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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