Sourdough Bread
Ingredients
- 300 g bread flour 
2 1/4 c.
- 100 g whole wheat flour
3/4 c.
- 340 g water
room temperature, scant 1 1/2 c.
- 100 g starter
1/4 c. plus 3 tbsp.
- 12 g fine sea salt
1 3/4 tsp.
- All-purpose flour
for dusting
- Coarse cornmeal or sesame seeds
for crust
Directions
- 1
Autolyse: In a large mixing bowl, stir together flours and water with your hands until well combined. Cover and set aside in a warm part of your kitchen, ideally 78°, for at least 1 hour, up to 3 hours.
- 2
Bake: Place a Dutch oven into the center of your oven and preheat oven to 500°. Once preheated, using long oven mitts, remove pot from oven and sprinkle bottom of pot with a generous layer of cornmeal or sesame seeds.
Sourdough Bread
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Based on 36 ratings
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About this Recipe
Craving the distinct aroma and satisfying chew of fresh, homemade sourdough bread? This recipe invites you into the rewarding world of artisan baking, delivering a beautifully crafted loaf that's worth every moment.
Why This Recipe Works
This sourdough recipe lays the foundation for a truly exceptional loaf, emphasizing quality ingredients that contribute to its unique character. By combining bread flour for structure and whole wheat flour for depth, you'll achieve a complex flavor profile and a satisfying texture. The heart of this recipe, of course, is a vibrant sourdough starter, which lends its signature tang and helps create that coveted open crumb.
What to Expect
Prepare for an incredibly rewarding experience that culminates in a loaf with a perfectly crackling crust and a wonderfully airy, chewy interior. Each slice will offer that unmistakable tangy flavor characteristic of a well-fermented sourdough. While the total process spans nearly a full day, much of that is hands-off time, allowing the natural magic of fermentation to transform simple ingredients into something extraordinary. This bread is a true testament to patience and the power of natural leavening.
Customization & Variations
While the specified flour blend creates a superb loaf, you can gently experiment with the crust by using either coarse cornmeal for a rustic feel or sesame seeds for an added nutty aroma and visual appeal. For a slightly different crumb, you could subtly adjust the ratio of bread flour to whole wheat flour based on your personal preference for density and chew.
Serving & Context
This homemade sourdough bread is perfect for virtually any occasion, whether it's the centerpiece of a holiday meal or a simple addition to your everyday breakfast. Serve it alongside a rich soup, with your favorite cheese and charcuterie, or simply toasted with a generous spread of butter. You'll love sharing this impressive loaf with family and friends.