Sourdough Bread Recipe

Discover the perfect easy Sourdough Bread Recipe using a homemade starter. Learn step-by-step instructions to create delicious, tangy sourdough bread with a crispy crust and chewy interior. Ideal for home bakers of all skill levels.

Imagine the satisfaction of slicing into your very own homemade sourdough bread. This bread has crust that is golden brown and satisfyingly crunchy, giving way to a soft, airy interior with the perfect touch of tanginess. YUM!

This Sourdough Bread recipe will guide you through creating a loaf with a beautifully complex flavor and rustic texture that only traditional methods can get you. Whether you’re a beginner ready to dive into the world of natural yeast breads or a seasoned baker, this recipe gives you a simple process without losing the bread’s artisan quality.

Baking sourdough bread at home is a rewarding process that always brings delicious results. This simple sourdough bread recipe removes the intimidation factor from the process, making it doable for bakers of all levels.

With just a few basic ingredients and some patience, you can bake a loaf that’s not only tasty but also a beautiful centerpiece for any meal. So why not start your sourdough journey today and experience the joy of baking bread from scratch?

Common Questions About Sourdough Bread Recipe

How can I tell if my sourdough bread is ready to bake?

The float test is a simple and effective way to check if your sourdough starter is ready for baking.

Just drop a small spoonful of your active starter into a cup of water; if it floats, it’s full of air and ready to leaven your bread. This is an easy way to show that your starter is active enough for a good rise.

What’s the best flour to use for sourdough bread?

While all-purpose flour can be used for sourdough, using bread flour or a mix of bread flour and whole wheat flour can enhance the loaf’s structure and flavor.

These flours have a higher protein content, which helps develop more gluten and gives the bread a better rise and chewier texture.

Can I make sourdough bread without a Dutch oven?

Absolutely! If you don’t have a Dutch oven, you can still bake excellent sourdough bread.

Use a baking stone or a heavy baking sheet instead, and create steam in your oven by placing a pan of water on the lower rack. This steam helps achieve the bread’s crusty exterior.

Storage

The first thing you should know is that I eat way too much of this bread, once baked. It’s just so darn tasty!

Refrigerator

Sourdough bread can be stored in the refrigerator wrapped in plastic wrap or a plastic bag, where it will keep for up to a week.

Freezer

For longer storage, slice the bread and freeze it in airtight bags. It can be kept frozen for up to 3 months and is best toasted straight from the freezer.

Tips

Bread dough is one of my favorite things to make. There is something about it that’s just so satisfying. It’s the best way to bake!

• Maintain a Warm Environment: The temperature of your kitchen should ideally be between 70-75°F for optimal dough rise.
• Use a Scale: For best results, weigh your ingredients with a kitchen scale to ensure accuracy.
• Autolyze the Flour: Before adding salt and starter, mix just the flour and water and let it rest. This step hydrates the flour and aids gluten development.
• Stretch and Fold: Instead of traditional kneading, use the stretch and fold technique during bulk fermentation to strengthen the dough.
• Preheat Your Baking Vessel: Whether using a Dutch oven or baking sheet, preheating it ensures a hot environment that helps achieve an impressive oven spring.

Ingredients

Once this dough gets into that hot dutch oven, you’ll be smelling that first loaf of sourdough bread. It’s an aroma I wish I could bottle!

• Active sourdough starter
• Warm water
• Fine sea salt
• Flour (bread, whole wheat, or a combination)

How to Make Sourdough Bread Recipe

Don’t let a long list fool you. This is an easy sourdough bread recipe. I’ve got basic steps for you that will bring the perfect loaf of bread.

Feed

1. Feed your starter as you normally would – see our recipe for sourdough starter for more details.  Once it is active and bubbly, then it is ready to use in the loaf. 

