Easy Whole Wheat Sourdough Sandwich Bread
By Amanda Paa – Updated March 31, 2022
This easy whole wheat sourdough sandwich bread is soft, fluffy, and a breeze to make. Full of whole grains and wonderful flavor, it's the perfect way to use sourdough starter to make an everyday loaf. The crust is beautifully golden brown, the crumb tender and even. You'll use your stand mixer to mix the dough, then bulk ferment overnight while you sleep. No kneading or stretching and folding!
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There’s something about a lofty loaf of soft, buttery sandwich bread that shouts nostalgia. I grew up with store-bought sandwich bread that certainly wasn’t artisan or full of much nutrition, despite the whole grain labeling. But it was soft and delicious, and I loved nothing more than making a peanut butter and jelly sandwich with it.
And I absolutely wanted to create a sourdough sandwich bread that was soft and airy, with the benefits of fermentation and whole grains.
What to expect from this whole wheat sourdough sandwich bread:
I tested this recipe over and over again, until I achieved what I think is an amazing whole wheat sourdough sandwich bread that will bring you right back to your childhood.
It slices like a dream, with an even crumb and a soft, tender texture.
It’s not dense (which can happen when using whole wheat flour)!
And the whole grain component leads the way to fabulous nutty flavor.
This whole wheat sourdough is ready to be made into your favorite deli sandwich, grilled cheese, or pb & j.
And it’s easy to make! Your stand mixer will do all the work for you, NO hands on stretching and folding, or kneading.
Ingredients You’ll Need for This Recipe:
- active sourdough starter
- whole wheat bread flour
- bread flour
- all-purpose flour
- milk
- butter
- honey
- oats for garnish
How to Make Whole Wheat Sourdough Sandwich Bread
Baker’s Schedule:
I like to make this recipe using an overnight bulk fermentation, and then a shorter final rise in the morning. It makes things super simple!
- 8:30pm: Mix starter, flours, milk, water, and honey. Let sit for 45 minutes.
- 9:15pm: Use stand mixer with dough hook to mix in salt and softened butter. Then mix on medium speed for 7 minutes.
- Cover with plastic bag and let rise overnight in a cool spot.
- 7:30am next day: Turn dough out onto counter and let rest for 10 minutes. Pat dough into a square and fold 1/3 of dough into the middle, then roll the rest of the dough up. Use a bench scraper to create a bit of tension and seal the seam. Place seam side down into well greased, 9×5 inch loaf pan. Cover with plastic bag (that doesn’t touch the top of the dough). Let dough complete its final rise in a warm spot.
- 11:00am: Final rise is complete when dough has risen just above the rim of the pan. Brush with water and sprinkle with oats, if desired.
- Bake for 30 minutes at 400 degrees F, until interior of bread is at least 205 degrees F.
How to Shape Sourdough Sandwich Bread:
There’s good news – shaping sourdough sandwich bread is easier than shaping a round boule of Everyday Sourdough! In fact, I recommend this bread if you’re a sourdough beginner, as the process is relatively straightforward and forgiving. You’re using a loaf pan to hold the bread and give it structure, rather than trying to build structure by building tension with your hands .
Follow these photos as a guide to shaping your whole wheat sandwich bread.
Temperature is an important ingredient in sourdough baking.
Both the temperature of the LIQUID used to make your dough and the temperature of your HOME (AIR) have a large impact on how fast your dough will rise during the bulk fermentation. By using room temperature milk and storing the dough at around 65 degrees F, the dough rises nicely overnight, taking about 8-9 hours.
*If you use cold milk, your dough will rise slower, which is a way to adjust for warmer than 65 degrees F room temperature.
How long to bake sourdough sandwich bread:
This sandwich loaf takes about 30 minutes to bake, at a temperature of 400 degrees F. You’ll bake it with a pan of water on the bottom rack of the oven for the first 15 minutes to create a steamy environment, then remove that and bake for 15 more minutes. The bread is finished baking when it has reached an internal temperature of 205 degrees F.
