The Ultimate Whole Wheat Sourdough Sandwich Bread Recipe for Healthy and Delicious Sandwiches

#### Whole Wheat Sourdough Sandwich Bread RecipeIf you're looking for a nutritious and flavorful bread option, the **whole wheat sourdough sandwich bread re……

#### Whole Wheat Sourdough Sandwich Bread Recipe

If you're looking for a nutritious and flavorful bread option, the **whole wheat sourdough sandwich bread recipe** is a fantastic choice. This recipe combines the wholesome goodness of whole wheat flour with the tangy flavor of sourdough, resulting in a sandwich bread that is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients.

#### Benefits of Whole Wheat Sourdough

Whole wheat flour is rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals, making it a healthier alternative to refined white flour. The fermentation process involved in sourdough bread enhances the bioavailability of nutrients, making them easier for your body to absorb. Additionally, sourdough has a lower glycemic index compared to other types of bread, which means it can help regulate blood sugar levels.

#### Ingredients Needed

To create the perfect whole wheat sourdough sandwich bread, you'll need the following ingredients:

- 3 cups whole wheat flour

- 1 cup active sourdough starter

- 1 cup water (room temperature)

- 1 teaspoon salt

- 1 tablespoon honey or sugar (optional)

- 2 tablespoons olive oil (optional)

#### Step-by-Step Instructions

1. **Prepare the Starter**: Ensure your sourdough starter is active and bubbly. Feed it a few hours before you plan to start baking to ensure it’s at its peak.

2. **Mix the Ingredients**: In a large mixing bowl, combine the whole wheat flour and salt. In a separate bowl, mix the active sourdough starter, water, and honey (if using). Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until a shaggy dough forms.

3. **Kneading**: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, you can sprinkle a little more flour as needed.

4. **First Rise**: Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise at room temperature for about 4-6 hours, or until it has doubled in size.

5. **Shape the Dough**: After the first rise, gently punch down the dough to release the gases. Turn it out onto a floured surface and shape it into a loaf. Place the shaped dough into a greased 9x5 inch loaf pan.

6. **Second Rise**: Cover the loaf pan with a cloth and let it rise again for about 2-4 hours, or until it has risen just above the rim of the pan.

7. **Preheat the Oven**: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) during the last 30 minutes of the second rise.

8. **Bake**: Once the dough has risen, bake it in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped.

9. **Cool**: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

#### Tips for Success

- Use a kitchen scale for accurate measurements, especially for the flour.

- If you prefer a softer crust, you can brush the top of the loaf with melted butter right after baking.

- This bread can be stored at room temperature for a few days or frozen for longer storage.

#### Conclusion

The **whole wheat sourdough sandwich bread recipe** is a wonderful way to enjoy homemade bread that is both healthy and satisfying. Whether you’re making a classic sandwich, toast, or simply enjoying it with butter, this bread is sure to impress. Give it a try, and you’ll never want to go back to store-bought bread again!