Beginner Sourdough Bread Recipe
This beginner sourdough bread recipe guides you through making a simple, crusty loaf using a natural sourdough starter. Perfect for those new to sourdough baking, it involves mixing four basic ingredients, allowing the dough to proof, shaping it, and baking until golden and crusty. The result is a rustic artisan bread with a tangy flavor and chewy texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 5 to 7 hours (including proofing)
- Yield: 1 medium loaf (about 800 grams) 1x
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Artisan
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Starter
- 100 grams active sourdough starter
Dough
- 500 grams all-purpose or bread flour
- 350 milliliters water (room temperature)
- 10 grams salt
Instructions
- Mix Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the sourdough starter with the water and mix until the starter dissolves. Add the flour and salt, and stir until a shaggy dough forms. Knead gently for a few minutes until cohesive but still slightly sticky.
- Proof and Shape: Cover the dough with a damp cloth or plastic wrap and let it proof at room temperature for 4 to 6 hours, allowing it to nearly double in size. After the first rise, turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface, gently shape it into a round loaf, and let it rest for about 30 to 60 minutes for a final proof.
- Bake Until Crusty: Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) with a Dutch oven or heavy baking vessel inside. Once hot, place the dough into the preheated vessel, cover with a lid, and bake for 20 minutes. Then remove the lid and bake for an additional 20 to 25 minutes until the crust is deep golden and crisp. Cool on a wire rack before slicing.
Notes
- Ensure your sourdough starter is active and bubbly for best results.
- Use a kitchen scale to measure ingredients accurately.
- Hydration level can be adjusted slightly depending on flour absorption.
- Let bread cool completely before slicing to maintain crumb structure.
- Storing bread in a paper bag helps preserve the crust.
Keywords: sourdough bread, beginner recipe, artisan bread, homemade bread, natural leavening, crusty bread
Find it online: https://zestywithzane.com/beginner-sourdough-bread-recipe/