How to store sourdough bread:
The wonderful thing about this sandwich bread is that it stays soft and delicious for 5-6 days! This is achieved by using butter and milk, and sourdough starter. Store this bread in a plastic bag once you cut into it, cut side down on the counter.
More Sourdough Bread Recipes:
Yield: 1 loaf
Ingredients
- 70 grams active sourdough starter at its peak
- 20 grams honey
- 340 grams room temperature whole milk
- 35 grams room temperature water
- 190 grams whole wheat bread flour (regular whole wheat works too, ww bread flour is just a little bit stronger in holding its tall shape)
- 255 grams bread flour
- 35 grams all purpose flour
- 8 grams fine salt
- 30 grams softened unsalted butter, cut into chunks
- old fashioned oats, for garnish
Instructions
- Around 8:30pm: In the bowl of a stand mixer, add starter, honey, milk, and water. Whisk with fork to combine. Then add whole wheat flour, bread flour, and ap flour. Attach dough hook and mix on speed 3 of a Kitchenaid until no dry bits appear, about 30 seconds. Let dough rest for 45 minutes, with cloth covering the mixer.
- Add salt and turn mixer on low, speed 2 of Kitchenaid. Add a chunk of butter and once you can no longer see it, add the next, until all butter is in dough. Then turn to speed 4 on Kitchenaid mixer (medium) and mix for 7 minutes. Remove bowl from the mixer, cover with a plastic bag, and let rise overnight in a cool spot, between 65-68 degrees F.
- Around 7:30am, your dough should have increased in size by about 50%. It will have rounded edges and have puffed up, but still look a bit dense. It will not have bubbles or big jiggly like regular sourdough. Dust your countertop with flour and place dough onto it, and let rest for 10 minutes.
- Gently press it into a square-ish shape, popping any bubbles you may see coming through surface. Fold one of the sides inwards about 1/3 of total length of dough. Then begin rolling that side up, until the loaf resembles a log. Use your hands to tuck ends of log in, and gently pull the log towards you to create a bit of tension and seal the seam.
- Use a bench scraper to pick the dough up and place seam-side down in a greased 9 x 5 inch loaf pan. Allow the dough to rest in a warm spot, covered with a plastic bag (that does not touch the top of pan/dough) until the dough has risen to the rim or just above the pan, about 3 to 4 hours. When finished proofing, brush dough with water and sprinkle with oats, if desired.
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees F, with a pan of water that has 2 cups of water in it, placing pan on bottom rack of oven (this creates a steamy environment that the bread loves). Bake bread for 15 minutes, then remove the pan of water. Continue baking for another 15-20 minutes, until bread is golden brown on top. To check for doneness, insert thermometer into center of bread, which should read at least 205 degrees F when complete. While warm, brush top of loaf with a tablespoon or two of butter to keep it soft.
- Let cool in pan for about 10 minutes, then using oven mitts gently tip the bread out. Let finish cooling until completely cool, at least 1 1/2 hours before slicing. Slicing too early while it is warm will result in gummy bread.
Notes
*Bakers Schedule is listed within the post.
Did you make this?
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April 22, 2021
Barb
March 28, 2025
Made this today. Nice texture and wonderful flavor
The instructions were easy to follow.
Thanks for the recipe
Hope
March 21, 2025
Can I make this as a boule instead of load pan? I love the recipe.
Amanda Paa
March 22, 2025
Hi Hope! I haven’t tested that, please let me know if you do.
Milly
March 12, 2025
It is SOO good. I’ve baked bread for the first time in my life and I really liked it. I think I won’t go back to buying bread from the grocery store ever again. But I’d like to know if there’s any way to find the nutritional information for this bread. I tried calculating it here https://foodval.com/ but I’m not sure. Can you provide some information or recommend an app or website where I can calculate it
Rachel
February 6, 2025
After I made your eye sourdough and LOVED it I’m going to try this own. But I don’t have a stand mixer or much experience with kneading bread. How much time would I knead? Any other specific advice for handmaking? Thanks!
