Renewing your spirit one bite at a time

Honey Wheat Sourdough Sandwich Bread (overnight recipe!)


honey wheat sourdough sandwich bread

If you are looking for a delicious, nutrient-dense homemade sandwich bread, this honey wheat sourdough sandwich bread is a perfect choice. It offers a wholesome twist on a classic loaf that is soft, slightly sweet, and full of rich sourdough flavor. Rolled oats add even more nutrition by providing fiber, magnesium, iron, and several essential vitamins, making this bread both satisfying and nourishing.

This loaf works beautifully for sandwiches, toast, or simply enjoying on its own. It is a versatile bread that the whole family will love and one you will want to bake again and again!

honey wheat sourdough sandwich bread

Why I love this recipe

  • It makes a soft, sturdy sandwich bread that actually holds up to fillings while still tasting light and tender.
  • The flavor is so cozy and complex. You get sweetness from the honey, nuttiness from the whole wheat flour, and a gentle sourdough tang in every bite.
  • My family actually prefers this over store-bought sandwich bread, which always feels like a win.
  • The oats and honey on top make the loaf look extra special, so it feels bakery-worthy without being complicated.

If you love this recipe make sure to check out my very popular Soft Sourdough Sandwich Bread (not too tangy!)

honey wheat sourdough sandwich bread

My favorite ways to enjoy honey wheat sourdough sandwich bread

  • A classic PB & J: The soft crumb and light sweetness of the loaf pair perfectly with creamy peanut butter and your favorite jam. It makes one of the best PB & J sandwiches ever.
  • Toasted with jam and honey: A warm slice with a little jam and a drizzle of honey brings out the nutty whole wheat flavor and the gentle sourdough tang.
  • Turkey and cheddar sandwich: Layer it with sliced turkey, cheddar, crisp lettuce, and a touch of mayo for a simple, hearty lunch that tastes fresh and comforting.
honey wheat soudough sandwich slice

How to make honey wheat sourdough sandwich bread: step-by-step

Baker’s schedule (overnight option): Mix the dough in the evening, let it rest overnight (8-10 hours). The following day, shape the dough, let it rise (3-5 hours) and bake.

Baker’s schedule (fridge option): Mix the dough in the morning, let it rest until doubled in size (8-10 hours) and place it in the fridge overnight. The following day pull from the fridge, shape, let it rise (3-5 hours), and bake. This option is ideal if you live in a warmer climate.

Fermentation times: This dough is designed for a slow, steady rise and typically takes about 8 to 10 hours to double in size. If you prefer a quicker ferment, you can place it in a warm environment around 78 degrees F to help speed things along.

Ingredients
  • 50 grams active sourdough starter (at peak and bubbly)
  • 300 grams of filtered water
  • 40 grams of honey
  • 400 grams of bread flour
  • 100 grams of whole wheat flour
  • 28 grams of avocado oil or olive oil
  • 10 grams of salt
  • 1/2 cup of whole-grain rolled oats (for topping)

Equipment

Mix the dough

  • In a medium mixing bowl whisk together the active sourdough starter, honey, and water until mostly dissolved.
  • Next, add the bread and whole wheat flour, oil, and salt and mix until a shaggy dough is formed.
  • Cover the mixture with plastic wrap and allow it to rest for 30 minutes.

Knead the dough

  • After the dough has rested, knead the dough for 5-7 minutes or until it comes together, is smooth, and is not sticky. Not much flour should be needed during this process.
  • Once complete, place the sourdough sandwich dough in a greased bowl (oil or butter) and let it rest for 45-60 minutes.
  • Perform 1 stretch-and-fold for optimal gluten development, cover the dough, and let it rest overnight or until doubled in size. This can take anywhere from 8-10 hours.

Shape & coat the dough

  • Ensure the dough has doubled in size before shaping. Grease your loaf pan and set aside.
proofed honey wheat sourdough sandwich bread
  • Place the dough onto a lightly floured work surface and pat it into a 12×12 inch square.
  • Fold the left and right sides of the dough toward the center, gently pressing them down with your hands or a rolling pin to release any excess gas. Find my favorite hand roller here!
  • Starting at the bottom, roll the dough tightly upward toward the top to create a log shape. Pinch together the end seams and gently pull the dough towards yourself to create tension.
  • Lightly mist the dough with water, then coat it in rolled oats. Spread about 1/2 cup of oats onto a plate and gently roll the top of the dough over the oats until it’s evenly covered.
  • Once coated, place the dough in your greased loaf pan, cover it loosely with oiled plastic wrap or a disposable shower cap and allow to rest in a warm spot (3-5 hours). Tip: place the sandwich loaf in the oven with the light on to help move it along.

