The Best Homemade Sourdough Bread Recipe
What You’ll Love About This Recipe
This homemade sourdough bread recipe is perfect for anyone looking to create something wholesome and delicious. You’ll love how simple, rewarding, and flavorful it is, even if you’re new to baking.
- Simple Ingredients: Made with just flour, water, salt, and a bit of starter, it’s as natural as it gets.
- Rewarding Process: Watching your dough rise and smelling the fresh bread bake is unbeatable.
- Incredible Flavor: The tangy, rustic taste of sourdough is worth every bit of effort.
Recipe
Sourdough bread is a delicious, tangy, and crusty loaf made with a natural fermented starter. This traditional method requires patience but rewards with incredible flavor and texture.
Ingredients:
- 100g active sourdough starter
- 375g warm water
- 500g bread flour
- 10g salt
Instructions:
- Mix the starter and water in a large bowl until dissolved.
- Add flour and salt, stirring until a shaggy dough forms.
- Cover and let rest for 30 minutes.
- Perform a series of stretch-and-folds every 30 minutes for 2 hours.
- Cover and let the dough rise at room temperature for 6–12 hours, until doubled.
- Shape the dough into a round loaf and place it in a floured proofing basket.
- Cover and refrigerate for 1–2 hours or let it proof at room temperature for 1 hour.
- Preheat a Dutch oven in a 450°F (230°C) oven for 30 minutes.
- Transfer the dough to the hot Dutch oven, score the top, and bake covered for 20 minutes.
- Remove the lid and bake for another 20–25 minutes until deep golden brown.
- Cool on a wire rack for at least 1 hour before slicing.
Notes:
- Starter should be bubbly and active before use.
- Adjust proofing time based on room temperature.
Equipment:
- Large mixing bowl
- Dutch oven
- Proofing basket (banneton)
- Bench scraper
Time:
- Prep time: 30 minutes
- Cooking time: 45 minutes
- Total time: 10–15 hours (including fermentation)
Cuisine:
– Artisan Bread
Serving:
– 1 loaf (about 8–10 slices)
Nutrition
Nutritional information for homemade sourdough bread can vary based on ingredients and serving size. Below is an approximate breakdown per slice (about 50g).
| Nutrient | Amount per Slice |
|---|---|
| Calories | 120 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 24 g |
| Protein | 4 g |
| Fat | 0.5 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sodium | 200 mg |
What To Serve With It
I love pairing my homemade sourdough with hearty soups like tomato basil or creamy potato, as they complement its tangy flavor perfectly. A well-chosen cheese, such as sharp cheddar or creamy brie, can also turn a simple slice into a delightful snack. Experimenting with different combinations keeps things exciting and lets me discover new favorites.
Soup Pairings
There’s something truly comforting about pairing a warm slice of homemade sourdough with a hearty bowl of soup, don’t you think? I love dipping crusty bread into creamy soups like potato leek or tomato bisque—the tangy sourdough balances the richness perfectly. On warmer days, cold soups like gazpacho or cucumber dill are invigorating, and the bread adds a satisfying chew. Whether it’s a chunky minestrone or a silky butternut squash, sourdough’s sturdy texture holds up beautifully. Trust me, once you try this combo, you’ll never want soup without it. What’s your favorite pairing? Mine’s a classic French onion—irresistible!
Cheese Selection
Just as sourdough makes a fantastic companion to soup, it’s also a star when paired with cheese. I love exploring how different flavor profiles come alive when matched with that tangy, crusty bread. A sharp cheddar, aged to perfection, offers a bold contrast that’s hard to resist. For something milder, a creamy brie melts beautifully, creating a gooey, indulgent bite. Aged gouda, with its caramel-like notes, is another favorite—it’s like a flavor party in your mouth. Don’t forget a tangy goat cheese or a nutty gruyère, each bringing its own unique charm. Cheese and sourdough? A match made in food heaven.
