Simple Sourdough Bread Recipe

Mak Erot

4 min read

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Apr 02, 2025

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Simple Sourdough Bread Recipe: A Beginner's Guide to Crusty Perfection

Are you dreaming of that perfect, crusty sourdough loaf? Don't be intimidated! This simple sourdough bread recipe is designed for beginners, guiding you through each step with clear instructions and helpful tips. Forget complicated techniques – we're focusing on delicious, homemade bread with minimal fuss.

What You'll Need: Ingredients & Equipment

Before we dive in, let's gather everything you need. This recipe makes one medium-sized loaf.

Ingredients:

• Starter: 100g active sourdough starter (fed 4-6 hours prior) – This is crucial! Your starter's activity directly impacts the final result.
• Water: 300g lukewarm water (around 75-80°F or 24-27°C) – Too hot and you'll kill your yeast, too cold and it'll be sluggish.
• Bread Flour: 500g – Bread flour's higher protein content gives you a stronger gluten structure for a better rise.
• Salt: 10g – Don't skip the salt! It controls yeast activity and enhances flavor.

Equipment:

• Large mixing bowl: For mixing the dough.
• Scraper or spatula: For handling the dough.
• Clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap: For covering the dough during bulk fermentation.
• Proofing basket (banneton): Highly recommended, but a bowl lined with a floured kitchen towel works too.
• Dutch oven (or oven-safe pot): For baking – this creates steam for a crispier crust.
• Parchment paper: Makes removing the bread easier.

Step-by-Step Instructions: Making Your Sourdough Loaf

Let's bake! Follow these steps carefully for optimal results.

Step 1: Autolyse (Mixing the Flour and Water)

1. In your large mixing bowl, combine the flour and water. Mix with your hands or a spatula until just combined – it will be shaggy and sticky.
2. Cover the bowl and let it rest for 30-60 minutes. This autolyse step allows the flour to fully hydrate, resulting in a more developed gluten structure.

Step 2: Mixing the Dough

1. Add your active sourdough starter and salt to the autolysed dough.
2. Using your hands or a spatula, mix thoroughly until the dough is well combined and somewhat smooth. This may take 5-10 minutes. Don't worry about perfection; some inconsistencies are okay.

Step 3: Bulk Fermentation

1. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap.
2. Let the dough rise at room temperature (around 70-75°F or 21-24°C) for 4-6 hours, or until it has almost doubled in size. The dough should be bubbly and slightly puffy. This timing can vary depending on your starter's activity and room temperature.

Step 4: Shaping and Proofing

1. Gently turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface.
2. Shape the dough into a round or oval loaf. There are many techniques for shaping; a simple fold-over method works well for beginners.
3. Place the shaped dough in a floured banneton or a bowl lined with a floured kitchen towel. Cover and let it proof in the refrigerator for 12-18 hours. This cold proof improves flavor and structure.

Step 5: Baking

1. Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C) with your Dutch oven inside.
2. Carefully remove the hot Dutch oven from the oven.
3. Gently flip the dough from the banneton into the Dutch oven. Use parchment paper to make this easier.
4. Score the top of the loaf with a sharp knife or lame. This helps control the expansion during baking.
5. Cover the Dutch oven and bake for 20 minutes.
6. Remove the lid and bake for another 25-30 minutes, or until the crust is deeply golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 205-210°F (96-99°C).

Step 6: Cooling and Enjoying

1. Remove the bread from the Dutch oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack before slicing and serving. This allows the crumb to set properly.

Tips for Success

• Starter Activity: A strong, active starter is essential. Make sure it's bubbly and has at least doubled in size after feeding.
• Room Temperature: Consistent room temperature is important for consistent fermentation.
• Hydration: The dough should be fairly wet. Don't be afraid of stickiness.
• Patience: Sourdough takes time. Don't rush the process!

This simple sourdough bread recipe provides a fantastic starting point. Experiment with different flours, hydration levels, and baking times to discover your perfect sourdough loaf. Enjoy the journey of baking your own delicious, homemade bread!