Hannah
February 3, 2025
Would it make a huge difference if I only use WW all purpose and unbleached white all purpose flour? I generally don’t keep any type of bread flour on hand!
Amanda Paa
February 3, 2025
Hi Hannah! When you say “WW all purpose”, do you mean white whole wheat? Or regular whole wheat flour like this?
Denise Brownell
January 16, 2025
I’ve made this recipe numerous times ….always a nice loaf.
Amanda Paa
January 18, 2025
So glad to hear that!
Pam Branch
November 11, 2024
I love this recipe! I’m a fairly new baker and have not had much luck in my Dutch oven. All my loaves are real hard. I tried this and it’s wonderful! But I can’t find any nutritional information on this. Would it be possible to get calories, carbohydrates, etc.?
Amanda Paa
November 12, 2024
So glad you had success! Here is a free nutrition calculator you can use.
Brettani C Shannon
October 14, 2024
I cannot believe how good this bread turned out! I actually messed up the recipe a little bit. I put the butter in in the first step. I had very low expectations to begin with by the way, because I’ve had no luck baking. But it really turned out beautifully! My whole family loved it. Actually tasted better and better as the week went on! I couldn’t believe it! Perfect texture. And it was so easy!!! I am making it every week!
Amanda Paa
October 14, 2024
Yay, I’m so glad you had success! This is a forgiving recipe, as you mentioned. Happy baking!
Bob
October 7, 2024
I’ve made this recipe at least a dozen times. It’s an easy recipe to follow and is absolutely delicious
Kayla
September 24, 2024
I’ve made this bread multiple times and love it! Do you think I could replace the wheat flour with dark rye?
Amanda Paa
September 24, 2024
Hi Kayla! I’m so glad you like this recipe. Rye flour would not be interchangeable for whole wheat here, as the hydration would need to be adjusted and tested. It would be too wet written as is. You could make my Rye Sourdough Bread and bake in a loaf pan?
Miriam Attard
August 26, 2024
Gorgeous!! I used oat milk & vegan butter as you recommended. Super easy & the result is soft, tasty sandwich bread. Thank you!!
Amanda Paa
August 26, 2024
Yay, so glad to hear that it turned out great with those vegan swaps! Thanks for leaving your notes and making the recipe.
Doug
August 12, 2024
I really like this recipe and have made it “as written” a couple of times, but I just made a double batch and altered the method a bit for my personal schedule and thought I would share my results.
I doubled all the ingredients (except I just used AP flour and AP whole wheat flour, which is what I had on hand). I mixed the dough up around 1 pm and tossed it into the fridge overnight. The next morning I shaped the loaves, and it took a long time (7 hours) for the dough to rise. I baked the loaves at 375 for 40 minutes and they came out… perfect!
Jenny B
August 12, 2024
This is one of my favorite sandwich bread style sourdough recipes, thank you! The only hiccup I am having is during the final rise parts of the top of the loaf start breaking apart. It’s rising as it should but looks like it starts to stretch and break as it gets towards the end of the rise. I have never seen this before so I was curious your thoughts on why this might be happening? Thanks!
Amanda Paa
August 12, 2024
Hmmm.. that is strange! The only thing I can think of is that you are shaping it too tightly so it doesn’t have slack to expand.
Jenny Bauer
August 12, 2024
Good thought. I will shape it looser next time. Thanks for the quick reply!
Mary Stoetzel
August 3, 2024
I made the Easy Sourdough Sandwich Bread Thursday, August 1, but because of the heat, let it rise in the fridg overnight. The bread seemed fine, letting in warm a bit on the counter before baking. It’s very flavorful and cuts nicely.
Miriam Attard
July 31, 2024
Hello. Would this work with dairy free milk & margarine or olive oil? It looks delicious!
Amanda Paa
July 31, 2024
Hello! oat milk would work well and a solid butter substitute, like margarine – yes. olive oil would be too much liquid.
