Holy Roller Sourdough Sandwich Bread Recipe

There’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of baking your own bread, especially when it comes to crafting a perfect loaf of sourdough sandwich bread. The subtle tang, the soft crumb, and the slightly crispy crust—this is everything you need in a versatile bread that can be used for sandwiches, toast, or enjoyed on its own. With a bit of planning and patience, you can master this Holy Roller Sourdough Sandwich Bread recipe, using your own sourdough starter to create a delicious, homemade loaf.

Why Sourdough Sandwich Bread?

Sourdough bread is known for its rich flavor and incredible texture, and by using a sourdough starter, you can tap into the unique, natural fermentation process that sets it apart from commercial yeast bread. Not only does baking your own sourdough bread give you full control over the ingredients, but it also allows you to craft bread that’s full of healthy, gut-friendly bacteria from the sourdough starter.

The Holy Roller Sourdough Sandwich Bread Recipe

Ingredients:

• 175 g (1 cup) active sourdough starter

• 600 g (2.5 cups) filtered water

• 30 g (2 tablespoons) honey

• 15 g (1 tablespoon) salt

• 1/2 stick softened butter (salted or unsalted, to your preference)

• 560 g (4 3/4 cups) all-purpose flour

• 560 g (4 3/4 cups) bread flour

Step 1: Prepare Your Sourdough Starter

The night before bake day, make sure to feed your sourdough starter to get it active and bubbly. This step is crucial for the fermentation process, which will help your dough rise and develop its signature flavor.

For those who like to plan, you can soften the butter overnight as well. Alternatively, you can prepare everything in the morning and allow the dough to proof overnight. Whether you bake in the morning or evening is a personal choice—something you’ll discover through experience and practice.

Step 2: Mixing the Dough

Once your sourdough starter is active, it’s time to mix the dough. In a stand mixer, combine 175 grams of your active sourdough starter with 600 grams of filtered water. Stir until combined and milky in appearance. Next, add 30 grams of honey and 1/2 stick of softened butter, mixing well.

Then, add 15 grams of salt to the mixture, followed by 560 grams of all-purpose flour and 560 grams of bread flour. Attach the dough hook and mix on a low to medium setting. This process may take up to 10 minutes until the dough forms a tight, elastic ball around the dough hook.

Step 3: Bulk Fermentation

Transfer your dough to a large greased bowl (olive oil works great here) and cover it for its bulk ferment. This stage of fermentation may take anywhere from 6 to 12 hours, depending on the strength of your sourdough starter and the temperature in your kitchen. Keep an eye on your dough—it should double in size during this time.

Step 4: Shaping the Loaves

Once your dough has doubled, transfer it to a floured surface and divide it into two equal portions. Using your fingertips, press and stretch each portion of dough. Fold the dough in thirds, release air bubbles by pinching the corners, and roll it into a loaf shape. Be sure to create tension while shaping, as this will help the dough maintain its structure during the final rise and bake.

Place each loaf into a parchment-lined loaf pan and cover for the second ferment. This should take about 2 to 4 hours, depending on your sourdough starter’s activity level and the temperature in your kitchen. Your dough should rise about 25-50% and become noticeably puffy.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Preheat your oven to 375°F. Once your dough is ready, bake each loaf for 45 minutes. After baking, allow the bread to cool for at least an hour before slicing. This resting period helps the bread set, making it easier to slice and enjoy.

Why Bake Your Own Bread?

Baking your own bread is more than just a rewarding hobby—it’s a way to control what goes into your food, experiment with flavors, and create something that nourishes both body and soul. Plus, once you’ve mastered the sourdough sandwich bread, you’ll have the perfect go-to recipe for sandwiches, toast, and more.

So, roll up your sleeves, activate that sourdough starter, and give this Holy Roller Sourdough Sandwich Bread a try. You’ll love the taste of fresh, homemade bread that you baked yourself!