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Loaf of freshly baked homemade sourdough bread on a wooden table.

Sourdough Bread

A delightful homemade sourdough bread with a crispy crust and chewy interior, perfect for sandwiches, toast, or enjoying with butter.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 12 slices
Course: Bread, Snack
Cuisine: American, Baking
Calories: 120

Ingredients
  

Bread Ingredients
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour For the main structure of the bread.
  • 1 cup whole wheat flour Adds a nuttier flavor and texture.
  • 1/2 cup sourdough starter Must be active and bubbly.
  • 1 1/2 cups water Room temperature.
  • 2 teaspoons salt Enhances flavor.

Method
 

Mixing the Ingredients
  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and whole wheat flour.
  2. Add the sourdough starter and mix it in.
  3. Gradually pour in the water while stirring until everything comes together into a shaggy dough.
Autolyse
  1. Cover the bowl with a damp cloth and let it rest for about 30 minutes.
Kneading
  1. After resting, add the salt to the dough and mix well to incorporate.
  2. Knead the dough for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
First Rise
  1. Place the dough into a lightly greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise at room temperature for 4-6 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
Shaping
  1. Once risen, gently punch down the dough to release some air, then shape it into a round loaf.
  2. Place the shaped dough on a floured surface, cover it, and let it rest for another 30 minutes.
Baking
  1. Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) and place a Dutch oven inside to heat up.
  2. After resting, carefully transfer the dough into the hot Dutch oven, cover with the lid, and bake for 30 minutes.
  3. Remove the lid and bake for an additional 15 minutes until the bread is golden brown.
  4. Carefully remove the bread from the Dutch oven and let it cool on a wire rack before slicing.

Notes

Store sourdough in a paper bag at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, wrap in plastic wrap and freeze. Thaw at room temperature or toast directly from the freezer.