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The Most Beautiful Sourdough Bread


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

Description

A delightful sourdough bread with a crisp crust and tender interior, perfect for pairing with soups and spreads.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 500g bread flour
  • 75g whole wheat flour (optional)
  • 375400g water (75–80% hydration), plus extra for adjustments
  • 100g active sourdough starter (100% hydration)
  • 10g sea salt
  • Optional: 50–75g sautéed mushrooms and garlic, cooled; or 2 tbsp mixed seeds

Instructions

  1. Mix the dough: In a large bowl, combine water and starter until dissolved, then add flours and mix until no dry flour remains. Cover and rest for 30 minutes.
  2. Add salt: Sprinkle salt and fold the dough in the bowl.
  3. Bulk fermentation with folds: Perform four sets of stretch-and-folds every 30 minutes for two hours.
  4. Add inclusions: If using, gently fold in mushrooms, garlic, herbs, or seeds.
  5. Shape the loaf: Turn onto a lightly floured surface, pre-shape into a round, rest for 20 minutes, then tighten the shape.
  6. Final proof: Place dough seam-side up in a floured banneton; refrigerate overnight or proof at room temperature for 2–4 hours.
  7. Score and bake: Preheat Dutch oven to 250°C (480°F) for 45 minutes, score dough, and bake covered for 20 minutes, then uncovered at 230°C (450°F) for 20–25 minutes.
  8. Cool properly: Remove from oven and cool on a wire rack for at least 1 hour.

Notes

Use a digital scale for accuracy. Control dough hydration carefully and avoid common baking mistakes like underfeeding the starter.

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

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 150
  • Sugar: 0g
  • Sodium: 400mg
  • Fat: 1g
  • Saturated Fat: 0g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 0g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 5g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: sourdough bread, baking, homemade bread, artisan bread, fermentation