Dough

1. In a large glass or plastic bowl, combine the active starter, warm water, and salt.  Whisk until combined.  
2. Add the flour, using your hands to work it into the dough. It should be loose, and shaggy.  
3. Cover loosely with a damp towel, plastic wrap, or a bowl cover.  Allow to rest for 30 minutes. 
4. After 30 minutes, use your hand to scrape down one side of the bowl, pull the dough up, and then fold it over itself onto the remaining dough in the bowl.  
5. Turn the bowl a quarter turn and repeat.  Continue this process until you’ve gone around at least four complete turns.  
6. Cover the bowl again and allow it to rest for another 30 minutes.  
7. Repeat these folding and resting steps at least two more times.  
8. After at least 4 rotations, then you may move on.   
9. Allow the dough to rest at room temperature until it rises at least 50%.  This should take about 4-6 hours.  
10. Prepare a bowl with a lightly floured dishcloth, and set aside.  
11. On a lightly floured work surface, remove the dough from the bowl and place it on the workspace.  
12. Stretch the dough into a loose rectangle.  *At this point, you could add mix-ins, if desired. (blueberries, cinnamon/sugar, garlic & rosemary, etc.) – but not required for a basic loaf.
13. Fold one-third of the dough onto itself, followed by the opposite ⅓ like folding a letter.  
14. Then take the shorter ends and fold them onto the dough to create a tight round ball.  
15. Transfer the dough to the prepared bowl with the seam facing up.  Pinch again if needed to secure the seam.  
16. Dust the dough lightly with additional flour and cover loosely.  
17. Refrigerate for at least an hour.  We highly recommend chilling for closer to 8 hours for a stronger crumb texture and taste.  The dough can be chilled for up to 36 hours at this point. 

Bake 

1. Preheat the oven to 450 degrees.  
2. Cut a piece of parchment or use a sourdough sling to line a Dutch oven or oven-safe pot with a lid.  
3. Transfer the dough to the parchment or sling.  
4. Use a sharp knife (or sourdough lame) to score the bread.  You can do a simple one down the length of the loaf, two slices across the loaf, or any other desired pattern.  This is where you can get fancy with the design if desired. 
5. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes with the lid on. 
6. After the bread has baked for 30 minutes, remove the lid and lower the oven temperature to 425 degrees.  
7. Bake for an additional 10-15 minutes or until golden brown all over.  
8. Remove from the oven and allow to cool for at least an hour before cutting into slices.  

Kitchen Supplies You’ll Need

Sourdough recipes have been made for hundreds or thousands of years. So you know it’s a good thing!

• Large mixing bowl
• Dutch oven or baking sheet
• Kitchen scale
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Parchment paper
• Razor blade or sharp knife

What to Serve With Sourdough Bread Recipe

Sourdough bread is incredibly versatile. Enjoy it simply with a smear of butter, use it for a hearty sandwich, or pair it with soups and stews. It also makes fantastic toast for breakfast.

Why You Should Make Sourdough Bread Recipe

I think making your own homemade sourdough starter is just plain fun. The fermentation process gives you a real sense of accomplishment.

• Flavorful and Healthy: Sourdough fermentation enhances flavor and digestibility.
• Skill Building: Perfects your baking skills with hands-on dough work.
• Versatile: Serves as the base for countless meals and snacks.
• Satisfying: Few things are as rewarding as successfully baking your own bread.

Variations and Add-Ins for Sourdough Bread Recipe

This bread is better than anything from the grocery store. Get out your cast iron and let’s get baking!

• Whole Grain: Mix in whole grain flours like rye or spelt for a heartier loaf.
• Seeds and Nuts: Add sunflower seeds, sesame seeds, or walnuts for texture.
• Herbs and Spices: Incorporate rosemary, garlic powder, or olives into the dough for an aromatic twist.
• Sweet Touch: Create a sweet version by adding dried fruits and a hint of cinnamon.

If you love this bread recipe, you’re going to love these other bread recipes too. Please click each link below to find the easy, printable recipe!

What goes with this sourdough bread

Turkey Panini

Crack Dip Recipe

Chipotle Chicken Avocado Melt

Disney Inspired Clam Chowder Bread Bowl

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