Basic Sourdough Bread
Master the art of the perfect loaf with this simple, crusty, and tangy sourdough bread that relies on a bubbly active starter.
Ingredients
- •100g active sourdough starter (fed and bubbly)
- •350g warm water
- •500g bread flour
- •10g fine sea salt
Instructions
- 1
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the active sourdough starter and warm water until the starter is mostly dissolved.
- 2
Add the bread flour and salt to the liquid, mixing with a sturdy spoon or your hands until a shaggy, cohesive dough forms.
- 3
Cover the bowl with a damp cloth and let the dough rest for 30 minutes.
- 4
Perform a series of 'stretch and folds' by grabbing the edge of the dough, pulling it upward, and folding it over the center; rotate the bowl and repeat four times. Do this every 30 minutes for a total of 4 sets.
- 5
Cover the bowl and let the dough rise at room temperature until it has increased in volume by about 50%, which usually takes 4 to 6 hours.
- 6
Gently shape the dough into a tight round ball on a lightly floured surface, then place it seam-side up into a floured proofing basket or a bowl lined with a floured kitchen towel.
- 7
Cover and refrigerate for 8 to 12 hours for a slow cold proof to develop flavor.
- 8
Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) with a Dutch oven inside for at least 45 minutes.
- 9
Carefully turn the dough out onto parchment paper, score the top with a sharp blade or knife, and place it into the hot Dutch oven.
- 10
Bake covered for 20 minutes, then remove the lid and bake for another 20 to 25 minutes until the crust is deep golden brown.
💡 Chef tips
- Ensure your starter is at its peak activity—doubled in size and full of bubbles—before mixing to guarantee a good rise.
- For a deeper, more complex flavor, allow the dough to ferment in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
- Always let the bread cool completely on a wire rack for at least 2 hours before slicing to prevent a gummy interior.
✅ How it should turn out
The finished loaf will have a blistered, deeply caramelized crust, an airy and chewy crumb, and a signature tangy aroma that is delicious when toasted with butter.