Easy Homemade Sourdough Bread Recipe: A Must-Try Artisan Loaf

Today, we’re sharing a simplified version of a sourdough bread recipe made with premium flour that you can easily find at any grocery store. This loaf features a perfectly crispy crust on the outside and an incredibly soft, airy crumb on the inside. Ready to learn how to bake it?

Ingredients for Sourdough Bread:

• 4 cups (500g) bread flour (a high-quality premium flour works best)
• 1 ½ cups (350ml to 380ml) lukewarm water (the exact amount can vary depending on flour humidity and kitchen environment; start with 350ml and add more if needed)
• 2 teaspoons (10g) salt
• ½ cup (100g) active sourdough starter (fed and bubbly)

Instructions:

1. Start by hydrating the flour with water to facilitate gluten development—a process known as autolyse. Reserve about 3 to 4 tablespoons of the water to incorporate the salt later.
2. Mix the water and flour in a bowl or a plastic bag and let it rest for 30 minutes at room temperature.
3. Add the active sourdough starter to the dough and mix well until fully incorporated.
4. Cover and let it rest for another 30 minutes at room temperature.
5. Dissolve the salt in the reserved water and then incorporate it into the dough; this method prevents the salt from tearing the gluten strands.
6. Cover again and let it rest for another 30 minutes.
7. Perform a series of coil folds or stretch-and-folds on the dough, keeping your hands slightly damp to prevent sticking.
8. Repeat the folding process after another 30 minutes of rest.
9. Cover the dough and let it bulk ferment at room temperature until it has doubled in volume, which may take two to three hours.
10. Shape the dough, place it in a proofing basket or a bowl, and let it undergo a cold ferment in the refrigerator for 12 to 18 hours.
11. Preheat your oven to 500°F (260°C). Bake the bread in a preheated Dutch oven for 20 minutes covered, then remove the lid and bake for another 20 to 25 minutes until deep golden brown.
12. Let the bread cool on a wire rack for at least one hour before slicing.

Pro Tip:

Fermentation times can vary depending on your kitchen’s temperature and the activity level of your sourdough starter. Adjust your timing accordingly.

Did you know?

Those small bubbles (alveoli) in the crumb are a sign of a well-fermented dough, resulting in a complex flavor and a delightful texture.

Try this sourdough bread recipe and be amazed by the results! Enjoy the unique flavor of this crusty-yet-soft artisan loaf—perfect for any meal or simply served with a generous layer of butter. Be patient during the fermentation process; the result is well worth the wait. Happy baking!