Bready or Not Original: Soft Sourdough Loaf mixed in a bread machine
A soft, reliable loaf of bread, perfect for things like sandwiches and garlic bread.
Course: Bread
Keyword: sourdough, yeast bread
Author: Beth Cato
Equipment
digital thermometer
kitchen scale
bread machine
loaf pan
nonstick spray
aluminum foil
pastry brush
Ingredients
Dough
3/4cupactive sourdough starter room temperature (about 170 to 190 grams)
1/3cuplukewarm milk or half & half (about 100-110 degrees)
1large egg
3Tablespoonsmelted butter
2Tablespoonswhite sugar
1 1/2teaspoonssea salt
3cupswhite bread flour plus more for surface
1 1/2teaspoonsinstant dry yeast
Topping
softened butter to brush on loaf at end
Instructions
Add ingredients to the bread machine bucket in the order specified by the manufacturer; it is usually wet ingredients first. Set machine on Dough mode and begin. Monitor the dough as it begins mixing, adding a touch more milk if it is lumpy or flour if it is too loose. Dough should come together smoothly.
After the cycle ends, apply nonstick spray to the loaf pan.
Dump the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Shape, folding and tucking the dough to tighten what will become the top. Place dough in pan. Set in a warm place to rise, such as on a counter, a cabinet, or in an oven on proofing mode.
After about 45 minutes to an hour, the dough should rise about 2 inches over the rim of the pan. If it is in the warm oven, remove from there. Preheat oven at 350 degrees.
Bake bread about 20 minutes. Cover with shaped foil to prevent overbrowning. Continue to bake for about another 20 minutes. Bread should sound hollow when tapped, and if tested with a digital thermometer, over 190 degrees inside.
Immediately tip loaf from pan, carefully setting upright on a cooling rack. Brush on the softened butter.
Let cool for at least an hour before slicing. Bread will keep in a sealed bag at room temperature for up to 3 days, and can also be frozen for several months either whole or in slices.