The Easiest Sourdough Discard Sandwich Bread

This recipe for The Easiest Sourdough Discard Sandwich Bread is the perfect solution for anyone looking to create soft, fluffy bread at home without spending all day in the kitchen. Whether you’re preparing sandwiches for lunch, toast for breakfast, or a delightful side for dinner, this bread suits any occasion. With its forgiving timeline and health-conscious ingredients, you can enjoy homemade goodness that’s dairy-free and refined sugar-free.

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Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• For the Bread
• For Garnish
• How to Make The Easiest Sourdough Discard Sandwich Bread
• Step 1: Activate the Yeast
• Step 2: Mix the Ingredients
• Step 3: Perform the Windowpane Test
• Step 4: First Rise
• Step 5: Shape the Loaves
• Step 6: Bake
• Step 7: Cool Down
• How to Serve The Easiest Sourdough Discard Sandwich Bread
• Classic Sandwiches
• Toasted Options
• Dipping Ideas
• Sweet Treats
• How to Perfect The Easiest Sourdough Discard Sandwich Bread
• Best Side Dishes for The Easiest Sourdough Discard Sandwich Bread
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing The Easiest Sourdough Discard Sandwich Bread
• Reheating The Easiest Sourdough Discard Sandwich Bread
• Frequently Asked Questions
• What makes The Easiest Sourdough Discard Sandwich Bread special?
• Can I customize The Easiest Sourdough Discard Sandwich Bread?
• How do I know when The Easiest Sourdough Discard Sandwich Bread is done?
• Is The Easiest Sourdough Discard Sandwich Bread gluten-free?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy Preparation: This recipe takes just a few hours from start to finish, allowing you to enjoy fresh bread in no time.
• Versatile Use: Perfect for sandwiches, toast, or as a side dish; it can complement any meal.
• Health-Conscious Ingredients: Made with whole wheat flour and no refined sugars, this bread is a nutritious choice for your family.
• Sourdough Discard Utilization: This recipe reduces waste by using sourdough discard, making it eco-friendly.
• Soft and Fluffy Texture: The result is a light and airy loaf that everyone will love.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, gather your tools to ensure a smooth baking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer (optional)
• Mixing bowl
• Dough scraper
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Loaf pans (2 x 9×5 inches)
• Tea towel
• Wire rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer: Makes kneading easier and faster, saving you time.
• Mixing bowl: Provides ample space for combining ingredients without mess.
• Dough scraper: Helps in handling the dough efficiently while shaping it.

Ingredients

To make The Easiest Sourdough Discard Sandwich Bread, gather the following ingredients:

For the Bread

• 180g (¾ cup) warm water
• 7g (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
• 60g (¼ cup) honey
• 120g (1 cup) whole wheat flour
• 343g (2 ½ cups) bread flour
• 180g (¾ cup) sourdough discard
• 10g (1 ½ tsp) salt
• 60g (¼ cup) olive oil

For Garnish

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

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How to Make The Easiest Sourdough Discard Sandwich Bread

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

In a large mixing bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, combine warm water, honey, and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes until bubbly to activate the yeast.

Step 2: Mix the Ingredients

Add the remaining ingredients to the activated yeast mixture:
1. Whole wheat flour
2. Bread flour
3. Sourdough discard
4. Salt
5. Olive oil

Knead for 15 minutes using a stand mixer with a dough hook or by hand until soft and pliable.

Step 3: Perform the Windowpane Test

Check if the dough is ready by performing the windowpane test:
1. Stretch a small section of dough until thin enough to see light through.
2. If it tears easily, continue kneading for up to 20 minutes more.
3. Allow the dough to rest for 2-3 minutes before testing again.

Step 4: First Rise

Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a large bowl. Cover with a tea towel and let it rise in a warm place (above 80°F) until doubled in size, about 40 minutes to an hour.

Step 5: Shape the Loaves

Once risen, punch down the dough:
1. Place on a lightly floured surface.
2. Divide into two equal sections.
3. Flatten each section into a rectangle.
4. Fold top third down then fold sides to center; roll into a log and pinch seams.

Alternatively:
1. Roll each section into a rectangle matching loaf pan length.
2. Roll tightly and pinch seams.

Place shaped loaves seam side down into greased loaf pans. Let rise for another 30 minutes to an hour until doubled above pan edge.

Step 6: Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Bake loaves for 35-40 minutes until internal temperature reaches 190°F.

Step 7: Cool Down

Remove from pans and cool on wire racks. Brush tops with olive oil for a softer crust.

Enjoy your delicious homemade sourdough discard sandwich bread!

How to Serve The Easiest Sourdough Discard Sandwich Bread

This soft and fluffy sourdough discard sandwich bread is versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, it pairs beautifully with many ingredients.

