The Best Sourdough Bread Recipe With Starter

What You’ll Love About This Recipe

There’s something magical about making your own sourdough bread, and this recipe makes it simple and rewarding. You’ll love how the tangy flavor fills your kitchen, the crust turns perfectly crispy, and the process feels like a cozy, hands-on adventure. Plus, nothing beats the pride of slicing into a loaf you made from scratch!

Recipe

Sourdough bread is a traditional bread made using a fermented starter, giving it a distinct tangy flavor and chewy texture. This recipe guides you through the process of making sourdough bread from scratch, including preparing the starter, shaping the dough, and baking it to perfection.

Ingredients:

• 100g active sourdough starter
• 375g water (lukewarm)
• 500g bread flour
• 10g salt

Instructions:

1. Mix the Dough: In a large bowl, combine the sourdough starter and water. Mix until the starter is dissolved. Add the bread flour and salt, and mix until a shaggy dough forms. Cover the bowl with a damp cloth and let it rest for 30 minutes.
2. Knead the Dough: After resting, knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Place the dough back in the bowl, cover, and let it rise for 4-6 hours at room temperature, folding the dough every hour.
3. Shape the Dough: Once the dough has doubled in size, gently shape it into a round loaf. Place it in a floured proofing basket or bowl, seam side up. Cover and let it proof for 2-4 hours at room temperature or overnight in the refrigerator.
4. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C) with a Dutch oven or baking stone inside.
5. Bake the Bread: Carefully transfer the dough to the preheated Dutch oven. Score the top with a sharp knife or lame. Cover with the lid and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the lid and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes until the crust is golden brown.
6. Cool: Allow the bread to cool on a wire rack for at least 1 hour before slicing.

Notes:

• Verify your sourdough starter is active and bubbly before starting.
• Adjust the proofing time based on the temperature of your kitchen.

Equipment:

• Large mixing bowl
• Proofing basket or bowl
• Dutch oven or baking stone
• Sharp knife or lame
• Wire rack

Time:

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
• Total Time: 7-12 hours (including proofing)

Cuisine:

Traditional

Serving:

1 loaf (approximately 8-10 slices)

Nutrition

Sourdough bread is a nutritious and wholesome option for bread lovers. Below is the nutritional information per serving.

Calories: 200

Total Fat: 1.5g

Saturated Fat: 0.2g

Cholesterol: 0mg

Sodium: 300mg

Total Carbohydrates: 38g

Dietary Fiber: 2g

Sugars: 1g

Protein: 6g

What To Serve With It

I love pairing my sourdough bread with classic options like butter and jam, but I’ve also had fun experimenting with creative combinations like avocado toast or roasted garlic spread. The tangy flavor of sourdough makes it versatile, so it’s perfect for both simple snacks and bold, fancy toppings. Let’s explore some ideas to make your bread even more delicious!

Classic Pairings

When you’ve got a fresh loaf of sourdough, it’s hard not to tear right into it—but pairing it with the right foods can turn a simple slice into something special. I love honoring sourdough history by keeping it simple: a smear of butter, a drizzle of honey, or a slice of aged cheddar. For breakfast, toast it and top with avocado or jam—just don’t forget to feed your starter afterward! A bowl of soup or a crisp salad turns sourdough into a meal. These classic combos let the bread’s tangy flavor shine, proving sometimes less really is more.

Creative Combinations

Though I’m a fan of keeping things simple, sometimes it’s fun to get adventurous with sourdough and experiment with unexpected pairings. Try slathering toasted slices with creamy avocado and a sprinkle of chili flakes for a spicy kick, or top them with ricotta, honey, and toasted nuts for sweet-and-savory flavor experimentation. For texture variations, layer crunchy bacon with ripe figs or pair crispy fried eggs with tangy goat cheese. Even dessert gets a twist—warm sourdough with melted chocolate and sea salt is irresistible. Don’t be afraid to mix and match; the best combos often come from playful creativity!