fresh bread ready to eat

Sourdough bread has taken the baking world by storm! Many home bakers are eager to create their own unique loaves. Among the different varieties, sourdough sandwich loaf stands out for its versatility and ease of use. Whether you're making a quick lunch or a gourmet sandwich, a homemade sourdough loaf adds a special touch. In this EASY recipe, you will be making your own loaves in no time!

The Appeal of Sourdough

Studies indicate that sourdough can be easier to digest than regular bread. This is due to the natural fermentation process, which not only creates that signature tang but also improves nutrient absorption.

For those looking to eat healthier, homemade sourdough offers an excellent solution. In fact, a recent survey found that 55% of home bakers reported feeling better after switching to sourdough bread.

You can also watch my step by step for making this sourdough bread here

Ingredients You’ll Need

Make sure you’re stocked up with the following ingredients before you start:

• 4 cups bread flour (or a little more to get a dry dough) (or all-purpose flour)

• 1 1/4 cup water (room temperature)

• 1/2 cup sourdough start (active and bubbly)

• 1 1/2 tsp salt

• 2 tsp sugar

• 1/4 cup avocado oil or melted butter

  
  

These ingredients yield two standard loaves. A single loaf can serve as the perfect base for 10-12 sandwiches, making it an excellent choice for family meals.

Preparing Your Sourdough Starter

A healthy, active sourdough starter is crucial for success. Feed your starter equal parts water and flour about 6-8 hours before you start baking. It should double in size and become bubbly. If you don't have a sourdough start you can buy one here https://amzn.to/3Cheqrw it comes with the jar and the start to get going OR you can make your own by following my recipe on making your own sourdough starter here https://www.countrycastleliving.com/post/how-to-make-your-own-sourdough-starter

To test if your starter is ready, perform the water float test. Drop a spoonful of starter into a glass of water. If it floats, you’re ready to go!

Mixing the Dough

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the bread flour, salt, and sugar.

   
   

2. In a seperate bowl add water, oil, and sourdough start, stir around until incorporated.

   
   

3. Make a well in your flour mixture, pour wet ingredients into the center of the well, Mix until you have a shaggy dough with no dry flour visible.

   
   

Don’t worry if the dough seems dry; that's perfectly normal for this recipe.

Kneading the Dough

Now it’s time to develop the dough’s gluten structure.

1. This dough is simple to knead by hand, there is not stretch and folds, just knead until all the flour is Incorporated and form into a ball, the dough is a dry dough so don’t worry.

   
   

Bulk Fermentation

Place your kneaded dough into the bowl, cover it with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise for about 4 to 6 hours at room temperature or overnight

This is your sourdough dough after the first rise

Shaping the Loaf

Once your dough has approximately doubled in size, it' shaping time.

1. Lift out your dough and divide it into two equal parts, you can use a scale for exact wieght or eyeball it.

1. Flatten it slightly into a rectangle. Fold the shorter edges towards the center, then roll it tightly into a log shape.

   
   

2. Place the loaf seam-side down in a lightly greased pan or you can use parchment paper.

loaves are shaped and read for second rise

Cover it with a damp cloth and let it rest for another 2-3 hours OR until it has doubled in size

Preheating the Oven

About 30 minutes before your dough is ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (130°C). This ensures a hot oven will greet your bread right when it’s ready.

Baking the Bread

Bake for 45 minutes, or until the loaf is golden brown

Cooling

Remove the loaf from the pan and let it cool on a wire rack.

Fresh out of the oven you are ready to eat your sourdough bread!

Enjoying Your Sourdough Sandwich Loaf

Your sourdough sandwich loaf is finally ready to shine! Whether you choose classic combinations like peanut butter and jelly or more gourmet options with turkey and cheese, your homemade bread can enhance any meal.

Sourdough bread is not only a delicious addition to your repertoire but also serves as a canvas for creativity in your kitchen.

Time to Bake Your Own Loaf

Baking your own sourdough sandwich loaf is achievable and rewarding. Following these uncomplicated steps will allow you to create bread that not only tastes great, but also gives you control over ingredients.

Why wait? Gather your ingredients and start your baking journey. Enjoy the delicious flavors and take pride in knowing you crafted something wonderful from scratch. Happy baking!