Are you on the sourdough bandwagon yet? Hop on, all the cool kids are doing it. Okay, I’m not going to lie, it’s a process, and it takes time and attention. But it is one of the most satisfying bakes you will pull out of the oven. And that smell, you just can’t beat it! It’s a simple process, but still a process. I’ve created a video to help you along (not going to Hollywood, but I think it’s pretty fun!). Most bakeries that make real sourdough will be happy to share a little starter with you. You can take a look at my other video on how to maintain your starter. Plan to start at least 2 days ahead of when you want your bread unless of course, you bake some every day!
Some tips:
- read the recipe at least twice
- do your best not to overthink this, it will click at some point
- your first might be perfection, your next not so much. that’s how it goes, plan on some fails
Here’s a nice printable recipe (it’s a 2-pager), but be sure to watch the video. It’s a good visual for the steps.
The coolest thing about baking sourdough bread (or any bread!) is you can smell it, and taste it, but you can even hear it and feel it at every stage. It talks to you as it comes out of the oven, crackles and sings. You can feel the starter as you mix it with the water, then more flour. You can feel the change in the dough as you add the salt, the structure it’s creating. It really is a magical thing to make and master. It’s so simple and yet so very complex.
Simple basic tools for baking sourdough bread:
- Kitchen scale (highly recommended)
- Bread flour (but all-purpose is fine if you can’t find bread)
- Warm water
- Sourdough starter
- Large mixing bowl
- Dough scraper (or rubber spatula)
- Clean hands
- Plastic wrap and parchment paper (affiliate link)
- Banneton (affiliate link) (fancy wicker proofing basket) OR
- Tea towels (to line proofing bowls)
- 9″ bowl for proofing (if you don’t have a banneton (affiliate link))
- Large heavy-duty covered dutch oven OR
- Pizza stone
- Spray bottle for water (if using a pizza stone)
- Razorblade or sharp serrated knife
Watch the video, it works with the recipe
But wait! Before you start, does your levain pass the float test?
Simple Sourdough Bread
- Prep Time: 3 days (mostly hands off)
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 72 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 1 large loaf 1x
- Category: Breads
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: World
Description
You will need to prepare for baking a few days ahead of time, be sure your starter passes the float test, and do your best to not overthink this process. Read through the recipe at least twice. Plan on some fails, they happen to us all. Remember, it’s only flour, water and salt, you got this.
Ingredients
- 100g (about 1/2 cup) levain (sourdough that has been fed within the last 8 hours, and passes the float test)
- 300g lukewarm water (scant 1 1/2 cups)
- 50g whole wheat flour (about 1/3 cup)
If you don’t have whole wheat, that’s fine, just use all bread flour - 350g bread flour (approximately 2 3/4 cups) I love Sunrise Flour Mill flour
- 10g kosher salt (affiliate link) (2 teaspoons or 1 1/2 teaspoons if using table or fine sea salt)
Instructions
MIX IT:
1. Mix the levain (starter) and water in a large bowl until well combined. I think your hand is the best tool for this.
2. Add the flours and using your hand like a claw, mix well until no lumps or dry flour remain. Cover loosely and let rest for 20 minutes.
3. After 20 minutes, sprinkle the salt over the hydrated dough, pinch the salt into the flour. This is how you get to know your dough. If it’s feeling tight and very resistant, add small amounts of water (sprinkle some on the dough with your hand). Until it feels nice and elastic. The dough will feel sticky. You should notice the difference in texture once the salt is added.
BULK FERMENTATION:
1. This is the time the dough sits in the bowl, and every 30-45 minutes, you do the flip and turn (see video). Rotating the bowl quarter turns. Do this for about 3-4 hours (total of 6-8 times). This allows the lovely bubbles (and flavor) to develop. At the end of this time, but gentle, you’ve worked hard for those bubbles!
2. The reason for the flip and turn method is to retain the flavor and fermentation of the dough. Time equals gluten development, which is the same as kneading the dough (which we are not doing, in case you haven’t noticed!). I think it lends a lighter, airier dough, and it is entirely satisfying to make (and eat!)
SHAPING THE DOUGH:
Part I: The Pre-shape
1. Using a dough scraper, gently scoop the dough from the bowl onto a lightly floured surface. Do not punch down the dough, and do not add any flour to the top of the dough. Yes, it will feel very sticky, but as you shape it, but it will yield to your commands! Pull all edges into the center of the dough, forming a slightly rounded ball.
2. Using your bench scraper, quickly flip the dough over seam side down. Cover with plastic and allow to bench rest for 10 to 30 minutes until it visibly relaxes.
Part II: The Final Shape
1. To final shape, use the bench scraper to flip the dough over onto a lightly floured surface, seam side up. Starting from the top, tuck the right side to the center, holding it in place while you bring the left side to the center overlapping with the first. Repeat this side-to-side stitching until you reach the bottom of the dough. Roll the bottom toward the center, repeating as necessary until the seam is facing down, tucking as you go to create tension.
2. Flour the top of the loaf generously. Use your bench scraper to pick up the dough and flip it over, seam side up. Cradle it into your proofing basket before covering with a cloth. Cover with plastic and place in the refrigerator to continue developing the flavor for at least 8 hours or up to 24 before baking.
THE BAKE:
Before baking: Remove your loaf from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature for about 1-2 hours. A finger impression should stay in the dough rather than immediately bouncing back. Depending on the temp of your fridge and your kitchen, this may take more or less time to final proof before baking.
1. Preheat a Dutch oven to 480° on the middle rack for at least 20 minutes.
2. Using a sheet of parchment paper (affiliate link), carefully flip your loaf onto it seam side down. You can sprinkle a little flour onto the top before scoring to get a more graphic contrast, smooth away any excess.
3. Using a razor, or serrated knife score the top of the loaf ¼-inch deep to allow the loaf to fully expand and create those fun ‘ears’ while baking.
4. Using the parchment like a sling, carefully lower it into the preheated Dutch oven, pop the lid back on, and return it to the oven (optional: to create even more steam, add a few ice cubes to the bottom of the pan before sliding the bread in).
5. Bake with the lid on for 25 minutes. Remove the lid and lower the oven temperature to 450°. Bake for another 20 to 25 minutes until the crust is a deep golden brown or darker if desired. If you tap on the bottom of the loaf, it should sound hollow.
6. Listen to the loaf as you take it out of the oven, hear that crispy, crackly sound? That’s what it’s all about! ASMR, baby!
7. Cool on a wire rack for at least an hour before slicing into your gorgeous bread.
I promise, if you do this a few times, and expect some fails (trust me, I’ve had many) the whole concept of why this all works will start to make sense. It’s a process, not a lot of work involved, just your attention. It’s so gratifying, especially when the bread tells you it’s perfectly baked in its own crispy crackly language!
Love the crumbs picture at the end of this post!! Thanks for the great tips and coaching. I never saw myself as a sourdough baker until now! We’re loving it! 😊☘️🐰Happy Easter!
You make this look so easy! And I love the music!
I have been running after that sourdough bandwagon all summer, either missing it or falling flat on my face. Thanks to this incredibly informative and easy-to-follow recipe, I’ve now hopped on board with the cool kids. Shelagh, thank you so much!
Hey thanks Julie! Welcome to the cool kid side of the block!