No-Knead Sourdough Sandwich Bread with Tangy Pickled Cucumbers

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A soft, crusty no-knead sourdough loaf paired with crisp, tangy pickled cucumbers perfect for deli-style sandwiches. This sandwich and wrap recipe, ready in about 65 minutes, pairs all-purpose flour, active sourdough starter, warm water for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 220 calories and feeds 8, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 45 min Serves 8 Sandwiches & Wraps cuisine 220 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, combine 3 cups all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup active sourdough starter, 1 1/4 cups warm water, and 1 1/2 tsp salt. Mix with a wooden spoon until a sticky dough forms. Cover with plastic wrap and let ferment at room temperature for 12-18 hours until bubbly and doubled.
  2. Step 2: Lightly flour a work surface and gently shape the dough into a round loaf without kneading. Place it seam side down on a floured towel, cover, and let rise for 2 hours.
  3. Step 3: Meanwhile, slice 1 medium cucumber into 1/4-inch thin rounds. In a small saucepan, combine 1/2 cup white vinegar, 1/2 cup water, 1 tbsp granulated sugar, 1 tsp kosher salt, 2 dill sprigs, and 1 smashed garlic clove. Bring to a boil and stir until sugar and salt dissolve, then remove from heat.
  4. Step 4: Place cucumber slices in a heatproof jar or bowl and pour the hot pickling brine over them. Let cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
  5. Step 5: Preheat oven to 450°F with a Dutch oven inside. Carefully transfer the dough into the hot Dutch oven, cover with the lid, and bake for 30 minutes.
  6. Step 6: Remove the lid and bake uncovered for 15 more minutes until the crust is deep golden brown and crispy. Let cool on a wire rack for 1 hour before slicing.
  7. Step 7: Serve the sourdough bread sliced with the tangy pickled cucumbers for a fresh deli-style sandwich experience.

Frequently asked questions

How long does No-Knead Sourdough Sandwich Bread with Tangy Pickled Cucumbers take to make?

Total time is about 65 minutes (20 min prep + 45 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover No-Knead Sourdough Sandwich Bread with Tangy Pickled Cucumbers?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep all-purpose flour from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in No-Knead Sourdough Sandwich Bread with Tangy Pickled Cucumbers?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale No-Knead Sourdough Sandwich Bread with Tangy Pickled Cucumbers for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 8 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 8). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with No-Knead Sourdough Sandwich Bread with Tangy Pickled Cucumbers?

Sandwiches & Wraps sandwiches & wraps like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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