Sourdough Bread for Beginners
Have you been wanting to make a delicious loaf of sourdough bread? I know how intimidating it can be but I’m here to tell you, it’s simple! You’ll see many “rules” when it comes to sourdough but it’s OK to break them!
This is the sourdough recipe I follow that is tried and true! It’s baked me dozens of delicious loaves of bread. This recipe does bake 2 loaves (I like to freeze one) but you can always cut the ingredients in half if you don’t want 2 loaves.
Sourdough Bread Recipe (2 loaves):
Mix 2 1/2 cups water with 2 cups active sourdough starter. Whisk together to dissolve starter into water. Your starter should float (this is how you know it’s ready to bake with).
Add in 6 cups of bread flour (I like King Arthur unbleached organic bread flour). Cover with a dish towel and let sit for 1 hour.
After the hour has passed, with wet hands mix in 2 tsp salt. Cover and let sit for another hour.
After the hour has passed, you’re going to start your stretch and folds. You’ll do this 4 times for 2 hours (every 30 minutes).
After you’ve completed all 4 rounds of stretch and folds, cover and let it rest for 2 hours.
Flour your surface and shape your dough.
Now it’s time for your final proof - you can let it sit covered on the counter for 2 hours OR you can place it covered in the fridge for at least 6 hours.
Preheat your oven to 500F with the Dutch oven inside. Bake for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, turn your oven down to 450F and bake for an additional 20-30 minutes.
Let cool (if you can) and enjoy!
If you’re a visual person, you can watch this reel or follow along on my Sourdough bread highlight on Instagram.
happy baking!
