The Perfect Sourdough Sandwich Loaf: Your Everyday Bread Recipe

Instructions

1. Mix and Knead
   Combine all ingredients in a bowl and knead until you achieve a soft, smooth dough. Cover the dough and let it rest for one hour.
2. Stretch and Fold
   Perform one set of stretch and folds after the first hour of rest. To do this, gently stretch one side of the dough and fold it over itself. Rotate the dough and repeat this process on all sides. Cover and let rest for another hour. Repeat this step one more time.
3. Shape the Dough
   After the final rest, stretch the dough into a rectangle on a lightly floured surface. Roll the dough tightly into a cylinder and place it seam-side down into a greased bread pan. (For extra precaution, line the pan with parchment paper.) Cover with plastic wrap or a damp cloth.
4. Proofing
   Allow the dough to rise at room temperature until it doubles in size. This step can take several hours depending on the temperature of your kitchen. Once doubled, place the dough in the fridge for a few hours or overnight.
5. Baking
   Preheat your oven to 375°F (or 400°F if baking at high altitude). Bake the loaf for 40 minutes or until the top is soft golden brown. To prevent over-browning, you can place a piece of foil lightly over the top of the loaf during baking.
6. Finishing Touch
   Remove the bread from the pan immediately after baking and brush the top with butter. Let the loaf cool completely on a wire rack before slicing—or dig in while it’s still warm!

Tips for Success

• Altitude Adjustment: If you’re baking at high altitude, increase the oven temperature slightly as I did (400°F works great for me at 5,200 feet).
• Parchment Paper: While not essential, lining the pan with parchment paper ensures easy removal.
• Patience: Letting the bread cool fully before slicing ensures clean slices and perfect texture.

This sourdough sandwich loaf is versatile, delicious, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re making toast, sandwiches, or just enjoying it fresh with butter, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

Let me know how this turns out for you—happy baking!