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The Best Sourdough Bread for Thanksgiving


  • Author: Marlene Quinn
  • Total Time: 105 minutes
  • Yield: 1 loaf 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

A rustic yet fancy sourdough bread perfect for Thanksgiving, featuring a tangy flavor and crusty texture.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 100g mature active sourdough starter
  • 450g bread flour
  • 325350g room temperature water
  • 10g sea salt
  • Optional: 25–50g softened butter
  • Optional: 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Optional: 50–75g toasted seeds/nuts
  • Optional add-ins: sautéed mushrooms, rosemary, sage, caramelized onions

Instructions

  1. Feed your starter the evening before or early the same morning; use when bubbly and doubled.
  2. Mix 450g bread flour and 325g water in a bowl, cover, and autolyse for 30–60 minutes.
  3. Add 100g active starter and 10g salt, mix by folding and pinching until dough comes together.
  4. Perform stretch-and-folds every 30 minutes for the next 2 hours.
  5. Bulk ferment at room temperature for 3–5 hours until about 30–50% risen.
  6. Pre-shape the dough into a loose boule and rest uncovered for 20 minutes.
  7. Final shape into a boule or batard and place seam-side up in a floured proofing basket.
  8. Proof in the refrigerator overnight (8–14 hours) or at room temperature for 2–3 hours.
  9. Preheat the oven with a Dutch oven inside to 250°C (480°F) for at least 45 minutes.
  10. Transfer the dough onto parchment, score the top, and bake covered for 20 minutes, then uncovered at 230°C (450°F) for 20–25 minutes.
  11. Cool on a rack for 1 hour before slicing.

Notes

For added flavor, consider folding in sautéed mushrooms and herbs. Allow the loaf to cool completely before slicing to prevent a gummy texture.

  • Prep Time: 60 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Bread
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 200
  • Sugar: 0g
  • Sodium: 400mg
  • Fat: 4g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 6g
  • Cholesterol: 10mg

Keywords: sourdough, bread, Thanksgiving, baking, homemade