Sourdough The Holy Grail of Sandwich Bread

If you’ve been on the hunt for the perfect sourdough loaf — soft, sliceable, tangy, and strong enough to hold all your sandwich fillings — look no further. This is the Holy Grail of Sourdough Sandwich Bread. It’s the kind of bread that’s just as good for grilled cheese as it is for avocado toast or classic turkey clubs.

Unlike rustic artisan loaves with hard crusts and irregular holes, this sourdough bread is soft, structured, and enriched, making it ideal for slicing and storing. It has that signature sourdough tang, but with a smooth crumb and tender texture that still feels indulgent — without any commercial yeast or additives.

This loaf is also surprisingly forgiving. Whether you’re a seasoned sourdough baker or just getting started, you’ll find this recipe flexible and satisfying. It combines traditional fermentation with an enriched dough process to create a sandwich bread that might just become your daily go-to.

⏱️ Cooking Time and Serving

• Prep Time: 25 minutes (active)

• Bulk Fermentation: 4–5 hours

• Proofing Time: 8–12 hours (overnight in the fridge)

• Bake Time: 35–40 minutes

• Total Time: ~14–18 hours (mostly hands-off)

• Servings: 1 loaf (~12 slices)

📝 Ingredients

• 500g bread flour

• 100g active sourdough starter (at peak, 100% hydration)

• 280g water (warm, around 85–90°F / 29–32°C)

• 30g unsalted butter, softened (or olive oil)

• 10g salt

• 20g honey or maple syrup (optional, for a lightly sweet sandwich loaf)

Optional: 50ml milk for extra softness (can replace part of the water)

👨‍🍳 How to Make the Holy Grail of Sourdough Sandwich Bread

Step 1: Mix the Dough

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the starter, water, and honey. Stir to dissolve.

2. Add the flour and mix until a shaggy dough forms. Let it rest (autolyse) for 30 minutes.

Step 2: Add Salt and Butter

3. Add salt and softened butter to the dough. Knead by hand or mixer until incorporated and smooth. This takes 5–8 minutes by hand, or 3–5 minutes with a dough hook.

Step 3: Bulk Fermentation

4. Cover and let the dough rise at room temperature for 4–5 hours, performing stretch-and-folds every 30 minutes during the first 2 hours.

5. The dough should rise by about 50% and feel soft and puffy.

Step 4: Shape the Loaf

6. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Shape it into a log to fit your loaf pan (8.5”x4.5” or 9”x5”).

7. Place the dough into a greased or parchment-lined pan.

Step 5: Final Proof (Overnight)

8. Cover the pan with plastic or a damp cloth and place it in the refrigerator overnight (8–12 hours).

Step 6: Bake

9. In the morning, take the dough out and let it sit at room temperature while the oven preheats to 375°F (190°C).

10. Bake the loaf for 35–40 minutes, or until golden brown and it sounds hollow when tapped.

11. Let it cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then on a wire rack for at least 1 hour before slicing.

📝 Notes

• Don’t skip the overnight proof: This enhances the flavor and texture while giving the dough structure.

• Use a Pullman pan with a lid if you want perfectly square sandwich slices.

• Adding milk or honey gives a slightly enriched dough — feel free to omit them for a more traditional loaf.

• Make it dairy-free by swapping butter for olive oil.

❓FAQs

Can I use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour?
Yes, but the texture may be slightly less chewy and structured. Bread flour gives a better rise.

Can I make this gluten-free?
Not this version. Sourdough baking with gluten-free flours requires a completely different formulation.

What if I don’t have a stand mixer?
No problem! Knead by hand — it just takes a bit more time and elbow grease.

Why did my bread not rise in the fridge?
That’s okay! Most of the rise should happen during bulk fermentation. The fridge proof just enhances flavor and structure.

🍽️ Nutrition Facts

Per Slice (1 of 12):

Nutrition values will vary depending on ingredient brands and optional additions.

⚠️ Disclaimer

This sourdough sandwich bread is intended for general consumption as part of a balanced diet. It contains gluten and may include dairy (if butter or milk is used), which are common allergens. Always check individual ingredients for sensitivities and consult with a healthcare professional if following a specific dietary plan. Enjoy in moderation as part of a healthy lifestyle.