why make this recipe
There are many reasons to make Easiest Soft Sourdough Sandwich Bread. First, it combines the tangy flavor of sourdough with the soft texture we love in sandwich bread. This bread is perfect for lunch boxes or any meal where you need a hearty slice. Plus, using natural ingredients like raw honey and grass-fed butter makes it healthier and tastier. Making this bread at home fills your kitchen with a wonderful aroma and keeps you away from store-bought options filled with preservatives.
how to make Easiest Soft Sourdough Sandwich Bread
Ingredients :
- 1 cup active and bubbly sourdough starter
- 1/2 cup raw honey
- 1/2 cup butter (grass fed), melted
- 1 1/2 cups filtered water
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 5 cups bread flour
Directions :
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Melt butter in a saucepan on very low heat. When it’s almost completely melted, turn off the heat and add the honey. Gently mix together to let the butter finish melting and the honey to soften. Set aside and allow it to cool until it is comfortably warm to the touch. It’s important to cool it, as heat can kill your sourdough starter.
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In a large bowl, combine the sourdough starter, warm water, salt, and the honey-butter mixture. Stir to combine, then add flour. Mix with a wooden spoon until the dough becomes too hard to stir. Use your hands to mix the dough until it forms a big ball.
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Knead the dough for about 5 minutes and form it into a big ball. Cover it with plastic wrap and allow it to rise for 8-12 hours or overnight.
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The next morning, prepare two loaf pans by lining them with parchment paper. Divide the dough into two and form them into loaves. Place the loaves in the prepared pans and cover them with plastic wrap or a clean damp towel while they rise. Allow to rise for 1-2 hours or until the dough doubles in size.
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As the rise time ends, preheat the oven to 400°F. Bake the loaves for 30-35 minutes. Keep an eye on your bread in the last few minutes to avoid burning, as oven temperatures can vary.
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Remove from the oven and allow to cool in loaf pans for ten minutes before taking the loaves out and placing them on a cooling rack to cool completely. Enjoy warm or let them cool completely before storing in airtight Ziploc bags. Consume within 3 days.
how to serve Easiest Soft Sourdough Sandwich Bread
You can serve this bread in many ways. It’s excellent for sandwiches filled with your favorite meats, cheeses, and vegetables. You can also toast slices for breakfast with some butter and jam or use it for French toast. The soft texture makes it very versatile for all kinds of meals.
how to store Easiest Soft Sourdough Sandwich Bread
To keep your bread fresh, store it in airtight Ziploc bags at room temperature. It’s best enjoyed within 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, consider slicing it and freezing the individual pieces. This way, you can take out just what you need.
tips to make Easiest Soft Sourdough Sandwich Bread
- Make sure your sourdough starter is active and bubbly before you begin.
- Always cool your melted butter and honey mixture so it doesn’t harm the starter.
- Knead the dough well to develop gluten, which gives the bread a nice structure.
- Keep an eye on the bread while it’s baking to prevent burning, especially in the last few minutes.
variation
You can add seeds or herbs to the dough for different flavors. Try adding sunflower seeds or whole flaxseeds for added texture and nutrients. You can also mix in dried herbs like rosemary or thyme for a savory twist.
FAQs
Q: Can I use regular honey instead of raw honey?
A: Yes, you can use regular honey, but raw honey offers a more unique flavor and additional benefits.
Q: How do I know when my bread is done baking?
A: The bread should be golden brown on top and sound hollow when you tap it. A good internal temperature for bread is around 200°F.
Q: Can I make this recipe without a sourdough starter?
A: No, the sourdough starter is essential for the bread’s flavor and texture. However, you could use a commercial yeast bread recipe if you don’t have starter on hand.
Easiest Soft Sourdough Sandwich Bread
Ingredients
Method
- Melt butter in a saucepan on very low heat. When it's almost completely melted, turn off the heat and add the honey. Mix together to let the butter finish melting and the honey to soften. Set aside to cool until comfortably warm.
- In a large bowl, combine the sourdough starter, warm water, salt, and honey-butter mixture. Stir to combine, then add flour. Mix with a wooden spoon until the dough becomes too hard to stir, then use hands to mix until it forms a big ball.
- Knead the dough for about 5 minutes and form it into a ball. Cover with plastic wrap and allow it to rise for 8-12 hours or overnight.
- Prepare two loaf pans by lining them with parchment paper. Divide the dough into two and form them into loaves. Place in the prepared pans and cover with plastic wrap or a clean damp towel. Allow to rise for 1-2 hours or until dough doubles in size.
- Preheat the oven to 400°F. Bake the loaves for 30-35 minutes, watching carefully in the last few minutes to prevent burning.
- Remove from the oven and allow to cool in loaf pans for ten minutes before taking the loaves out and placing them on a cooling rack to cool completely.