This Honey Oat Sourdough Sandwich Bread is both soft and hearty, making it perfect for sandwiches or toast. The oats and honey add a lovely flavor that everyone will love!
Baking this bread fills your kitchen with a cozy smell. I often slap some butter on a warm slice and it’s pure happiness. Who can resist that? 😄
I love how easy this sourdough bread is to make! Just mix, let it rise, and bake. It’s a great way to impress friends and family without a fuss!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sourdough Starter: Use an active starter for the best results. If you don’t have one, you can make your own or use store-bought yeast as an emergency substitute, but it won’t have the same taste.
Honey: This adds sweetness and depth. If you’re looking for a sugar-free version, maple syrup or agave nectar could work in a pinch, albeit with slightly different flavors.
Rolled Oats: Oats add texture and nutrition. If you’re gluten-free, make sure to use certified gluten-free oats or substitute with ground flaxseed for a different texture.
Butter: While optional, butter gives a richer taste. You can skip it for a dairy-free version or use olive oil instead, which also works well.
How Do I Knead Dough Properly?
Kneading is crucial for a good bread texture. It develops gluten, which helps the dough rise and gives it that lovely chewiness. Here’s how to knead effectively:
- Start with a clean, lightly floured surface. Place your dough on it.
- Push the dough with the palms of your hands away from you.
- Fold the dough back towards you and rotate it a quarter turn.
- Repeat this process for about 8-10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
Don’t be afraid to add a little flour if the dough sticks too much, but be cautious not to add too much as it can make the bread dense.
Honey Oat Sourdough Sandwich Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup (240g) active sourdough starter (100% hydration)
- 1 1/4 cups (300ml) warm water
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 3 cups (360g) bread flour
- 1 cup (90g) rolled oats, plus extra for topping
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened (optional for a richer crumb)
- 1 egg wash (1 egg beaten with 1 tablespoon water) for brushing (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take approximately 6-8 hours altogether, including preparation time for mixing and shaping the dough, as well as the rising time. Baking only takes about 30-35 minutes, and the rest is spent letting it rise and cool before slicing. Patience is key, but the delicious reward is worth it!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the active sourdough starter, warm water, and honey. Stir well until the honey is completely dissolved into the mixture.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients:
Next, add the bread flour, rolled oats, and salt into the wet mixture. Mix thoroughly until everything is combined and a rough dough forms.
3. Knead the Dough:
Add the softened butter (if using) into the dough. Knead for about 8-10 minutes until the dough feels smooth, elastic, and slightly sticky. You can do this by hand or with a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook.
4. First Rise:
Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly greased bowl. Cover the bowl 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 Loaf:
After the dough has risen, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and gently deflate it. Shape it into a loaf by flattening the dough into a rectangle and then rolling it tightly. Pinch the seams to seal.
6. Second Rise:
Place the shaped loaf into a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan. Cover loosely with plastic wrap and let it rise for an additional 2-3 hours, or until it rises about 1 inch above the rim of the pan.
7. Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). If you’re using the egg wash, brush the top of the loaf with it, and sprinkle some rolled oats over the surface for a beautiful garnish.
8. Bake the Bread:
Bake the bread in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
9. Cool & Slice:
Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack before slicing it.
10. Enjoy:
Slice and serve your Honey Oat Sourdough Sandwich Bread fresh! It’s perfect for sandwiches or delightful when toasted with butter and jam. Enjoy every bite!
Can I Use Instant Yeast Instead of Sourdough Starter?
Yes, you can use instant yeast if you don’t have a sourdough starter. Substitute the starter with 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) of instant yeast and reduce the water slightly to accommodate the yeast’s hydration needs. The flavor will be different but the bread will still be delicious!
How to Store the Bread?
Once cool, store the bread in an airtight container or wrap it in plastic wrap to keep it fresh. It can stay at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the fridge for about a week. For longer storage, you can slice and freeze the bread for up to 3 months.
Can I Add Additional Ingredients?
Absolutely! Feel free to add mix-ins like seeds, nuts, or dried fruits to enhance the flavor and texture. Just keep in mind that adding more ingredients may affect the dough’s hydration, so adjust your liquid slightly if needed.
What If My Dough Doesn’t Rise?
If your dough doesn’t rise as expected, check the activity of your sourdough starter. It should be bubbly and have doubled in size after feeding. Make sure your ingredients are fresh and that the dough is kept in a warm place during the rise. If all else fails, you can gently knead in a bit more active starter or instant yeast before the second rise!