Miriam Attard
July 31, 2024
Marvelous thank you!
Lisa
July 30, 2024
This looks great! I live in arizona so inside temp is closer to 78. It seems if I let it rise overnight it might over ferment? Perhaps I could mix the dough in the morning and let it rise during the day and bake in the evening?
Amanda Paa
July 31, 2024
Yes, i would the rise during the day and bake in evening! or you could use cold water when you mix the dough and it should be fine if you mix at 10pm. something you might just have to experiment with.
Geri
July 12, 2024
I was looking forward to making this recipe! But in the middle of adding my flours, my scale died. I estimated the remaining flour. It seemed. Little sticky after mixing. Will it be ok to add flour when shaping tomorrow if it’s still sticky?
Amanda Paa
July 12, 2024
Hi! The flour won’t really hydrate if you add it when shaping. I’d add about 10 grams now and see how it feels.
Geri Lewandowski
July 13, 2024
I think even with the flour escapade, it turned out pretty good. It’s a little heavy, probably due to the flour escapade. Otherwise great! Can’t wait to try it again when my scale is working properly.
Amanda Paa
July 14, 2024
Oh that’s great! And way to forge on through even with a little hiccup!
PETER M COUNTERMAN
June 8, 2024
I saw this recipe and it was exactly what I had been looking for. I did make a few changes; I used half and half in place of the milk; rye flour in place of the AP; and added a teaspoon of yeast as my starter was not as active as I wanted. The bread came out beautifully and tastes really good. It slices like a dream too. Thank you.
Amanda Paa
June 8, 2024
So great, thanks for making the recipe! Love that you used some rye flour; you may like my Rye Sourdough bread recipe, too.
Doug
June 2, 2024
I made this for the first time today and will be making it again! A very easy loaf to put together and very flavorful.
Nuta
April 30, 2024
Love this recipe.
It was so hepful for a first timer.
It was the first recipe I tried when I started with sourdough.
My family loved it so much I wasn’t allowed to try other recipes. Thank you for this recipe
Amanda Paa
May 1, 2024
Great to hear!
Rachel
January 11, 2025
Has anyone tried using 2% milk? I don’t have whole milk at the moment!
Amanda Paa
January 11, 2025
that will be just fine! i’ve used it before and minimal difference. just a tiny tiny bit less plush because of less fat.
Yvon
April 17, 2024
I have tried different sourdough bread recipes and so far, this is the BEST one yet!! I LOVE it but is there any way of adding more whole-wheat flour to replace the bread flour for an equally delicious loaf?? Thanks
Amanda Paa
April 17, 2024
Oh, I’m so glad to hear that! More whole wheat will yield a denser loaf. When developing this recipe, I thought this ratio was the perfect way to get in a good amount of whole wheat yet still yield a soft and fluffy sandwich bread.
Gina Kimball
April 17, 2024
Why the small amount of AP flour? Can I just do bread flour? Also, I don’t have a stand mixer. Could I do it by hand? Any advice?
Amanda Paa
April 17, 2024
The all-purpose flour gives it a lighter, fluffier texture.
Andrea
April 13, 2024
This recipe is fantastic! Now that I’ve made it a couple of times, I’m wondering if you (or anyone) has experimented with adding things during the fold/roll/shaping? I’m thinking dry ingredients like cinnamon, walnuts, etc. Would love to hear your thoughts/experiences! Thank you
sRI qADARIATIN
March 15, 2024
I tried to day and turn out great. My boy (11 yo) love it.
Easy steps and works great! Thank you!
Amanda Paa
March 15, 2024
Wonderful! Thank you for making the recipe!
Roberta Bayne
March 14, 2024
Hi Amanda,
Could I use JUST whole wheat flour and all purpose?
Amanda Paa
March 14, 2024
Hello! You’ll need the bread flour for structure and tenderness.
Myrna
February 26, 2024
Hi Amanda! Can I use Coconut Milk and heavy whipping cream?!
