Sourdough Sandwich Bread Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 cup (240g) sourdough starter (100% hydration, fed and bubbly)
• 3/4 cup (180g) water (lukewarm)
• 3 cups (360g) bread flour (or all-purpose flour)
• 1 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp honey or sugar (optional, for a slightly sweeter bread)
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted (optional, for added richness)

Instructions:

1. Mix the Dough:
   • In a large bowl, combine the sourdough starter and water. Stir until the starter is dissolved.
   • Add the flour, salt, and honey or sugar (if using). Mix with a spoon or your hands until a shaggy dough forms.
   • Add the melted butter (if using) and continue to knead the dough in the bowl or on a floured surface until it’s smooth and elastic. This should take about 8-10 minutes by hand or 5-6 minutes using a stand mixer with a dough hook.
2. First Rise (Bulk Fermentation):
   • Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a damp towel or plastic wrap, and let it rest at room temperature for 6-8 hours (or until it has doubled in size). You can also leave it in the fridge for an overnight rise for a slower fermentation.
3. Shape the Dough:
   • After the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release air bubbles. Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and shape it into a loaf. Roll the dough into a tight cylinder, pinching the seams together to form a smooth loaf shape.
4. Second Rise:
   • Grease a standard loaf pan (9×5-inch) and place the shaped dough into the pan. Cover it with a damp towel or plastic wrap and let it rise for about 1-2 hours, or until it has risen slightly above the edge of the pan.
5. Bake:
   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
   • Once the dough has finished its second rise, bake the loaf for 30-35 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown on top and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
   • If the top starts to brown too quickly, cover it loosely with foil to prevent over-browning.
6. Cool:
   • Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Tips:

• For a softer crust: You can brush the top of the bread with melted butter immediately after baking.
• Hydration level: If you want a slightly denser loaf, reduce the water by 1-2 tbsp.