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Best Ever Sourdough Bread


  • Author: Marlene Quinn
  • Total Time: 12 hours 40 minutes
  • Yield: 1 loaf 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This sourdough bread recipe yields a tangy, rustic loaf with a caramelized crust and airy crumb, perfect for any meal.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 500g bread flour (or 450g bread flour + 50g whole wheat)
  • 350380g water at room temperature
  • 100g active sourdough starter (fed and bubbly)
  • 10g fine sea salt
  • Optional: 20–30g olive oil
  • Optional: 1–2 tbsp honey or malt

Instructions

  1. Feed your starter 6–12 hours before mixing.
  2. Mix starter and water in a large bowl.
  3. Add the flour and mix until no dry flour remains; let it autolyse for 30–45 minutes.
  4. Add salt and incorporate by pinching and folding.
  5. Perform a series of stretch-and-folds every 30 minutes for 2 hours.
  6. Transfer to a lightly oiled container for bulk fermentation (3–5 hours).
  7. Shape the loaf into a tight boule or bâtard.
  8. Proof at room temperature (1–3 hours) or refrigerate overnight.
  9. Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C) with a Dutch oven inside.
  10. Invert the loaf onto parchment, score the top, and place it into the hot vessel.
  11. Bake covered for 20 minutes, then uncover and bake another 20–30 minutes until deep mahogany.

Notes

For best results, use steam during baking for a glossy crust. Avoid underfeeding the starter and rushing bulk fermentation.

  • Prep Time: 12 hours
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Bread
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Baking

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 200
  • Sugar: 0g
  • Sodium: 300mg
  • Fat: 2g
  • Saturated Fat: 0g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 1g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 7g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: sourdough, bread, baking, homemade, artisan