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loaf of bread with a slice cut off

Easy Sourdough Sandwich Bread Recipe (light and fluffy)

Molly LaFontaine
My easy sourdough sandwich bread recipe is light and fluffy because of my secret ingredient, avocado oil. It's perfect for toast in the mornings, sandwiches at lunch, and garlic bread at supper. It's a staple in our home, and I know it will quickly become the same in yours. 
5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Fermenting & Rising 12 hours
Total Time 12 hours 55 minutes
Course Bread
Cuisine Sourdough
Servings 1 bread loaf

Ingredients
  

  • 1/2 cup fed sourdough starter (fed 4-12 hours before using)
  • 3 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
  • 3/4 cup water
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/4 cup avocado oil (or 4 Tbsp melted butter)
  • 2 tsp raw honey

Instructions
 

  • In a mixing bowl, combine the starter, water, honey, avocado oil, and salt until combined.
  • Add in the flour and mix until combined. It will be shaggy, so use your hands to finish combining it into a dough ball until all the flour is incorporated. (If your dough isn't coming together, add in 1-3 tablespoons of water to help).
  • Turn the dough out on the counter and knead for 5 minutes by hand or with a bread hook on an electric mixer. If you need, add a little flour if the dough is sticky. Place dough back in bowl and cover loosely with a towel or lid.
  • Let the dough bulk ferment on the counter for 10–12 hours.
  • When the bulk fermentation is finished, turn the dough out on the counter (no flour needed), stretch it into a small rectangle, roll it up into a log loaf, and pinch the seam together with your hands.
  • Place the shaped loaf in a lightly greased 9x5" loaf pan and cover with a tea towel.
  • Let it rise in the pan for 2-3 hours on the counter.
  • (Optional: if you don't have time, place the loaf pan in the fridge after the 2–3 hours are finished until you're ready to bake. It can sit in the fridge for up to 24 hours.)
  • Bake at 375 for 45 minutes.
  • Immediately after baking, place the bread pan on a wire rack and brush with butter to ensure a soft crust. After 10–15 minutes, remove the loaf from the pan and let it cool the rest of the way. 

Notes

How to Store Sourdough Sandwich Bread

My favorite way to store this bread is to place it in a large 4 qt. glass, airtight bowl at room temperature for 3–4 days. Then I pop the bowl in the fridge to keep it fresh for the rest of the week. 

How to Freeze Sourdough Sandwich Bread

The best way to freeze sourdough bread is to place it in a glass, freezer-safe bowl so it doesn't get freezer-burnt or absorb any plastic odors. 

Thawing Frozen Sourdough Sandwich Bread

The easiest way to thaw frozen sourdough bread is to place the frozen loaf in the fridge overnight. 
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