Sourdough Discard Sandwich Bread Recipe - Easy Beginner Sourdough Bread w/ Sourdough Starter Discard

Sourdough Discard Sandwich Bread Recipe - Easy Beginner Sourdough Bread w/ Sourdough Starter Discard is a easy American recipe that serves 12. 190 calories per serving. Recipe by Robyn On The Farm on YouTube.

Prep: 2 hrs 28 min | Cook: 30 min | Total: 3 hrs 13 min

Cost: $1.30 total, $0.11 per serving

Ingredients

  • 100 g Sourdough Discard (inactive starter, about 1/2 cup)
  • 250 g Warm Water (heated to about 110°F (43°C))
  • 20 g Honey (organic honey; can substitute with sugar, maple syrup, or omit)
  • 7 g Instant Yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons; can use active dry yeast same amount; store in freezer)
  • 50 g Butter (melted; unsalted preferred)
  • 500 g All-Purpose Flour (4 cups; bread flour can be used for higher rise)
  • 10 g Real Salt (fine sea salt; about 1 1/2 teaspoons)

Instructions

  1. Measure Ingredients

    Zero out the scale before each ingredient. Measure 100 g sourdough discard, 250 g warm water (110°F), 20 g honey, 7 g instant yeast, 50 g melted butter, 500 g flour, and 10 g salt.

    Time: PT10M

  2. Mix and Knead Dough

    Add all ingredients to the mixing bowl and knead on speed 2 for about 13 minutes until the dough is smooth, tacky, and pulls away from the bowl.

    Time: PT13M

  3. First Bulk Rise

    Cover the bowl with a warm, damp kitchen towel and let the dough rise on the countertop for 45–60 minutes, until roughly doubled in size.

    Time: PT55M

  4. Shape and Place in Loaf Pan

    Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface, press down, roll tightly, pinch seams, and fit into an oiled 8½ × 4½ inch cast‑iron loaf pan.

    Time: PT5M

  5. Second Rise

    Cover the pan with the damp towel again and let the dough rise for about 30 minutes, until it rises slightly above the pan rim.

    Time: PT30M

  6. Preheat Oven

    While the dough is rising, preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C).

    Time: PT10M

    Temperature: 350°F

  7. Bake Bread

    Place the loaf pan in the oven and bake for 30 minutes, until the crust is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches about 190°F (88°C).

    Time: PT30M

    Temperature: 350°F

  8. Butter Crust and Wrap

    Immediately melt a little butter and brush it over the hot crust. Then wrap the loaf in a clean kitchen towel to soften the crust.

    Time: PT5M

  9. Cool Completely

    Let the bread cool completely (about 30 minutes) before slicing for the best crumb texture. For a softer crust, keep it wrapped; for a crispier crust, place on a cooling rack.

    Time: PT30M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
190
Protein
5 g
Carbohydrates
31 g
Fat
4 g
Fiber
1.5 g

Dietary info: Vegetarian, Contains gluten

Allergens: wheat, dairy, honey

Last updated: April 1, 2026

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Sourdough Discard Sandwich Bread Recipe - Easy Beginner Sourdough Bread w/ Sourdough Starter Discard

Recipe by Robyn On The Farm

A soft, fluffy sandwich loaf that combines the tang of sourdough discard with the lift of commercial yeast. Perfect for using up leftover starter and making quick, delicious sandwiches.

EasyAmericanServes 12

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
2h 38m
Prep
30m
Cook
23m
Cleanup
3h 31m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$1.30
Total cost
$0.11
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Mix and knead dough until smooth
  • First bulk rise until doubled
  • Shape tightly and place in loaf pan
  • Second rise to just above pan edge
  • Bake until golden and internal temp 190°F

Safety Warnings

  • Handle the 110°F water carefully to avoid burns.
  • Use oven mitts when removing the hot loaf pan from the oven.
  • Watch melted butter to prevent splattering.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of sourdough discard sandwich bread in American home baking?

A

Sourdough discard bread grew popular among American home bakers as a way to use the excess starter that accumulates from regular sourdough feeding. It blends the tang of traditional sourdough with the convenience of commercial yeast, making a quick, probiotic‑rich loaf ideal for everyday sandwiches.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of sourdough discard sandwich bread in the United States?

A

While there is no historic regional version, bakers often add local ingredients—such as cornmeal in the Midwest or whole‑grain flours in the Pacific Northwest—to customize the discard loaf. The base technique remains the same across the country.

cultural
Q

How is sourdough discard sandwich bread traditionally served in American households?

A

It is typically sliced and used for classic sandwiches, toasted for breakfast, or served alongside soups and salads. Many families butter the warm crust, as shown by Robyn On The Farm, for a soft, flavorful finish.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is sourdough discard sandwich bread traditionally associated with in American culture?

A

The bread is a staple for everyday meals but also appears at casual gatherings, picnics, and potlucks because it can be made quickly with leftover starter and pairs well with a variety of fillings.

cultural
Q

What makes sourdough discard sandwich bread special or unique in American bread cuisine?

A

It uniquely combines wild yeast from the discard with instant commercial yeast, giving the loaf both the probiotic tang of sourdough and the reliable rise of a yeasted sandwich loaf—something few traditional American breads offer.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making sourdough discard sandwich bread at home?

A

Common errors include using water that’s too hot (which kills the yeast), under‑ or over‑kneading, and not allowing the dough to double during the first rise. Also, forgetting to oil the loaf pan can cause the bread to stick.

technical
Q

Why does this sourdough discard sandwich bread recipe use instant yeast instead of only sourdough starter?

A

Instant yeast guarantees a predictable rise in a short time, while the discard provides flavor and probiotics. Relying solely on inactive starter would often result in a dense loaf that may not rise sufficiently.

technical
Q

Can I make sourdough discard sandwich bread ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes. Bake the loaf, let it cool, then wrap it tightly and store at room temperature for 1‑2 days or refrigerate for up to 4 days. For longer storage, slice and freeze the bread.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when the sourdough discard sandwich bread is done?

A

The crust should be a deep golden brown and slightly shiny from the butter glaze. When tapped, the loaf should sound hollow, and the interior crumb should be light, airy, and show irregular holes typical of sourdough.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Robyn On The Farm specialize in?

A

Robyn On The Farm focuses on approachable, farm‑fresh cooking, often featuring seasonal ingredients, simple techniques, and recipes that make good use of leftovers like sourdough discard.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Robyn On The Farm's approach to bread making differ from other baking channels?

A

Robyn emphasizes using everyday kitchen tools, such as a stand mixer and cast‑iron pans, and highlights sustainability by repurposing sourdough discard, whereas many other channels focus on artisanal techniques that require specialty equipment.

channel

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