why make this recipe
Making your own Easiest Soft Sourdough Sandwich Bread at home is not only rewarding but also gives you a fresh loaf that’s perfect for sandwiches, toast, or simply enjoying with butter. This recipe is straightforward and requires minimal effort. It uses simple ingredients like sourdough starter, honey, and butter, making it a great choice for both beginners and seasoned bakers.
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 the heat off and add the honey. Gently mix together to allow the butter to finish melting and the honey to soften. Set aside and allow to cool until it is comfortably warm to the touch. Remember, heat will kill a starter, so don’t skip cooling!
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In a large bowl, combine the sourdough starter, water, salt, and warm honey and butter. Stir to combine, then add flour. Mix with a wooden spoon until the dough becomes too hard to stir. Then, use your hands to mix the dough.
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Knead for about 5 minutes and form it into a big ball of dough. Cover with plastic wrap and allow 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 in two and form into loaves. Place the dough in the prepared loaf pans and cover with plastic wrap or a clean damp towel while the loaves rise. Allow to rise for 1-2 hours or until the dough doubles.
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As the rise time comes to an end, preheat the oven to 400°F. Bake for 30-35 minutes. Watch your bread closely for those last few minutes to ensure it doesn’t burn, as oven temperatures vary!
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Remove from oven and allow to cool in the loaf pans for ten minutes before removing loaves and placing them on a cooling rack to cool completely. Enjoy warm or allow to 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! Slice it and make delicious sandwiches with your favorite fillings. It goes well with peanut butter and jelly, ham and cheese, or even just butter and jam. You can also enjoy it toasted with avocado or as a side with soup.
how to store Easiest Soft Sourdough Sandwich Bread
To store this bread, place it in an airtight Ziploc bag once it has cooled completely. Make sure to consume it within three days for the best taste and texture. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing the bread slices in a freezer-safe bag. Just toast or thaw as needed!
tips to make Easiest Soft Sourdough Sandwich Bread
- Make sure your sourdough starter is active and bubbly for the best rise.
- Allow the batter to rise in a warm place to encourage fermentation.
- Don’t rush the cooling process of the melted butter and honey; it needs to be warm but not hot.
- Knead the dough well to develop gluten for a soft texture.
variation
You can easily customize this bread by adding ingredients like chopped herbs, cheese, or spices to give it a unique flavor. For a sweeter bread, try adding a handful of raisins or nuts.
FAQs
1. Can I use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour?
Yes, you can use all-purpose flour, but the bread may not be as chewy or have the same texture.
2. How can I make my sourdough starter active?
Feed your sourdough starter with equal parts flour and water. Allow it to sit at room temperature. It should become bubbly and double in size after a few hours.
3. What should I do if my bread doesn’t rise?
Ensure that your sourdough starter is active before using it. If your kitchen is cold, you may need to find a warmer spot for the dough to rise.