This Sourdough Discard Sandwich Bread recipe is a delightful way to utilize your leftover sourdough starter. It’s soft, tender, and perfect for sandwiches or toast any time of the day. Its light texture and simple process make it ideal for both beginners and seasoned bakers. Whether you’re making lunch for the family or preparing a picnic, this bread will elevate any meal with its homemade charm.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Make: This recipe requires minimal effort, making it perfect for busy weekdays.
Uses Leftover Starter: No need to waste your sourdough discard; turn it into something delicious!
Soft and Tender Texture: The combination of commercial yeast and sourdough discard results in a wonderfully soft loaf.
Versatile for Any Meal: Great for sandwiches, toast, or even as a side with soups and salads.
Beginner-Friendly: Clear instructions ensure that even novice bakers can succeed.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking your sourdough discard sandwich bread, gather the necessary tools. Having everything ready will streamline the process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Mixing bowl
Wooden spoon or fork
Kitchen scale (for accuracy)
Stand mixer (optional)
9×5-inch loaf pan
Parchment paper
Kitchen towel or plastic wrap

Importance of Each Tool

Mixing bowl: Essential for combining ingredients without making a mess.
Kitchen scale: Provides accurate measurements, ensuring consistent results.
Loaf pan: Helps shape the bread while it rises and bakes evenly.
Stand mixer: Saves time and effort when kneading the dough.

Ingredients

To make this delicious Sourdough Discard Sandwich Bread, you will need:

For the Dough

120g (½ cup) lukewarm water
120g (½ cup) lukewarm milk
7g (2 ½ tsp) instant yeast (or active dry yeast)
25g (2 tbsp) granulated white sugar
406g (3 ¼ cups) bread flour or strong all-purpose flour
100g (approx. ½ cup) sourdough discard
8g (1 ½ tsp) salt
45g (3 tbsp) room-temperature butter

How to Make Sourdough Discard Sandwich Bread

Step 1: Mixing & First Rise

In a large bowl, combine lukewarm water, milk, sugar, and yeast. If using active dry yeast, let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy; if using instant yeast, proceed immediately.
Add the flour, sourdough discard, and salt. Mix with a fork or wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms.
Incorporate softened butter by kneading it into the dough by hand until fully combined.
Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until it feels soft, smooth, and elastic. Alternatively, use a stand mixer with a dough hook.
Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a damp towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 to 1½ hours until doubled in size.
For enhanced flavor and texture, you can optionally refrigerate overnight.

Step 2: Shaping & Second Rise

Punch down the dough gently and turn it onto a lightly floured surface.
Line your 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Flatten the dough into a rectangle that is slightly shorter than the length of your loaf pan.
Fold the top third of the dough toward the center and press along the fold to seal; repeat this two more times.
Place your shaped dough seam-side down in the lined loaf pan. Cover loosely with a kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let rise until it doubles in size again—this should be about an inch above the pan’s rim.

Step 3: Baking

Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) while your dough rises.
Bake for approximately 35 minutes until deep golden brown on top; if browning too quickly, tent loosely with foil after about 20 minutes.
The bread is done when it sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom and has an internal temperature of 200°F (94°C).
Remove from the pan and cool completely before slicing.

Step 4: Storing

Store at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 4-5 days or freeze for up to three months.

Enjoy making this Sourdough Discard Sandwich Bread! It’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen repertoire!

How to Serve Sourdough Discard Sandwich Bread

Sourdough discard sandwich bread is versatile and perfect for various meals. Whether you’re preparing a simple lunch or an impressive brunch, this bread can elevate any dish.

Classic Sandwiches

Turkey and Avocado – Layer sliced turkey with fresh avocado, lettuce, and tomato for a healthy meal.
Grilled Cheese – Melt your favorite cheese between two slices for a gooey and comforting treat.

Toast Variations

Avocado Toast – Smash ripe avocado on toasted slices, sprinkle with salt, pepper, and chili flakes for a trendy dish.
Nut Butter Toast – Spread peanut or almond butter on toasted bread, topped with banana slices or honey.

