How to Make Sourdough Bread: A Beginner’s Guide
Making sourdough bread from scratch is a rewarding and delicious experience. Unlike commercial breads, sourdough relies on natural fermentation to develop its signature tangy flavor and chewy texture. Follow this step-by-step guide to create your own homemade sourdough loaf.
Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients
You only need a few basic ingredients:
- 500g (4 cups) bread flour
- 350g (1 ½ cups) water
- 100g (½ cup) active sourdough starter
- 10g (2 tsp) salt
Step 2: Prepare Your Starter
Ensure your sourdough starter is active and bubbly. If it's been stored in the fridge, feed it 4–6 hours before baking until it doubles in size.
Step 3: Mix the Dough
- In a large bowl, mix the flour and water until combined. Let it rest for 30–45 minutes (autolyse phase).
- Add the sourdough starter and salt, mixing thoroughly until incorporated.
Step 4: Bulk Fermentation & Stretch and Folds
- Cover the dough and let it rest at room temperature for 4–6 hours.
- Every 30–45 minutes, perform a “stretch and fold” by gently pulling one side of the dough and folding it over itself. Repeat on all sides to build structure.
Step 5: Shaping the Dough
- Lightly flour a surface and shape the dough into a round or oval loaf.
- Place the dough in a proofing basket or bowl lined with a floured towel.
Step 6: Final Proofing
- Let the dough proof for 1–2 hours at room temperature or overnight in the refrigerator for better flavor and texture.
Step 7: Baking the Bread
- Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C) and place a Dutch oven inside.
- Transfer the dough onto parchment paper and score the top with a sharp knife or razor.
- Carefully place the dough into the hot Dutch oven, cover, and bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove the lid and bake for another 20–25 minutes until golden brown.
- Let the bread cool on a wire rack before slicing.
Enjoy Your Homemade Sourdough!
With practice, you’ll refine your technique and experiment with different flours and hydration levels. Homemade sourdough is not only delicious but also a healthier alternative to store-bought bread. Happy baking!
