Go Back
–+ servings

Save this Recipe

Enter your email to get it straight in your inbox! Plus, receive new recipes weekly!

    A loaf of sliced white bread.

    Sourdough Sandwich Bread

    This easy sourdough sandwich bread is soft, tender, and has a hint of tangy flavor. It makes two delicious loaves that are perfect for sandwiches, toast, and more!
    Prep Time: 2 hours 40 minutes
    Cook Time: 30 minutes
    Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes
    Servings: 14 slices

    Ingredients

    • 2 cups water
    • 1 tbsp yeast
    • 3/4 cup sourdough starter
    • 1 tbsp honey
    • 5 cups bread flour
    • 1 1/2 tsp kosher salt
    • 3 tbsp unsalted butter, softened

    Instructions

    • In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the dough hook attachment, combine the water, yeast, honey, sourdough starter, and bread flour. Mix on low speed for 2 minutes, until a shaggy dough forms. Turn off the mixer and let the dough rest for 10 minutes.
    • Add the salt and turn the mixer back to low speed. Knead for 5 minutes, then add the softened butter. Continue mixing until the butter is fully incorporated and the dough becomes smooth and elastic.
    • Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured work surface and shape it into a smooth ball. Cover with the mixing bowl and let rise for 1 hour, or until noticeably puffy.
    • Divide the dough into 2 equal pieces to make 2 loaves. Working with one piece at a time, gently stretch or roll the dough into an 8 x 12-inch rectangle. Starting at the short end, tightly roll the dough into a log, approximately 8 inches long and 4 inches wide. Pinch the seam to seal, then place seam-side down in a greased loaf pan. Repeat with the remaining dough. Cover both pans and let rise in a warm place for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the loaves have doubled in size.
    • Preheat the oven to 500°F. Place an empty metal baking sheet on the bottom rack of the oven to preheat. Using a sharp paring knife, carefully score the top of each loaf to allow for expansion during baking. Transfer the loaf pans to the oven.
    • Before closing the oven door, carefully pour 1 cup of hot water into the preheated baking sheet on the bottom rack. This will create steam, helping the loaves rise in the oven while developing a crispier, glossier crust. Quickly close the oven door to trap the steam inside.
    • Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the loaves are golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 196°F. Remove the bread from the oven and carefully transfer the loaves from their pans to a wire rack. Allow to cool completely before slicing for the best texture.

    Notes

    • Use an active sourdough starter. For the best flavor and rise, use a bubbly, recently fed starter. Since this recipe also uses yeast, it's a little more forgiving than traditional sourdough bread.
    • Measure flour correctly. Spoon flour into your measuring cup and level it off, or use a kitchen scale for the most accurate results. Too much flour can make the bread dry and dense.
    • Don't skip the dough rest. Letting the dough rest for 10 minutes before kneading gives the flour time to absorb the water and makes the dough easier to work with.
    • Add butter at the right time. Wait until the dough has been kneaded for 5 minutes before adding the softened butter. This helps develop the gluten for a soft, tender loaf.
    • Watch the dough, not the clock. Rising times can vary depending on the temperature of your kitchen. Look for dough that's noticeably puffy during the first rise and doubled in size during the second.
    • Roll the dough tightly. When shaping your loaves, roll the dough snugly to prevent large air pockets and create even slices that are perfect for sandwiches.
    • Be careful with the steam. Pouring hot water into a preheated pan creates a burst of steam, so keep your hands and face away from the oven opening. Use a sturdy metal pan, never glass.
    • Let it cool completely. I know it's tempting to slice into warm bread, but cutting too soon can leave the center gummy. Cooling allows the crumb to set for the best texture.

    Nutrition Information

    Serving: 1sliceCalories: 200kcalCarbohydrates: 36gProtein: 6gFat: 3gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.4gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 6mgSodium: 252mgPotassium: 49mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 76IUVitamin C: 0.01mgCalcium: 9mgIron: 0.4mg