This Sourdough Discard Sandwich Bread is soft, fluffy, and perfectly sliceable, making it ideal for everyday sandwiches, toast, and breakfast spreads. It’s designed to work for everyone, even beginners, with simple ingredients and a reliable method. The sourdough discard adds depth of flavor without overpowering sourness, giving you a classic sandwich loaf with a subtle homemade taste. This bread bakes up with a tender crumb, light structure, and a golden crust that stays soft instead of crusty.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Uses sourdough discard in a practical, everyday way
- Soft and fluffy texture perfect for sandwiches
- Mild flavor that kids and adults both love
- Easy to slice with no large holes
- Works well for toast, grilled cheese, and lunch sandwiches
- Beginner-friendly with clear, reliable steps
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup sourdough discard (unfed)
- ¾ cup warm milk
- 2 tbsp sugar or honey
- 2 tbsp melted butter or oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 2¼ tsp instant yeast
Optional
- 1 tbsp milk or butter for brushing the top
Tools for Sourdough Discard Bread, Rolls & Savory Bakes
These tools are helpful for shaping, rolling, and baking savory sourdough discard recipes like pizza dough, biscuits, English muffins, and crackers.
- Dough Scraper / Bench Scraper – helps divide, shape, and handle sticky dough easily
- Rolling Pin – perfect for rolling pizza dough, crackers, and flatbreads
- Cast Iron Skillet – great for baking discard flatbreads, biscuits, and muffins with even heat
Preparation Steps
- In a large bowl, mix warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes until slightly foamy.
- Add sourdough discard, melted butter, and salt. Mix well.
- Gradually add flour and mix until a soft dough forms.
- Knead the dough by hand or mixer for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 60–90 minutes until doubled in size.
- Punch down the dough and shape into a loaf.
- Place in a greased loaf pan, cover, and let rise again for 30–45 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake for 30–35 minutes until golden and hollow-sounding when tapped.
- Brush with butter if desired and cool completely before slicing.
Cooking Notes
- This bread is designed to be soft rather than crusty.
- Avoid adding too much flour during kneading, as a slightly tacky dough produces a lighter crumb.
- Letting the bread cool fully before slicing helps prevent gumminess and keeps slices neat.
Variations
- Use half whole wheat flour for a heartier loaf
- Add a tablespoon of milk powder for extra softness
- Make it dairy-free by using oil and plant-based milk
- Add seeds on top for texture (sesame, oats, flax)
- Turn it into honey sandwich bread by increasing honey slightly
Tips
- Measure flour using the spoon-and-level method
- Knead until the dough stretches without tearing
- Don’t rush the second rise for best loaf height
- Use a light-colored loaf pan to prevent overbrowning
- Store fully cooled bread to maintain softness
Serving Suggestions
- Classic sandwiches with deli meats and cheese
- Toasted with butter, jam, or honey
- French toast or grilled cheese
- Breakfast toast with eggs and avocado
- Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches
Prep Time / Cooking Time / Total Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30–35 minutes
- Total Time: About 2 hours (including rising time)
Nutritional Information (Per Slice)
Approximate values
- Calories: 150
- Protein: 4g
- Fat: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
FAQs
Does this bread taste sour?
- No. The sourdough discard adds flavor depth without strong sourness.
Can I use active sourdough starter instead of discard?
- Yes, but reduce the yeast slightly to avoid over-rising.
Why is my bread dense?
- This usually happens if too much flour was added or the dough didn’t rise long enough.
Can I freeze this bread?
- Yes. Slice first, then freeze for easy use.
How long does it stay fresh?
- It stays soft for 2–3 days at room temperature and up to a week refrigerated.
Conclusion
Sourdough Discard Sandwich Bread is a reliable, everyday loaf that turns leftover discard into something truly useful and delicious. Soft, mild, and easy to work with, it’s perfect for families and beginners who want homemade bread without complicated techniques.