Bake the Honey Wheat Sourdough Sandwich Bread

  • Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
  • The honey wheat sourdough sandwich bread is ready to be baked once it has risen at least 1 inch above the rim of the pan. For a taller sandwich loaf let it rise longer. 
proofed honey wheat sourdough sandwich bread
  • Bake on 375 degrees F for 40-45 minutes. If your sandwich loaf is browning too quickly, loosely cover it with foil for the rest of the baking time to prevent over-browning.

Honey wheat sourdough sandwich bread is done baking once it has reached an internal temperature of 200-210 degrees F.

  • Allow it to rest in the pan for 10-15 minutes before transferring it to a cooling rack to cool completely (1-2 hours) before slicing and enjoying!
  • Honey wheat sourdough sandwich bread can be stored in a bread bag for up to 3 days on your counter. You can freeze a loaf for up to 3 months!

More sourdough bread recipes

honey wheat sourdough sandwich bread
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5 from 8 votes

Honey Wheat Sourdough Sandwich Bread (overnight recipe!)

Try this sourdough honey wheat sandwich bread topped with oats! Made with natural ingredients, this bread is packed with flavor and nutrition!
Prep Time30 minutes
Cook Time45 minutes
Proofing time16 hours
Total Time17 hours 15 minutes
Course: Appetizer, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Keyword: honey wheat sourdough sandwich bread
Servings: 1 loaf

Equipment

  • 1 9×5 inch loaf pan
  • Mixing bowl
  • Dough/bench scraper
  • Food scale

Ingredients

  • 50 grams active sourdough starter bubbly and at peak
  • 40 grams honey
  • 300 grams filtered water
  • 400 grams bread flour
  • 100 grams whole wheat flour
  • 28 grams avocado or olive oil
  • 10 grams salt
  • 1/2 cup whole-grain rolled oats for topping

Instructions

Mix the dough

  • In a medium mixing bowl whisk together the active sourdough starter, honey, and water until mostly dissolved.
  • Next, add the bread and whole wheat flour, oil, and salt and mix until a shaggy dough is formed.
  • Cover the mixture with plastic wrap and allow it to rest for 30 minutes.

Knead the dough

  • After the dough has rested knead the dough for 5-7 minutes or until it comes together, is smooth, and is not sticky. Not much flour should be needed during this process.
  • Once complete, place the sourdough sandwich dough in a greased bowl (oil or butter) and let it rest for 45-60 minutes.
  • Perform 1 stretch-and-fold for optimal gluten development, cover the dough, and let it rest overnight or until doubled in size. This can take anywhere from 8-10 hours.

Shape & coat the dough

  • Ensure the dough has doubled in size before shaping. Grease your loaf pan and set aside.
  • Place the dough onto a lightly floured work surface and pat it into a 12×12 inch square.
  • Fold the left and right sides of the dough toward the center, gently pressing them down with your hands or a rolling pin to release any excess gas. Find my favorite hand roller here!
  • Starting at the bottom, roll the dough tightly upward toward the top to create a log shape. Pinch together the end seams and gently pull the dough towards yourself to create tension.
  • Lightly mist the dough with water, then coat it in rolled oats. Spread about 1/2 cup of oats onto a plate and gently roll the top of the dough over the oats until it’s evenly covered.
  • Once coated, place the dough in your greased loaf pan, cover it loosely with oiled plastic wrap or a disposable shower cap and allow to rest in a warm spot (3-5 hours). Tip: place the sandwich loaf in the oven with the light on to help move it along.

Bake the honey wheat sourdough sandwich bread

  • Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
  • The honey wheat sourdough sandwich bread is ready to be baked once it has risen at least 1 inch above the rim of the pan. For a taller sandwich loaf let it rise longer. 
  • Bake on 375 degrees F for 40-45 minutes. If your sandwich loaf is browning too quickly, loosely cover it with foil for the rest of the baking time to prevent over-browning.
    Honey wheat sourdough sandwich bread is done baking once it has reached an internal temperature of 200-210 degrees F.
  • Allow it to rest in the pan for 10-15 minutes before transferring it to a cooling rack to cool completely (1-2 hours) before slicing and enjoying!
  • Honey wheat sourdough sandwich bread can be stored in a bread bag for up to 3 days on your counter. You can freeze a loaf for up to 3 months.

