Artisanal Sourdough Sandwich Bread: A Step-by-Step Guide

Experience the harmonious blend of tangy sourdough flavor and the soft, yielding texture perfect for sandwiches with homemade sourdough sandwich bread. Crafting your own loaf presents an opportunity for a personalized, flavorful experience tailored to your preferences. Follow this meticulously detailed guide for a rewarding baking journey.

Sourdough Sandwich Bread Recipe

Ingredients:

For the Sourdough Starter:

• 1 cup (about 100g) active and bubbly sourdough starter
• 1/2 cup (120ml) warm water
• 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour

For the Dough:

• All of the sourdough starter mixture
• 2/3 cup (160ml) warm milk
• 1/4 cup (56g) unsalted butter, melted and cooled slightly
• 2 tablespoons (25g) sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 3 1/2 cups (420g) bread flour (all-purpose flour can be substituted)
• 2 teaspoons instant yeast (optional, for faster rise)

Instructions:

Prepare the Sourdough Starter:

• Combine sourdough starter, warm water, and flour in a large bowl the night before baking. Cover and let sit at room temperature overnight to ferment.

Mix the Dough:

• The next morning, ensure the levain is active and bubbly. In a stand mixer bowl with a dough hook attachment, combine levain, warm milk, melted butter, sugar, and salt. Mix until incorporated.
• Gradually add bread flour, mixing on low speed until fully incorporated. Increase to medium speed and knead until the dough is smooth and pulls away from the bowl’s sides, approximately 8-10 minutes.
• Incorporate instant yeast if desired, particularly useful for less active starters or cooler environments.

First Rise:

• Transfer dough to a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and let rise until doubled in size, approximately 1 to 2 hours depending on starter activity and room temperature.

Shape the Loaf:

• Once risen, gently deflate the dough on a floured surface and shape it into a loaf.
• Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and place the shaped dough seam side down into the pan.

Second Rise:

• Loosely cover the pan with a damp cloth or plastic wrap and let the dough rise until it reaches just above the rim of the pan, approximately 1 to 1.5 hours.

Bake the Bread:

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Once preheated, bake the loaf for 30-35 minutes until the top is golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped.
• If necessary, tent the bread with aluminum foil to prevent over-browning.

Cool:

• Remove bread from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Indulge in the versatility of this sourdough sandwich bread, perfect for everyday sandwiches or toasted delights. Its subtle sourness adds a delightful complexity, elevating it beyond ordinary store-bought options. Embrace the process and savor the delicious outcome!