Amanda Paa
February 27, 2024
Hello! I haven’t tested those ingredients with this recipe, let me know if you do!
Jon Madson
February 26, 2024
Great tasting bread and easy for use beginners. Thanks Amanda!
Rebeca
February 20, 2024
Hi. I will bake this soon. It’s proofing right now. The dough was beautiful to handle. And the smell is delicious. My question is if I can bake this inside my Challenger instead the pan with water??
Amanda Paa
February 20, 2024
Hi! You’ll want to bake it with the pan of water so that it can be uncovered while in the oven yet still have enough steam. A covered vessel does not work well for sandwich loaves.
AP
July 28, 2024
Hello, just wondering why a covered vessel doesn’t work well?
Jim
February 12, 2024
Hello Amanda!! First off let me thank you for all of your recipes and tips. I recently got in to making sourdough breads after decades of “simply” doing pancakes/waffles for family and breakfast parties. This recipe is fantastic and reliable having made a dozen or so loaves two at a time. So finally here is my question. How to prevent the top of the loaf from getting too done–almost burned?? I’ve tried extending the time for the pan of water, using lowest rack in the oven, and even loosely covering with aluminum foil. Help. Thanks in advance.
Amanda Paa
February 12, 2024
Hi Jim! It sounds like your oven runs hotter than it reads. Do you have an oven thermometer? There are quite inexpensive and really help. You could also try baking for less time, just check the internal temp when you get the brown-ness you desire and if it reads at least 200-205 degrees F, you are good.
Jim
February 12, 2024
Thanks for your quick response! We have had issues with the oven seemingly running too hot, but when checked it was running accurately. I do use a separate thermometer and keep the temp as close to 400 degrees as possible. When I do remove the pans before it gets burned, the internal temp reads 190-195 degrees. Texture and taste are always spot on and delicious, just too close to being burnt. Should I try lowering the temp or baking time? Thanks again. Joining group too..
Amanda Paa
February 13, 2024
I would try lowering the temp by 25 degrees!
Jim
February 13, 2024
Thank you. Will let you know how it works out.
Jim
March 5, 2024
Your suggestion worked!! Produced 2 great looking and tasting loaves without the slight burn noted before. Baked at 375 degrees for total of 40minutes, and left the pan of water in the entire time. Thanks for your help!!
Amanda Paa
March 15, 2024
Yay, glad to hear that!!
Elena
January 16, 2024
Hello Amanda! I am in the middle of mixing the dough for this one. Just checking, would you recommend proofing the loaf in the fridge after shaping. I always leave my sourdough bread in banneton overnight and bake in the morning. What do you think?
Amanda Paa
January 16, 2024
Yes, and then wait until it rises to top of the pan rim before baking.
Maria
January 15, 2024
This turned out amazing. I’ve made it 6 or 7 times now.
Amanda Paa
January 16, 2024
Wonderful!
Charlene Lawko
January 13, 2024
I tried this bread and it’s awesome. Even all my kids love it which is a win
Amanda Paa
January 13, 2024
So good to hear that, Charlene! Thanks for making the recipe.
Michaela
January 12, 2024
I am considering making this loaf, but was concerned about whether it would affect it if I switched out the whole milk for 2%!
Amanda Paa
January 12, 2024
Hello! It will not change the loaf much! Just a tiny bit less soft. You could add an extra tablespoon of butter if you wanted.
Michaela
January 12, 2024
Okay, thank you! I look forward to trying it!!
Alexandra
December 31, 2023
Curious if you could switch out the milk for water?
Amanda Paa
December 31, 2023
Hi! The milk provides softness. I would not use water to replace it.
Grace
December 23, 2023
We will definitely be making this again! So pleased with the texture and flavor. I wanted to make it same day so started in the morning and baked it after dinner, next time will try the fridge proof overnight to see how much it bumps up the sourdough flavor. Thanks for such a great recipe!
Amanda Paa
December 23, 2023
Yay, so glad to hear it! Thanks for making the recipe.
