Sourdough Sandwich Loaf (Bread Machine Dough + Oven Bake)
Sneak Preview: This super easy sourdough bread machine loaf is perfect for beginners. It uses both sourdough starter and bread machine yeast for a faster rise—no pulls, coils, or long fermentation times required. Mix and proof in your bread machine, then bake in the oven for a chewy, golden loaf ideal for sandwiches.
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Making sourdough bread can feel like joining a secret club—everyone has their own method, and the rules can seem overwhelming. Who has time for all that?
Years ago, I dabbled with a sourdough starter, but when it started looking more like a science experiment, I tossed it (along with my sourdough dreams). This time, I’m keeping it simple and guilt-free. Enter: the bread machine—a trusty sidekick for hassle-free sourdough magic!
What You’ll Love About This Recipe
- Beginner-Friendly: Perfect for those new to sourdough baking.
- Convenient: Instant yeast speeds up the process without sacrificing flavor.
- Simple Method: Mix with your bread machine, then bake in the oven.
Happy Bakers Speak Up
“Thanks Paula, another winner! I have struggled with sourdough bread recipes. This one is straightforward. It bakes up perfectly. If anyone is skeptical about trying this one, don’t be afraid of it.”–SHARON
Ingredients and Substitutions
- STARTER: Use bubbly, active sourdough starter. Store-bought (like King Arthur’s) or homemade both work well.
- WATER: Dechlorinated tap or filtered water. Let tap water sit uncovered for 24 hours if needed.
- SUGAR: Granulated sugar is easiest. Honey works, but may change the hydration slightly.
- SALT: Sea salt or table salt. Use ¼–½ tsp more if substituting Kosher salt.
- OIL (optional): Butter or olive oil softens the crumb slightly. Leave out for a chewier texture.
- FLOUR: Bread flour preferred. Unbleached all-purpose flour works in a pinch.
- YEAST: Use bread machine, rapid-rise, or instant yeast. Active dry yeast also works—add ¼ tsp extra and allow for longer proofing.
Step-by-Step: Mixing in a Bread Machine
#1 Add ingredients to bread machine Layer liquids first, then flour. Yeast goes on top. Select the DOUGH cycle and start.
#2 Check dough after one minute (are paddles engaged, and is the dough clumping?) and again at 15 minutes. It should be tacky, but pull cleanly from the sides. Adjust moisture if needed.
#3 Let dough rise until doubled. Leave in machine if extra time is needed after the DOUGH cycle. Remove dough to a lightly floured surface (silicone mats are perfect–toss in the dishwasher to clean.)
#4 Shape and rest. Press out bubbles (especially on the perimeter). Form into a rectangle, roll up, pinch seams, and tuck ends. (If the dough is sticky, use water on your hands and work surface.)
#5 Final rise in loaf pan Use a greased 9×5-inch pan. Let dough rise until 1 inch above rim.
#6 Slash, bake, and cool Dust with flour, slash top, and bake until golden and internal temp hits 200–210°F. Cool 1 hour.
Sourdough Sandwich Loaf (Bread Machine Dough + Oven Bake)
Video
Ingredients
- 1 cup (227 g) cool water
- ⅓ cup (80 g) sourdough starter
- 1½ teaspoon table or sea salt
- 1½ teaspoon granulated sugar
- 1½ tablespoon olive oil or softened butter (optional)
- 3 cups (360 g) bread flour
- 1½ teaspoons instant or bread machine yeast
Instructions
- Add ingredients to the bread machine pan: 1 cup (227 g) cool water, ⅓ cup (80 g) sourdough starter, 1½ teaspoon table or sea salt, 1½ teaspoon granulated sugar, 1½ tablespoon olive oil or softened butter, 3 cups (360 g) bread flour, and 1½ teaspoons instant or bread machine yeast.
- Start Dough Cycle: Select the DOUGH cycle and press START. Open the lid and check the dough during the first minute to ensure the paddles are engaged and the dough is clumping. Recheck dough after 15-18 minutes. It should stick to the sides, then pull away cleanly. Add flour or water if needed, 1 tablespoon at a time, allowing time between each addition. This step is crucial to ensuring a successful outcome.
- Let Dough Rise: Allow dough to double in size. Leave in machine longer if needed.
- Shape Dough: Transfer to a floured or wet surface. Press into a rectangle (short side slightly wider than bread pan). Roll into a cylinder, seal seams, and tuck ends under.
- Final Rise: Grease a 9 x 5-inch pan. Place dough seam-side down. Pan should not be more than half full. Cover and let rise until dough is about 1 inch above the top of the pan.
Preheat to 450°F (230°C).
- Bake: Dust with flour and slash the top of the loaf. Reduce the oven temp to 425°F (220°C). Bake 25–30 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 200–210°F.
- Cool Bread: Remove from pan after 10 minutes and cool on a rack for 1 hour to prevent gumminess.
Notes
- The day before you want to serve the bread: Combine all of the water, sourdough starter, and half of the bread flour in the bread machine pan. Start the machine and let it mix just until all the flour is moistened. Turn the machine off. Let this mixture sit until you are ready to make bread the next day.
- Making the bread: Add the salt, sugar, remaining flour, and yeast. Mix on the DOUGH cycle. Proceed to Step 4 and finish making the bread as directed.
Equipment
Nutrition
All images and text ©️ Paula Rhodes for Salad in a Jar.com
FAQ
- Can I bake this in my bread machine?
- Yes, but expect a denser texture and less crispy crust. Oven baking is strongly recommended for best results.
- Why is my bread dense?
- Check for an active starter, correct hydration, and adequate rise time. Adjust moisture early in the cycle if needed.
Final Thoughts
This loaf is flavorful, fuss-free, and perfect for slicing. It’s also a great gateway for anyone intimidated by full sourdough baking. Cooling bread before slicing is key, but it’s so tempting to cut right in! (If you can’t resist, I understand.) My trick? Run an errand or go for a walk to get out of the house.
Not sure you want to mess with sourdough? This Condensed Milk Bread is one of the best. Or try this Honey Wheat Bread Machine Bread if whole grains are your thing.
More Bread Machine Recipes
- 71+ Best Bread Machine Recipes To Make You Look Like a Pro
- A Crusty Bread Machine French Bread
- Bread Machine Sourdough Dinner Roll Recipe
- Bread Machine Sourdough Bread Recipe – No Yeast
Need help troubleshooting? Email me: Paula at saladinajar.com—photos welcome!
Paula Rhodes, owner
As a retired home economist, I created Saladinajar.com to share my belief that you don’t have to be a chef to find joy in creating homemade food worth sharing. Bread machines (used in an unconventional way), homemade yogurt, and quick microwave recipes are my specialty.