How to make real homemade Sourdough Bread (Simple Step-by-Step Recipe for beginners )

Beginner Sourdough Bread (Simple Step-by-Step Recipe)

If you’ve ever wanted to make homemade sourdough bread but felt intimidated, this beginner-friendly recipe is the perfect place to start. With just four simple ingredients and a few easy techniques, you can create a beautiful loaf with a crisp crust and soft, airy interior.

This method skips complicated steps and focuses on a straightforward process that works well even if you’re new to sourdough baking.

Ingredients

• 500 g bread flour

• 350 g water

• 100 g active sourdough starter

• 10 g salt

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Step 1: Mix the Dough

In a large bowl, combine the water and sourdough starter, stirring until the starter is mostly dissolved.

Add the bread flour and mix until no dry flour remains. Sprinkle in the salt and continue mixing until everything is fully incorporated. The dough will look shaggy and slightly sticky, which is completely normal.

Cover the bowl and let the dough rest.

Time: about 5 minutes.

Step 2: Bulk Fermentation

During bulk fermentation the dough develops strength and begins to rise.

After 30 minutes, perform your first stretch and fold. Grab one side of the dough, stretch it upward, and fold it over the center. Rotate the bowl and repeat until you’ve done this about four times.

Repeat this process 3 more times at 30-minute intervals.

After the final stretch and fold, let the dough continue resting until it looks puffier and slightly jiggly. The dough should increase in size by about 30–50%.

Total bulk fermentation time: 3–4 hours.

Step 3: Shape the Dough

Lightly flour your work surface and gently turn the dough out of the bowl.

Fold the edges of the dough toward the center to form a rough ball. Flip it over so the smooth side faces up and gently pull the dough toward you to create tension on the surface.

Place the shaped dough into a floured banneton basket or bowl.

Time: about 5 minutes.

Step 4: Cold Proof

Cover the dough and place it in the refrigerator.

Cold proofing slows fermentation and develops deeper sourdough flavor while making the dough easier to bake the next day.

Cold proof time: 8–16 hours.

Step 5: Bake

Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C) with a Dutch oven inside for at least 30 minutes.

Turn the dough out onto parchment paper and score the top with a sharp blade. Carefully transfer the dough into the hot Dutch oven.

Bake covered for 20 minutes, then remove the lid and continue baking for another 20–25 minutes until the crust is deep golden brown.

Allow the bread to cool before slicing.

Fresh sourdough bread is one of the most rewarding things you can bake at home. Once you make your first loaf, the process quickly becomes second nature and each bake gets better.