a chewier texture and better rise.
  • Brush the top with melted butter after baking for an extra rich crust instead of milk if desired.
  • Use a sharp serrated knife for slicing the bread to maintain even, clean slices.

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Find it online: https://scratchymama.com/soft-sourdough-sandwich-bread-recipe/