How To Make The Perfect Sourdough Bread
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How To Make the Perfect Sourdough Bread 🍞💫
Are you ready to bake sourdough bread so good, it’ll make even your grandma jealous? 😍 If you’ve ever dreamed of mastering a loaf with a golden crust, an airy crumb, and that irresistible tang, this is the guide you need.
But wait, why sourdough? Well, sourdough isn’t just bread; it’s a living, breathing work of art. 🌾 With just three simple ingredients—flour, water, and salt—you’ll create a loaf that’s healthier, tastier, and honestly, a little magical.✨
So, grab your apron and let’s get into it. Here’s how to make the perfect sourdough bread from scratch!
📝 What You’ll Need
- Active Sourdough Starter (about 100g) – your starter is the soul of sourdough 🍶
- Bread Flour – 500g (or all-purpose in a pinch, but bread flour is better)
- Water – 350ml, lukewarm 💧
- Salt – 10g 🧂
🥖 Step-by-Step Recipe for the Perfect Sourdough Bread
🌿 1. Feed Your Starter
Make sure your starter is bubbly and active. Feed it 4–6 hours before baking. If it doubles in size, it’s ready!
🍶 2. Mix the Dough
In a large bowl, combine 500g flour, 350ml water, and 100g of your active starter. Mix until a shaggy dough forms. Let it rest for 30 minutes (this is called “autolyse” and helps gluten development).
🧂 3. Add Salt
Sprinkle 10g salt over the dough and mix thoroughly with wet hands. You can use a “pinch and fold” method to evenly incorporate the salt.
💪 4. Bulk Fermentation & Stretch and Folds
- Cover the bowl and let the dough ferment at room temperature for 4–5 hours.
- Every 30–60 minutes, perform a “stretch and fold”: grab one side of the dough, stretch it up, and fold it over. Rotate the bowl and repeat 4 times. This strengthens the gluten.
🌙 5. Shape & Overnight Rise
- Turn the dough out onto a floured surface, gently shape into a round or oval.
- Place it into a floured banneton or bowl lined with a tea towel.
- Cover and refrigerate overnight (8–12 hours) for a cold retard—this enhances flavor and texture!
🔥 6. Preheat & Score
- Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C) with a Dutch oven inside.
- Once preheated, carefully remove the Dutch oven, place the dough inside, and score the top with a razor blade or sharp knife (this controls the expansion).
⏲️ 7. Bake
- Bake covered for 20 minutes to trap steam.
- Uncover and bake for another 20–25 minutes, or until deep golden brown.
- Let it cool on a rack for at least 1 hour (seriously—this helps the crumb set!).
💡 Top Tips for Sourdough Success
🌿 Use a mature starter – Your starter should be well-fed and active. If it smells like sweet yogurt or overripe fruit, you’re good to go.
💧 Hydration is key – If your dough feels too stiff, add a little more water. Wetter dough gives a better open crumb.
🔥 Use a Dutch oven – This mimics a professional steam oven and creates that signature crust.
🌙 Don’t skip the overnight cold ferment – This step builds incredible flavor and texture. It’s worth the wait! ⏳
🔪 Score creatively – Try different patterns for a bakery-worthy look.
❓ Common Questions & Answers
🤔 Why is my sourdough bread dense?
Dense bread is often due to under-proofing, inactive starter, or not enough gluten development. Make sure your starter is active, use stretch and folds, and give the dough enough time to ferment.
🤔 Can I use whole wheat flour?
Absolutely! Mix up to 30% whole wheat for a heartier loaf. Just note that it’ll ferment faster and might need a touch more water.
🤔 How do I know my starter is ready?
Do the float test! Drop a spoonful of starter into water. If it floats, it’s ready. If it sinks, feed it and wait a few more hours.
🤔 How do I store my sourdough bread?
Keep it in a paper bag or wrapped in a tea towel at room temperature for 1–2 days. For longer storage, slice and freeze.
🌟 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✅ Incredible flavor – Deep, tangy, and satisfying.
✅ Crunchy crust & airy crumb – Artisan bakery quality at home.
✅ Healthier – Naturally fermented and easier to digest.
✅ Budget-friendly – Just flour, water, and salt!
✅ Impressive – Your family and friends will think you’re a pro baker! 🏆
📣 Final Thoughts
Making the perfect sourdough bread isn’t just about following steps—it’s about embracing the process. Every loaf you bake teaches you something new, and soon you’ll be creating your own signature breads. 🌿
So, get started today—feed your starter, set aside some time, and craft a loaf that’s as delicious as it is beautiful. Your kitchen is about to smell AMAZING. 😋🍞
💬 Got questions or tips to share? Drop them in the comments!
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