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The Best Soft Sourdough Sandwich Bread for Beginners

A loaf of soft sourdough sandwich bread sliced in half, showing the open, airy crumb structure.

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Bake a soft, fluffy, and sliceable sourdough sandwich loaf that is perfect for daily use, even if you are new to sourdough baking. This recipe focuses on achieving a buttery crumb.

Ingredients

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  • 150g active sourdough starter
  • 325g warm filtered water
  • 20g avocado oil
  • 25g honey
  • 500g unbleached bread flour
  • 10g salt

Instructions

  1. Combine starter, water, oil, and honey in a large bowl. Mix until the liquid looks milky.
  2. Add the flour and salt to the wet ingredients. Mix until just combined into a shaggy dough. Cover the bowl and let it rest for 1 hour.
  3. Perform four sets of stretch and folds, spaced 30 minutes apart. Gently stretch a portion of the dough up and fold it over the center, repeating for all four sides.
  4. After the final set of folds, cover the dough and allow it to bulk ferment for an additional 4 to 8 hours, or until it has increased in volume by about 30-50% and shows signs of activity. The exact time depends on your kitchen temperature.
  5. Gently shape the dough into a loaf and place it seam-side up into a greased 9×5 inch loaf pan.
  6. Cover the pan and allow the dough to proof at room temperature for 1 to 3 hours, or until it has risen about 1 inch above the rim of the pan.
  7. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  8. Bake the loaf for 35 to 45 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 205°F (96°C).
  9. Remove the bread from the pan immediately after baking and cool completely on a wire rack before slicing. This step is key for sliceability.

Notes

  • For a gut healthy sourdough bread, extend the bulk fermentation time and allow for a long, cold proof in the refrigerator overnight.
  • If you are interested in meal planning for your new bread, look into the best meal delivery services for inspiration.
  • This soft loaf is great for making grilled cheese or French toast.

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