French Toast

Savory French Toast – Dip slices in an egg mixture, cook until golden brown, and serve with crispy bacon or sautéed vegetables.

Bread Pudding

Sweet Bread Pudding – Cube the bread and mix with custard for a delicious dessert. Add raisins or chocolate chips for extra flavor.

How to Perfect Sourdough Discard Sandwich Bread

To make the best sourdough discard sandwich bread, follow these tips that ensure a soft and tasty loaf.

Use Fresh Ingredients – Always check the freshness of your yeast and flour. This ensures proper rising and flavor.
Knead Well – Proper kneading develops gluten structure, giving the bread its soft texture. Aim for 8-10 minutes of kneading.
Monitor Rising Time – Keep an eye on dough size. Overproofing can lead to flat bread; it should double in size but not exceed this.
Temperature Control – Ensure your oven is preheated properly. An accurate temperature guarantees even baking and browning.
Cool Before Slicing – Allow the bread to cool completely before cutting. This helps maintain its structure and moisture.

Best Side Dishes for Sourdough Discard Sandwich Bread

Pair your sourdough discard sandwich bread with these delightful side dishes that complement its flavors perfectly.

Mixed Green Salad – A light salad with vinaigrette adds freshness to your meal.
Tomato Soup – Serve alongside warm tomato soup for a classic combination that’s always satisfying.
Coleslaw – A crunchy slaw balances the softness of the bread, adding texture to your meal.
Roasted Vegetables – Seasoned roasted veggies provide hearty flavors that pair well with sandwiches.
Potato Chips – For a quick crunch, serve some homemade or store-bought chips on the side.
Pickles – Add tangy pickles for a zesty contrast that enhances every bite of your sandwich.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking sourdough discard sandwich bread can be straightforward, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for. Here are some mistakes to avoid:

Ignoring ingredient temperatures: Using cold ingredients can slow down yeast activation. Ensure your water and milk are lukewarm for optimal results.
Overproofing the dough: Allowing the dough to rise too long can lead to a flat loaf. Keep an eye on its size; it should double but not collapse.
Not measuring accurately: Incorrect measurements can ruin your bread’s texture. Use a kitchen scale for precise ingredient amounts.
Skipping the kneading step: Insufficient kneading results in dense bread. Knead until the dough is smooth and elastic for the best texture.
Failing to preheat the oven: Baking in a cold oven can affect rising and browning. Always preheat to ensure even baking.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

item Store in an airtight container for up to 4-5 days.
item Ensure the bread is completely cooled before storing to prevent moisture buildup.

Freezing Sourdough Discard Sandwich Bread

item Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
item Store in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months, removing as much air as possible.

Reheating Sourdough Discard Sandwich Bread

Oven: Preheat to 350°F (180°C) and place bread directly on the rack for about 10 minutes.
Microwave: Heat individual slices on medium power for 10-15 seconds, checking frequently.
Stovetop: Toast slices in a skillet over medium heat until golden brown on both sides.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making sourdough discard sandwich bread:

What is sourdough discard?

Sourdough discard refers to the portion of sourdough starter that is removed before feeding. It adds flavor and moisture to recipes like this sandwich bread.

Can I use only sourdough starter without yeast?

You can, but it will require adjustments in rising time and may yield denser bread. The combination of commercial yeast helps achieve a consistent rise.

How can I customize my sourdough discard sandwich bread?

Feel free to add herbs, spices, or seeds to enhance flavor. You can also substitute some all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added nutrition.

Why did my bread not rise properly?

Improper yeast activation or overproofing may cause poor rising. Always check that your yeast is fresh and monitor rising times closely.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes! Substitute butter with plant-based margarine and use non-dairy milk for a vegan version of this delicious sandwich bread.

Final Thoughts

This sourdough discard sandwich bread recipe is not only easy but also versatile. Its soft texture makes it perfect for everyday sandwiches, while customization options allow you to get creative. Don’t hesitate to try adding your favorite flavors!