Debbie
October 28, 2023
Hi, I am new to sourdough baking and want to try your whole wheat recipe because everyone says it is so delicious and soft, however I really try to limit my sugar/sweetener intake (plus, one of the big benefits of sourdough bread over regular bread is its lower glycemic index), so, would it be okay for me to just eliminate the honey from this recipe, or would that throw everything off?
Amanda Paa
October 28, 2023
Hi Debbie! Honey is used for the flavor to balance the whole wheat and an aid in fermentation. The amount of honey when considered across the entire loaf. I wouldn’t leave it out, but your loaf will not fail if you do.
Hannah
July 14, 2023
I’ve been making sourdough bread for several years now and this is hands down my favorite sandwich recipe!!! Also it works so well with freshly ground flour. Love, love it and so does my family!
Amanda Paa
July 14, 2023
Oh, that is so great to Hannah! And love that you have tried fresh ground flour in the recipe!
Glenn Littman
June 7, 2023
Love it, love it, love it… Thank you Amanda for the fabulous recipe. This is exactly the bread recipe we’ve been wanting for sandwiches, “soft, tender, flavorful and beautiful”, unlike the heavy dense whole wheat loaf we’ve been making. Today was the third bake and the loaves come out beautiful and consistent every time.
We use an Anova steam oven and bake at 75% steam for the first 15 minutes and 30% for 13 minutes and viola, perfect sandwich bread. We live at 8,000′ so the air is almost alway very dry, the steam oven has been a game changer, along with a Brod & Taylor proofing box to control the temps for starter activation and proofing since it never gets very warm where we live.
Thanks again… Next up we’re trying your english muffins.
Amanda Paa
June 7, 2023
Hi Glenn! I’m so glad you like the recipe for this sandwich bread. And a steam oven sounds like a total win for living at high altitude. Thank you for the notes you left, as well!
Jackie
June 1, 2023
Would this work with buttermilk instead of whole milk?
Amanda Paa
June 2, 2023
Hello! I haven’t tested it with buttermilk, but I think it would work!
Stacy
April 11, 2024
I have used a combination of buttermilk and 2% milk in my loves and it has turned out great! (I just use one pint of buttermilk and then use 2% to make up the difference of what the recipe calls for)
Steven F Reeves
May 28, 2023
I made this bread, it turned out great. I would like to make in in a pullman loaf pan so it makes bigger slices. any advice on how to increase the recipe for a 13x4x4 pan?
thanks,
Amanda Paa
May 28, 2023
Hello! I haven’t tested this in a large pullman pan, sorry. Glad you enjoyed the bread!
Susan Braidwood
May 22, 2023
This is the best whole wheat sandwich loaf I’ve made. I’ve tried a few recipes in the past. My previous loaves have been a mixed bag – often the loaf doesn’t rise enough so the slices (while tasty) are on the small side. I worried about the timing, so I did play with it. I started it around 3 PM and put it in the loaf pan around 10:30 PM. I debated putting it in the refrigerator (like someone else recommended), but I put it on my enclosed porch (which is still a little cool considering that it’s near the end of May!) and left it until about 7:30 the next morning. It was definitely ready to be baked at that point!
Mick
April 22, 2023
Just curious, How did you get your starter to be at peak at 8:30 pm? I usually feed mine the evening before I make bread so it will peak way before 8:30 pm. Seems like it is a bit difficult to figure out when it will peak because of the temperature differences in our homes and the amount of starter that one plans to feed.
Amanda Paa
April 22, 2023
Hello! At a 1:2:2 feeding ratio my starter usually takes 6 hours to peak when temperature in home is around 75 degrees, so I feed it around 1pm.
Steven F Reeves
May 28, 2023
feed it at about 9am in the morning that evening it will be ready to go.
Steven F Reeves
May 28, 2023
If you feed your starter, when it about doubles in size that is peak but as long as you use it in 3-4 hrs from then you be fine. It’s not that specific.
