Description
This classic artisan sourdough bread features a crisp, golden crust and an airy, tangy interior created through natural fermentation. Made with just flour, water, salt, and an active sourdough starter, this traditional loaf delivers complex flavor and bakery-quality texture right from your home oven.
Ingredients
Scale
- 500g bread flour
- 350g filtered water (about 75°F/24°C)
- 100g active sourdough starter (bubbly and recently fed)
- 10g fine sea salt
- Optional: 50g whole wheat or rye flour (replace part of bread flour)
Instructions
- If needed, feed your sourdough starter 4 hours before baking until bubbly and doubled in size.
- In a large bowl, mix bread flour and water until no dry flour remains. Cover and rest for 30 minutes (autolyse).
- Add 100g active sourdough starter and mix until incorporated.
- Sprinkle salt over the dough and add a small splash of water if needed. Mix thoroughly until smooth.
- Begin bulk fermentation at room temperature (around 70°F/21°C) for 8–12 hours. Perform stretch-and-folds every 30 minutes during the first 2 hours (about 4 folds total).
- Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface and pre-shape into a round. Rest 30 minutes uncovered.
- Shape tightly into a boule and place seam-side up in a floured banneton basket.
- Refrigerate for 1 hour or up to overnight for enhanced flavor.
- Preheat oven with Dutch oven inside to 500°F (260°C).
- Transfer dough onto parchment paper, score the top with a sharp blade, and carefully place into the hot Dutch oven.
- Bake covered for 20 minutes, then reduce temperature to 450°F (230°C) and bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes until deep golden brown.
- Cool completely on a wire rack before slicing.
Notes
- Use a digital scale for accurate measurements.
- A properly active starter is key to good rise and open crumb.
- Extend cold proofing up to 24 hours for a tangier flavor.
- If you don’t have a Dutch oven, bake on a stone with a tray of boiling water in the oven for steam.
- Store cut-side down at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (85g)
- Calories: 170 kcal
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 220 mg
- Fat: 1 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg