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Sourdough Sandwich Bread: The Best Guide for Soft, Flavorful Homemade Loaves

Sliced sourdough sandwich bread with tight crumb

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This soft sourdough sandwich bread is mildly tangy, easy to slice, and perfect for stacking your favorite fillings. Naturally leavened and baked in a loaf pan, it’s ideal for toast, sandwiches, or a healthy homemade lunch.

Ingredients

  • 100g active sourdough starter (fed and bubbly)
  • 400g bread flour
  • 250ml warm milk (or water for dairy-free)
  • 1 tbsp honey (or sugar)
  • 8g salt
  • 30g softened butter (or olive oil for dairy-free)

Optional:

  • 1 tbsp olive oil (for softer crumb)
  • Whole wheat flour (swap up to 20%)
  • Seeds for topping (sunflower, sesame, flax)

Instructions

Mix the Dough (Night Before):

Combine flour, milk, honey, and sourdough starter in a large bowl. Let rest 30 minutes. Add salt and softened butter, then mix well and perform several stretch-and-folds to build structure.

Bulk Fermentation:

Let dough rest at room temperature for 3–4 hours, performing a stretch and fold every 30 minutes for the first 2 hours. Dough should puff slightly.

Cold Proof:

Shape dough into a log and transfer to a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan. Cover and refrigerate overnight (8–12 hours).

Final Proof (Next Day):

Remove loaf from fridge and let sit at room temp 1–2 hours until dough crowns above the rim of the pan.

Bake:

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly score the top of the loaf and bake for 35–40 minutes or until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 200°F (93°C).

Cool and Slice:

Let loaf cool in pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire rack. Slice when fully cool using a serrated knife.

Notes

  • For stronger flavor: Let starter ferment longer or increase cold proof to 16 hours.
  • Dairy-Free: Use water and olive oil instead of milk and butter.
  • Freezing: Slice and store in airtight freezer bag. Toast straight from frozen.
  • Serving Ideas: Pairs well with turkey, avocado, hummus, or grilled veggies.