Classic Sandwiches

• Turkey and Avocado: Layer sliced turkey with ripe avocado for a filling option.
• Veggie Delight: Combine your favorite veggies like cucumbers, sprouts, and hummus for a refreshing choice.

Toasted Options

• Avocado Toast: Smash ripe avocados on toasted slices and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
• French Toast: Dip slices in an egg mixture for a sweet breakfast treat.

Dipping Ideas

• Soup Companion: Serve warm slices alongside your preferred soup for a comforting meal.
• Oil and Balsamic: Drizzle olive oil and balsamic vinegar for a simple yet flavorful appetizer.

Sweet Treats

• Nut Butter Spread: Spread almond or peanut butter topped with banana slices for a quick snack.
• Cinnamon Sugar Toast: Mix cinnamon and sugar to sprinkle over buttered toast for a sweet indulgence.

How to Perfect The Easiest Sourdough Discard Sandwich Bread

For the best results when making this delicious sourdough discard sandwich bread, keep these tips in mind:

• Use Fresh Yeast: Ensure your yeast is active; old yeast can lead to poor rising.
• Measure Accurately: Weigh your ingredients in grams for consistent results every time.
• Knead Properly: Knead until the dough passes the windowpane test for optimal texture.
• Warm Rising Spot: Let the dough rise in a warm area to speed up fermentation.
• Don’t Skip Oil Brush: Brushing the top with oil after baking helps achieve a softer crust.
• Cool Completely: Allow the bread to cool completely before slicing to maintain its moisture.

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Best Side Dishes for The Easiest Sourdough Discard Sandwich Bread

This sourdough discard sandwich bread complements many side dishes perfectly. Here are some great options to enjoy alongside:

1. Garden Salad: A mix of fresh greens, tomatoes, and cucumbers adds vibrant flavors.
2. Roasted Vegetables: Seasoned veggies roasted until caramelized pair well with any meal.
3. Chips and Salsa: Crunchy chips with zesty salsa make for a fun snack or appetizer.
4. Fruit Platter: A selection of seasonal fruits offers a refreshing contrast to the bread.
5. Pasta Salad: A cold pasta salad filled with veggies is perfect as a side dish at gatherings.
6. Grilled Cheese Bites: Mini grilled cheese sandwiches are always a hit, especially for kids.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making sourdough discard sandwich bread can be a fun adventure, but it’s easy to make a few common errors. Here are some mistakes to watch out for.

• Ignoring the yeast activation: Always allow your yeast and warm water mixture to sit until bubbly. This step ensures that the yeast is active and will help your bread rise properly.
• Over or under-kneading the dough: Knead until the dough is soft and passes the windowpane test. Failing to do this can result in dense bread.
• Not allowing enough rising time: Be patient and let the dough rise until it has doubled in size. Rushing this step can lead to flat loaves.
• Skipping the shaping process: Properly shape your loaves before placing them in pans. This helps create a better structure and appearance in your final bread.
• Baking at the wrong temperature: Always preheat your oven to 350°F before baking. An unheated oven can affect how evenly your bread bakes.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store the Easiest Sourdough Discard Sandwich Bread in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Keep it wrapped in plastic wrap or foil to retain moisture.

Freezing The Easiest Sourdough Discard Sandwich Bread

• For longer storage, freeze slices or whole loaves in freezer-safe bags for up to 3 months.
• Make sure to remove as much air as possible from the bags before sealing.

Reheating The Easiest Sourdough Discard Sandwich Bread

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and warm for about 10-15 minutes for a fresh-baked taste.
• Microwave: Heat slices on medium power for 10-15 seconds, but be cautious as this may make the bread chewy.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat, covering with a lid, for 1-2 minutes per side for a gentle warming.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What makes The Easiest Sourdough Discard Sandwich Bread special?

This bread is unique because it uses sourdough discard, making it not only delicious but also a great way to reduce waste while enjoying homemade goodness.

Can I customize The Easiest Sourdough Discard Sandwich Bread?

Absolutely! You can add herbs, spices, or even seeds into the dough for extra flavor and texture.

How do I know when The Easiest Sourdough Discard Sandwich Bread is done?

The bread is ready when it reaches an internal temperature of 190°F and has a golden brown crust.

Is The Easiest Sourdough Discard Sandwich Bread gluten-free?

No, this recipe contains wheat flour. However, you could experiment with gluten-free flour blends if desired.

Final Thoughts

The Easiest Sourdough Discard Sandwich Bread is not just soft and fluffy; it’s also quick and easy to prepare. Its forgiving nature makes it perfect for bakers of all skill levels. Feel free to customize it with your favorite ingredients for even more delight!

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