There’s nothing quite like the smell of freshly baked bread, and this sourdough bread recipe is a true classic. With its crisp golden crust and chewy, tangy interior, sourdough has been treasured for centuries across cultures. What makes it extra special is that it doesn’t rely on commercial yeast — instead, it’s crafted with a natural starter, giving it unique flavor and health benefits. Whether you’re a first-time baker or already love making bread at home, this sourdough bread recipe is a must-try.
Why You’ll Love This Sourdough Bread Recipe
- Only a few ingredients – Just flour, water, salt, and starter. Simple, wholesome, and easy to source.
- Amazing flavor – Naturally fermented for a tangy, complex taste you won’t get from regular bread.
- Beautiful artisan look – That rustic crackly crust makes every loaf bakery-worthy.
- Healthier choice – Easier to digest, with beneficial probiotics from the fermentation process.
- Beginner-friendly – With the right steps, anyone can bake it at home.
Ingredients Needed for Perfect Sourdough Bread Recipe
- Active sourdough starter – The heart of this bread, providing natural fermentation and rise.
- Bread flour – High protein content for strength and structure.
- Water – Hydrates the flour and helps create an open crumb.
- Salt – Enhances flavor and strengthens gluten development.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Sourdough Bread Recipe
- Feed your starter the night before, ensuring it’s bubbly and active.
- Mix the dough by combining flour, water, and starter. Let it rest (autolyse) for about 30 minutes.
- Add salt and incorporate well.
- Stretch and fold the dough every 30 minutes for 2–3 hours to build strength.
- Bulk ferment at room temperature until the dough doubles in size.
- Shape the dough into a round loaf and place it in a floured proofing basket.
- Cold proof overnight in the refrigerator for enhanced flavor.
- Preheat your oven with a Dutch oven inside for at least 30 minutes.
- Score the loaf with a sharp blade, then bake covered at high heat to trap steam.
- Remove the lid midway through baking to achieve a golden crust.
Expert Tip: For a crispier crust, let the bread cool completely on a wire rack before slicing. Cutting too early releases steam and makes the loaf gummy.
Recipe Tips & Variations
- Add seeds like sesame, flax, or sunflower for extra crunch.
- Mix in dried fruit and nuts for a sweet variation.
- Swap some bread flour with whole wheat for a hearty texture.
- Use herbs like rosemary or thyme for a savory twist.
How to Store & Reheat
- Room temperature: Keep the bread wrapped in a clean kitchen towel or paper bag for up to 2 days.
- Longer storage: Slice and freeze in a zip-top bag. Reheat in the oven or toaster directly from frozen.
- Reheating: Warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10 minutes to restore crustiness.
Similar Recipes You’ll Love
If you enjoyed making this sourdough bread recipe, you’ll love trying a few other homemade bread favorites. For a cozy fall classic, bake this warm and spiced Pumpkin Bread Recipe. If you’re in the mood for something savory, chewy, and topped with herbs, this Focaccia Recipe is a must-try. Each recipe brings its own unique flavor and texture, perfect for expanding your bread-baking skills!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I make sourdough bread without a Dutch oven?
Yes! Bake on a baking stone with a tray of water at the bottom of the oven to create steam.
2. How do I know if my sourdough starter is ready?
It should be bubbly, doubled in size, and float in water when tested.
3. Why is my sourdough bread dense?
Likely due to under-proofing or an inactive starter. Make sure your starter is strong before baking.
4. Can I use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour?
Yes, but bread flour gives better structure and rise. You may notice a slightly softer loaf with all-purpose.
This sourdough bread recipe is the perfect way to bring the magic of artisan baking into your kitchen. With a few simple ingredients and patience, you’ll have a loaf that looks, smells, and tastes like it came straight from a bakery. Give it a try, share your results, and don’t forget to check out more homemade recipes for your next baking adventure!
Sourdough Bread Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup 200g active sourdough starter
- 4 cups 500g bread flour
- 1 ½ cups 360ml water, room temperature
- 2 tsp 10g salt
Instructions
- Feed your starter the night before baking until bubbly and active.
- In a large bowl, mix flour, water, and starter. Let rest 30 minutes (autolyse).
- Add salt and mix until incorporated.
- Perform stretch and folds every 30 minutes for 2–3 hours.
- Cover and let the dough rise until doubled (bulk fermentation).
- Shape into a round loaf and place in a floured proofing basket.
- Refrigerate overnight for slow fermentation.
- Preheat oven to 475°F (245°C) with Dutch oven inside.
- Score dough, transfer to Dutch oven, cover, and bake 20 minutes.
- Remove lid and bake another 20–25 minutes until golden brown.
- Cool on a wire rack at least 1 hour before slicing.