How do you make sourdough sandwich bread softer?

To make sourdough sandwich bread softer, enrich your dough with ingredients like milk, butter, and a small amount of sugar or honey. These additions tenderize the crumb and help retain moisture. Also, bake at a lower temperature (around 375°F) with steam in the oven and brush the crust with melted butter immediately after baking to lock in softness.

Can I use whole wheat flour for soft sourdough sandwich bread?

Yes, you can substitute part of the white flour with whole wheat—usually 20–30%—without losing softness. Whole wheat adds a nutty flavor and boosts nutrition, but be sure to increase hydration slightly and consider adding more butter or milk to maintain a tender texture.

How long should I proof sourdough sandwich bread?

Proofing time depends on temperature, but typically ranges from 3–5 hours at room temperature. You can also cold proof the shaped loaf overnight (8–12 hours) in the refrigerator for deeper flavor. The dough should rise just above the loaf pan and pass the poke test before baking.

Why is my sourdough sandwich bread dense and chewy?

A dense and chewy loaf often results from underproofing, using too little hydration, or insufficient gluten development. Ensure your dough has a smooth, elastic texture before final shaping, and let it rise adequately during both bulk fermentation and proofing.

Can you make sourdough sandwich bread without a Dutch oven?

Absolutely. Soft sourdough sandwich bread is typically baked in a standard loaf pan, not a Dutch oven. For steam, place a tray of hot water on the lower oven rack during baking to create a humid environment. This keeps the crust tender and helps with oven spring.

Is sourdough sandwich bread healthier than regular white bread?

Yes. Sourdough bread is naturally fermented, making it easier to digest and often lower on the glycemic index compared to regular white bread. It also retains more nutrients due to the breakdown of phytic acid during fermentation. When combined with whole ingredients like milk, butter, or whole wheat flour, it’s both flavorful and nourishing.

Soft Sourdough Sandwich Bread – The Best Homemade Loaf for 2025

Name: Soft Sourdough Sandwich Bread: The Best Homemade Recipe for Fluffy & Flavorful Loaves
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: PT-486490H27M17S
Total time: 24 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup (115g) active sourdough starter (100% hydration); 1 cup (240g) warm whole milk; 2 3/4 cups (330g) bread flour (or a 50/50 mix with all-purpose flour); 2 tbsp (30g) unsalted butter, softened; 1 tbsp (20g) honey or sugar; 1 tsp (6g) fine sea salt

Description

This soft sourdough sandwich bread is fluffy, tender, and naturally fermented for flavor and gut health. A bakery-style loaf that’s perfect for toast, sandwiches, and meal prep.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2 cup (115g) active sourdough starter (100% hydration)
1 cup (240g) warm whole milk
2 3/4 cups (330g) bread flour (or a 50/50 mix with all-purpose flour)
2 tbsp (30g) unsalted butter, softened
1 tbsp (20g) honey or sugar
1 tsp (6g) fine sea salt

Instructions

In a large bowl, mix warm milk, sourdough starter, and honey.
Add flour and stir until a shaggy dough forms. Rest for 30 minutes.
Add salt and softened butter. Knead until smooth and elastic.
Place dough in a greased bowl. Cover and ferment at room temp for 4–6 hours, stretching and folding every hour.
Shape into a loaf and place into a greased 8.5×4.5-inch pan.
Cover and let proof at room temp for 3–5 hours, or overnight in the fridge.
Preheat oven to 375°F. Place a tray of boiling water in the bottom rack for steam.
Bake the loaf for 35–40 minutes or until golden and internal temp is 190°F–200°F.
Brush with melted butter and cool for 1 hour before slicing.

Notes

Use high-protein bread flour for better rise and structure
For deeper flavor, use the cold-proof method (refrigerate shaped dough overnight)
Optional: Add 1 tbsp milk powder to enrich the dough even more
This recipe works well with 20% whole wheat flour substitution

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 35–40 minutes
Category: Bread
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Keywords: soft sourdough sandwich bread, fluffy sourdough, sandwich bread with sourdough, enriched sourdough loaf, easy sourdough recipe