Description
A simple, step-by-step sourdough bread recipe made with an active sourdough starter. This rustic loaf has a crisp crust and chewy, flavorful interior, perfect for beginners and seasoned bakers alike.
Ingredients
- 500 g (about 4 cups + 2 Tbsp) bread flour
- 375 g (1 1/2 cups + 2 Tbsp) water, lukewarm
- 100 g (about 1/2 cup) active sourdough starter
- 10 g (about 1 1/2 tsp) fine sea salt
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix flour and water until just combined. Cover and let rest for 1 hour (autolyse).
- Add sourdough starter and salt to the dough. Mix thoroughly until fully incorporated.
- Let dough rest for 30 minutes, then begin stretch and folds every 30 minutes for 4 total rounds.
- After final stretch and fold, cover and let dough rise at room temperature until puffy and nearly doubled (4–6 hours).
- Turn dough onto lightly floured surface, shape into a round, and let rest for 20–30 minutes uncovered.
- Final shape the dough and place seam-side up in a floured proofing basket or bowl lined with floured towel.
- Cover and refrigerate overnight (8–12 hours).
- Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C) with Dutch oven inside for 45 minutes.
- Turn dough onto parchment, score the top, and carefully transfer to hot Dutch oven.
- Bake covered for 30 minutes, then uncover and bake for another 15–20 minutes until deep golden brown.
- Remove from oven, cool on a wire rack for at least 1 hour before slicing.
Notes
- Make sure your sourdough starter is active and bubbly before using.
- Autolyse helps with gluten development for better texture.
- Overnight cold proof improves flavor and makes dough easier to score.
- You can bake directly on a baking stone or sheet if you don’t have a Dutch oven.
- Prep Time: 1 hour (plus resting & fermentation time)
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of loaf)
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 0.5g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
