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A perfectly baked, rustic sourdough bread with a golden-brown crust and a visible ear.

Sourdough Bread

This recipe guides you through the process of creating a delicious sourdough bread from scratch, emphasizing traditional techniques for a perfect crust and airy interior.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings 8 slices
Calories 220 kcal

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Dough whisk or strong hands
  • Plastic wrap or a damp towel
  • Banneton or a bowl lined with a floured towel
  • Dutch oven
  • Sharp blade (for scoring)

Ingredients
  

Sourdough Starter

  • 100 g active sourdough starter

Final Dough

  • 350 g all-purpose flour
  • 50 g whole wheat flour
  • 300 ml water
  • 10 g salt

Instructions
 

Mixing the Dough

  • In a large bowl, combine the active sourdough starter with water and mix well until the starter is mostly dissolved.
  • Add both all-purpose flour and whole wheat flour to the bowl, then mix them with a dough whisk or your hands until no dry spots remain.
  • Cover the bowl and let the dough rest for 30 minutes to an hour for autolysis, allowing the flour to fully hydrate.

Adding Salt and Bulk Fermentation

  • After the autolysis, add salt to the dough and gently knead it in for 2-3 minutes to ensure even distribution.
  • Perform a series of stretch and folds every 30 minutes for the first 2 hours, then reduce to every hour for another 2-3 hours.
  • Allow the dough to bulk ferment at room temperature (75-78°F / 24-26°C) until it has increased in volume by about 30-50% and feels airy.

Shaping and Proofing

  • Gently turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and pre-shape it into a round or oval, resting it for 20-30 minutes.
  • Perform the final shaping and transfer the dough to a floured banneton or a bowl lined with a floured towel, seam-side up.
  • Proof the dough in the refrigerator for 12-18 hours, or until it is well-risen and passes the poke test.

Baking the Bread

  • Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C) with a Dutch oven inside for at least 30-60 minutes.
  • Carefully transfer the cold dough from the banneton into the hot Dutch oven, score the top with a sharp blade, and cover.
  • Bake covered for 20 minutes, then remove the lid and continue baking for another 20-25 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 200-210°F (93-99°C).
  • Cool the bread on a wire rack for at least 1-2 hours before slicing to allow the crumb to set and prevent gumminess.

Notes

Ensure your sourdough starter is very active and bubbly before you begin. A warm environment is crucial for successful bulk fermentation. Don't rush the cooling process; it's essential for the final texture of the bread.