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Sourdough Bread 101: Secrets to Perfect Homemade Loaves

Sourdough Bread : Secrets to Perfect Homemade Loaves


  • Author: Michael
  • Total Time: 13 hrs
  • Yield: 1 loaf 1x

Description

A rustic artisan-style Sourdough Bread with a crisp golden crust and soft, chewy interior  naturally leavened using an active sourdough starter for that perfect tang and texture.


Ingredients

Scale

100g active sourdough starter (100% hydration)

350g warm water

500g bread flour

10g salt


Instructions

1. In a large bowl, mix starter and warm water until mostly dissolved.

2. Add flour and mix until a shaggy dough forms. Cover and rest for 30 minutes (autolyse).

3. Add salt and gently knead or pinch into the dough until incorporated.

4. Perform 3–4 sets of stretch-and-folds every 30 minutes over the next 2 hours.

5. Cover and let the dough rise at room temperature until it has increased by about 50%, roughly 4–6 hours depending on room temperature.

6. Shape the dough into a round or oval loaf and place seam-side up in a floured banneton or towel-lined bowl.

7. Cover and refrigerate overnight (8–12 hours) for slow fermentation and flavor development.

8. Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C) with a Dutch oven inside for at least 30 minutes.

9. Carefully transfer dough onto parchment paper, score the top with a sharp blade, and place into the hot Dutch oven.

10. Bake covered for 20 minutes, then uncover and bake an additional 20–25 minutes until golden and crusty.

11. Cool on a wire rack for at least 1 hour before slicing.

Notes

For a more open crumb, use slightly higher hydration (up to 375g water).

You can replace up to 20% of the bread flour with whole wheat for extra flavor.

Store wrapped in a tea towel or bread bag for up to 3 days, or freeze slices for longer storage.

For extra-crispy crust, reheat baked loaf in a 400°F oven for 10 minutes before serving.

  • Prep Time: 30 mins (plus 12–18 hrs fermentation)
  • Cook Time: 45 mins
  • Category: Bread
  • Method: Baked
  • Cuisine: European

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 190
  • Sugar: 0g
  • Sodium: 220mg
  • Fat: 1g
  • Saturated Fat: 0g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 1g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 6g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: sourdough bread, artisan loaf, natural leaven, homemade bread, crusty sourdough