Stacy
December 7, 2022
thank you for this resipe! I am new to sourdough and as a mom of 2 I have to squeeze all my bakings into a pretty busy schedule (school pick ups always get me ha-ha). But this bread was super easy to make! and it has turned out really tasty, with a soft yet crunchy top
Amanda Paa
December 7, 2022
I’m so glad you like it and are able to fit the baking into your schedule! That’s one of the things I like with this recipe too.
Angie
December 2, 2022
This was a fantastic recipe -thank you! I baked three loaves this am, and I’m starting another three loaves tonight (big family). I have made a LOT of sourdough over the years. In fact, all our bread products are homemade as either sourdough or sprouted for about near 7 years now. Yours is one of the best sandwich bread recipes out there…and it slices really nicely. We have a cow so I have plenty of milk to use. This DOES call for a lot of milk. I substituted the butter for softened tallow and it worked just fine. I did have to add a small amount of extra flour, but I think it is the local milled organic flour I’m getting that needs a bit less liquid….your recipe is probably accurate. Thanks again.
Amanda Paa
December 2, 2022
Hi Angie! I’m so glad you’re enjoying this recipe. I dream of having a few farm animals some day, love hearing that you have a cow!
Jenevieve
November 8, 2022
I am new to baking bread and new to sourdough so your detailed explanations were perfect. My husband is vegan, so I used Silk’s full fat Nextmilk in place of milk, flora non salted vegan butter and Yacon syrup in place of honey. It still turned out delicious and rose beautifully! Next time he’s out of town I’m gonna give the original recipe a try ;)
Just wanted you to know it’s easy to turn into a vegan bread too!
Amanda Paa
November 8, 2022
These notes are so helpful for others, thank you! And I’m glad it was enjoyed by you and your husband.
Cynthia
July 20, 2022
Very tasty loaf Amanda! I made this previously following your bakers schedule, but since it’s summer and HOT, I wanted a loaf that I could bake in the morning before it got too hot. So, I switched up the schedule, fed my starter yesterday morning and then mixed my dough at 2 pm. After the bulk fermentation (~ 10pm for me), I shaped the dough, put it in the loaf pan and put it in the fridge overnight (~10 hours). It wasn’t quite ready to bake when I got up, so it sat on the counter for about 1.5 hours to finish proofing. The bonus? Using my oven in the morning instead of later in the day when it was 94 degrees! I used King Arthur WW flour which worked fine even though it has slightly less protein than the WW flour you recommended. The dough did benefit from a preshape prior to the final shaping, but it’s a delicious loaf and the process is flexible – a winner! It’s great to have good sandwich bread for these hot summer days!
Amanda Paa
July 21, 2022
Love that you experimented with the overnight retard in the fridge! It’s been so hot here too. I will try it this way. So glad you enjoyed it, and thanks for the notes!
Alicia
July 9, 2022
I used all purpose instead of bread flour and it still turned out so delicous! I am going to try to up the whole wheat content a bit and see if it still works.
Melissa
May 15, 2022
Hi. I want to try this. Can you please give me the measurements in cups? Thanks in adbance.
Amanda Paa
May 16, 2022
Hi Melissa, it’s necessary to use measure in weight in sourdough baking for precise results. People way flour differently, so grams are used to ensure everyone is creating the recipe as written, for correct hydration and results.
Mary
June 19, 2022
I baked this bread today. Excellent! Thanks for the detailed explanation.
Amanda Paa
June 20, 2022
So glad you liked it, Mary!
Sue Root
April 1, 2022
I have not been able to find nutritional information for your recipes, especially the sour dough sandwich bread and the red fife bread. Help? Thank you.
Amanda Paa
April 2, 2022
Hi Sue, I do not calculate nutritional information, as I don’t have education in that. This calculator might give you what you’re looking for.
Laura Aronson
March 14, 2022
Loving this recipe! Would it be okay to let second rise go in the refrigerator for a bit? Also, is it just me or anyone else? Kneading on 4 in my Kitchenaid had the machine jumping all over the place 😀. I held it on the counter, but wondering if it’s just me. Hahaha 🤪 Thanks!