Notes

Baker’s schedule (overnight option): Mix the dough in the evening, let it rest overnight (8-10 hours). The following day, shape the dough, let it rise (3-5 hours) and bake.
Baker’s schedule (fridge option): Mix the dough in the morning, let it rest until doubled in size (8-10 hours) and place it in the fridge overnight. The following day pull from the fridge, shape, let it rise (3-5 hours), and bake. This option is ideal if you live in a warmer climate. 
Fermentation times: This dough is designed for a slow, steady rise and typically takes about 8 to 10 hours to double in size. If you prefer a quicker ferment, you can place it in a warm environment around 78 degrees F to help speed things along.
5 from 8 votes (2 ratings without comment)

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Comments

  1. This will be my next loaf! Thank you for these amazing recipes!5 stars

    1. You are welcome! Thank you for trying my recipes. Let me know how it turns out if you try!!

  2. Do you do the overnight rest in the fridge or just on the counter? Can’t wait to try this recipe!

    1. Just on the counter! It does well overnight on the counter. If your environment is hot/humid stick it in the fridge for part of the first bulk rise! This was tested at 68 degrees F and I let it sit overnight for 10 hours. Hope this helps & let me know if you try it out!

  3. Excellent! My entire family says it’s the best they have ever had. I am so happy since it’s such an easy recipe.
    I did stop the baking early since it was browning on top (I have a very hot oven), the next time I kept the time the same but covered in aluminum foil and was perfect.5 stars

    1. Warms my heart to hear the family loved it! 🙂 good tip on if your oven runs hotter. I may add this to my notes as it might be helpful to others !

  4. Elizabeth Hoffmann Avatar
    Elizabeth Hoffmann

    Hello, I doubled this recipe and split it into two pans b ut after 4 hours of rising in the pans it’s not even close to the top of the pan let alone 1 inch above. Why might this be?

    1. Hi Elizabeth! The biggest factor is temperature. It will rise quicker in a warmer environment. Try putting them in the oven with the light on or you can even turn the oven on and off and then place them in there. I hope this helps!!

  5. Candace Avatar
    Candace

    Absolutely wonderful! My family loved this loaf! So glad I doubled the recipe. This will be my new weekly sandwich bread go to! Thank you for the recipe!5 stars

    1. Thank you so much for this feedback Candace!! So glad you enjoyed this one 🙂

  6. Love this bread for toast and sandwiches! First time I over proofed it and it didn’t rise as much as I’d have liked. I made it again a day later and it was perfect. I didn’t realize until it was too late the first time I made it that this recipe came out in March which is colder here in New England and I let it ferment overnight per the recipe-hence the overproofed dough. Being summer time, I made the levain the night before and made the dough and baked it the next day. Perfect!5 stars

    1. I’m so glad you enjoyed them! Love that you were able to share with friends too, that’s the best part!

    2. So glad you gave it another try and nailed it the second time! You’re absolutely right, the season and temperature can make such a difference in proofing. Love hearing it turned out perfect for your summer bake!

  7. Kathleen Tritchler Avatar
    Kathleen Tritchler

    I’ve made this recipe repeatedly in a loaf pan with the oats on the outside and in a Pullman pan without the oats. Turns out perfect both ways. This is the first sourdough sandwich loaf that I have tried that has good taste and texture. Since it is only myself that eating it, I slice it then freeze individual pieces with parchment paper between them and take out one or two slices as needed. I love it when toasted. (Note: no changes to the recipe were made.)5 stars

    1. Thank you for this lovely feedback!! So happy to hear it’s become your go-to sandwich loaf! Love the idea of freezing slices with parchment—such a smart tip!

  8. Third time making this bread in the past month! It’s my kids favorite. Thank you so much for this recipe!5 stars

    1. Thank you so much for this feedback Lindsay! Truly one of our favorites too!

  9. I’ve made this recipe twice now and absolutely love it! I’ve been looking for a soft, fluffy sourdough sandwich bread and this recipe has turned out perfectly every time. Thank you for the recipe!

    1. I’m so glad to hear that. Finding a soft, fluffy sourdough sandwich bread can be tricky, so it makes me really happy that this one has been reliable for you. Thank you for making it and for coming back to share your results!!