Easy Sourdough Bread Recipe – 5 Step Guide for Beginners (2025)

why make this recipe

Making Soft and Chewy Sourdough Bread at home is a rewarding experience. This recipe is both straightforward and satisfying. The bread is not only delicious but also has a lovely texture and flavor from the natural fermentation process. Your friends and family will love the warm, fresh bread straight from the oven!

how to make Soft and Chewy Sourdough Bread

Ingredients:

  • 500g bread flour
  • 400g water
  • 100g sourdough starter
  • 10g salt

Directions:

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the bread flour and water. Mix until there are no dry spots, then cover and let it rest for about 30 minutes.
  2. Add the sourdough starter and salt to the dough. Mix until well combined.
  3. Knead the dough for 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  4. Transfer the dough to a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let it rise at room temperature for about 4-6 hours, or until doubled in size.
  5. Shape the dough into a round loaf and place it in a lightly floured proofing basket. Cover and let it rise for another 1-2 hours.
  6. Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C) with a Dutch oven inside.
  7. Carefully transfer the dough to the preheated Dutch oven, cover, and bake for 30 minutes.
  8. Remove the lid and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, until the bread is golden brown.
  9. Let it cool on a wire rack before slicing.

how to serve Soft and Chewy Sourdough Bread

You can serve Soft and Chewy Sourdough Bread in many ways. Enjoy it on its own, with butter, or alongside soups and salads. It also makes great sandwiches. The chewy texture and sour flavor enhance any meal!

how to store Soft and Chewy Sourdough Bread

To store your Sourdough Bread, keep it in a paper bag at room temperature for up to three days. If you need to store it longer, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw and warm it in the oven for the best flavor.

tips to make Soft and Chewy Sourdough Bread

  • Make sure your sourdough starter is active and bubbly for the best results.
  • If the dough feels sticky, wet your hands instead of adding more flour while kneading.
  • Pay attention to the proofing times; the warmer your kitchen, the faster the dough will rise.

variation

You can experiment with this recipe by adding ingredients like herbs, cheese, or olives to the dough before shaping it. These additions can bring an exciting twist to your Sourdough Bread!

FAQs

Can I use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour?
Yes, but the texture may differ slightly. Bread flour gives a chewier and more structured loaf.

What if I don’t have a Dutch oven?
You can use a baking stone or a heavy oven-safe pot with a lid. Just ensure there’s steam in the oven when you bake.

How do I know when my bread is done?
The bread should be golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom. An internal temperature of about 200°F (93°C) is also a good indicator.

Print
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Freshly baked soft and chewy sourdough bread on a wooden table.

Easy Sourdough Bread Recipe – 5 Step Guide for Beginners (2025)


  • Author: Marlene Quinn
  • Total Time: 5 hours 30 minutes
  • Yield: 1 large loaf 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Making Soft and Chewy Sourdough Bread at home is simple and rewarding. This recipe gives you a crisp crust, chewy texture, and tangy flavor from natural fermentation. Perfect for beginners who want bakery-quality bread at home!


Ingredients

Scale
  • 500g bread flour

  • 400g water

  • 100g sourdough starter

  • 10g salt


Instructions

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine bread flour and water. Mix until no dry spots remain. Rest 30 minutes.

  2. Add the sourdough starter and salt. Mix well.

  3. Knead for 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.

  4. Place in an oiled bowl, cover, and let rise 4–6 hours until doubled.

  5. Shape into a round loaf and place in a floured proofing basket. Rest 1–2 hours.

  6. Preheat oven to 450°F (232°C) with Dutch oven inside.

  7. Transfer dough to Dutch oven, cover, and bake 30 minutes.

  8. Remove lid and bake 15–20 minutes more, until golden brown.

  9. Cool on a wire rack before slicing.

Notes

  • Serve warm with butter, soups, or use for sandwiches.

  • Store in a paper bag for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap and freeze.

  • Use an active starter for best results.

  • Add herbs, cheese, or olives for extra flavor variations.

  • Prep Time: 40 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Bread, Baking
  • Method: Oven, Dutch Oven
  • Cuisine: American, European

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 180 kcal
  • Sugar: 0g
  • Sodium: 200mg
  • Fat: 1g
  • Saturated Fat: 0.2 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 0.5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 36g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 6g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg

Keywords: Easy sourdough bread recipe, homemade sourdough bread, chewy sourdough loaf, beginner sourdough bread, 5 step sourdough recipe

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