Amanda Paa
March 15, 2022
Hi Laura! I would think you could do some of the second rise in the fridge to slow it down. When you take it out, just make sure it warms up and gets to the point of rising to the top of pan as the photos show, so you know it is fully proofed.
Laura Aronson
March 19, 2022
Thanks Amanda! This was a delicious bread recipe and one I will make again! I did let it sit in the fridge for a few hours which didn’t hurt it at all. I then let it warm up a bit and rise a little more. Thanks so much!
Amanda Paa
March 19, 2022
awesome, glad it worked to give it a little chill in the fridge!
Memory Reed
March 19, 2025
My mixer jumped around too. The pin in the hinge moved out! 😳 I held the mixer down to finish the kneading.
LW
January 24, 2022
Followed these instructions almost exactly! I have regular whole wheat flour, not whole wheat bread, but all was great. Will use this recipe regularly.
Katie
January 18, 2022
Love this recipe, it came out so delicious! Used what I had on hand, so swapped buttermilk for regular milk and a super grain flour blend instead of whole wheat bread flour. Will make again!
Amanda Paa
January 18, 2022
Oh, the buttermilk sounds like it would be a great version of dairy to use! I’m glad you liked the recipe.
Marilyn Mahmud
December 22, 2021
If I feed my starter in the morning, how do I do this recipe and get my starter at its peak…since you say to start this at 8:30 pm?
Amanda Paa
December 22, 2021
You can feed it in the morning, and then discard and feed in the afternoon again, so that the timing of the 2nd peak of the day is around 8:30.
Faith
December 14, 2021
Ohmaword- I’m so excited to try this recipe! One question: I don’t have a stand mixer. Would I just do a regular style knead? For how long?
Amanda Paa
December 14, 2021
Hi Faith! I haven’t tested this with a regular style knead. The mixer is essential, in my opinion, sorry!
Lorie
November 24, 2021
I made this yesterday and it turned out beautiful. Do you have any idea on the protein content?
Dilara
October 3, 2021
Great recipe! I swapped fresh-milled rye flour for the whole wheat flour portion in this recipe and it turned out great! This one’s a keeper! Thank you 😊
Amanda Paa
October 3, 2021
yay, glad to know you enjoyed this sourdough sandwich bread!
Natalie Davis
June 12, 2021
Recipe was easy to follow. I had a little trouble forming the loaf at first but it looked great coming out of the oven!
Amy
June 1, 2021
This bread is divine! So soft and fluffy. The stand mixer does all of the work and comes together very easily. Another winner Amanda!
Amanda Paa
June 2, 2021
Yay, so glad you liked it, Amy!
Nikita Simone
May 24, 2021
Can’t wait to bake this recipe – love using my starter for different types of bakes but I’m a little confused by the cold proof! Is it okay to do the cold proof in the fridge or should it be out of the fridge and near a cold window or something like that instead? Thank you!
Amanda Paa
May 24, 2021
hi Nikita! out of the fridge in a cool spot (coldest in your home) is best for the overnight proof! if it is warmer in your home at night, like 72 degrees F, your dough will rise faster so you will need to get up earlier to check on it.
Nikita Simone
May 24, 2021
Okay great thank you very much! I don’t have a thermometer so i’m just going to have to give it a go and we shall see what happens!
Liz
May 14, 2021
Fantastic recipe so easy to follow and the best sandwich loaf I’ve ever made!
Amanda Paa
May 14, 2021
so glad you enjoyed it, Liz!
mercmakesfood
May 4, 2021
WOW I just made this and it is incredible. I’ll definitely be making again!
Cindy Mays
April 24, 2021
I have been hunting for a while now for a bread recipe using my starter. I should have known you would master one for all of us bakers. Thank GODDDDD! This is incredible and very simple. THANK YOU SOOOO MUCH!
Amanda Paa
April 25, 2021
yay, so glad you liked it Cindy! happy baking!