Easy Sourdough Bread Recipe – tastykitchenjoy

Think you don’t have time for sourdough? Think again! This Easy Sourdough Bread Recipe is a hands-off way to enjoy the delights of homemade sourdough with a crisp crust and a soft, tender middle. Perfect for any occasion, this simple recipe will become a favorite in your household. Whether it’s for breakfast toast, sandwiches, or simply enjoying with butter, your family will love every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple Preparation: This easy sourdough bread recipe requires minimal hands-on time, making it perfect for busy bakers.
Delicious Flavor: The fermentation process enriches the bread with a complex flavor that is hard to resist.
Versatile Uses: Enjoy the bread on its own, as toast, or in your favorite sandwiches—it’s suitable for various meals!
Crisp Crust: Baking in a Dutch oven creates that sought-after crispy crust that elevates the bread’s texture.
Health Benefits: Homemade sourdough is often easier to digest due to the fermentation process and can be made without preservatives.

Tools and Preparation

To successfully make this easy sourdough bread recipe, you’ll need some essential tools. These will help ensure your baking experience is smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Dutch oven
Mixing bowl
Wooden spoon or dough whisk
Bench scraper (optional)
Parchment paper

Importance of Each Tool

Dutch oven: This tool provides even heat distribution and helps create steam, which is vital for achieving that perfect crust.
Mixing bowl: A large mixing bowl allows enough space for the dough to rise properly during fermentation.
Bench scraper: While optional, this tool can help you shape and transfer the dough easily without sticking.

Ingredients

For this easy sourdough bread recipe, gather the following ingredients:

For the Dough

60 grams sourdough starter (ripe, bubbly and active; see notes)
340 grams water (about 1 1/3 cup plus 2 tablespoons)
10 grams salt (about 1 1/2 teaspoons)
500 grams bread flour (or all-purpose flour; about 3 2/3 cups)

How to Make Easy Sourdough Bread Recipe

Step 1: Feed Your Starter

If you already have active, bubbly sourdough starter, you can use it directly in this recipe. If your starter isn’t ready yet:
1. Take 5-10 grams of ripe or over-ripe starter.
2. Feed it with 50 grams of flour and 50 grams of water.
3. Let it sit in a warm place (76-78ºF) for about 10-12 hours until it’s bubbly and doubled in size.

Step 2: Mix Dough

In a large bowl:
1. Combine 60 grams of bubbly starter, 340 grams of water, 10 grams of salt, and 500 grams of bread flour.
2. Use a wooden spoon, dough whisk, or your hands to mix until a shaggy dough forms and all flour is incorporated.

Step 3: First Rise/Bulk Fermentation

Cover the dough with a clean cloth or plastic wrap.
Place it in a warm area (76ºF) for about 10-12 hours until it doubles in size.

Step 4: Shape the Dough

Once doubled:
1. Transfer the dough onto a clean countertop.
2. Use lightly damp hands to shape it into a round ball by gently dragging it on the counter.
3. Place the shaped dough onto parchment paper.

Step 5: Proof (Second Rise)

Cover the dough again using plastic wrap or an upside-down larger kitchen bowl.
Allow it to rise for an additional 1-2 hours until relaxed and puffed up.

Step 6: Score and Bake

Preheat your oven with the Dutch oven inside to 500ºF for about 20 minutes.
Carefully score the top of your loaf with one or two slashes using a sharp knife.
Place the dough into the hot Dutch oven on the parchment paper and cover it.
Reduce the temperature to 450ºF and bake for 25 minutes covered, then uncover and bake for another 20 minutes until golden brown with an internal temperature of about 205ºF.

Step 7: Cool and Enjoy

After baking:
1. Carefully remove the bread from the Dutch oven using oven mitts.
2. Let it cool on a wire rack before slicing into it.

Enjoy your homemade loaf of easy sourdough bread!

How to Serve Easy Sourdough Bread Recipe

Serving your easy sourdough bread is just as important as making it. This versatile loaf pairs well with various dishes and spreads, making it perfect for any meal or occasion.

Toasted with Toppings

Avocado Toast: Spread ripe avocado on a slice of toasted sourdough. Top with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon for a refreshing twist.
Nut Butter Delight: Slather almond or peanut butter on warm slices. Add banana slices or honey for extra sweetness.

As a Side

Soup Companion: Serve alongside your favorite soups like tomato basil or butternut squash for a comforting meal.
Salad Addition: Cut into croutons and toast them for a crunchy topping over salads. They add texture and flavor.

Sandwich Base

Classic Grilled Cheese: Make a delicious grilled cheese sandwich using easy sourdough bread. The crispy crust enhances the melted cheese.
Turkey Avocado Sandwich: Layer sliced turkey and fresh avocado on the bread for a hearty lunch option.

How to Perfect Easy Sourdough Bread Recipe

To achieve the best results with your easy sourdough bread, consider these helpful tips.

Bold Starter Maintenance: Ensure your sourdough starter is bubbly and active before using it in the recipe for optimal rise.
Bold Temperature Control: Keep the dough in a warm place during fermentation to help the yeast thrive and promote better flavor.
Bold Flour Selection: Use high-quality bread flour for better gluten development, resulting in a chewier texture.
Bold Hydration Adjustment: If your dough feels too dry, add a little more water. This will help achieve the right consistency.
Bold Scoring Technique: Score the top of your loaf before baking to allow steam to escape and create an attractive crust.
Bold Cooling Time: Allow the bread to cool completely on a rack before slicing; this helps maintain its structure.

Best Side Dishes for Easy Sourdough Bread Recipe

Pairing side dishes with your easy sourdough bread can elevate any meal. Here are some delightful options to consider.

Creamy Tomato Soup: A classic combination that warms you up and complements the bread’s texture beautifully.
Garlic Butter Roasted Vegetables: These flavorful veggies enhance any dish while adding nutrition and color to your plate.
Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce tossed with Caesar dressing is perfect alongside slices of sourdough, especially if you use toasted croutons.
Spinach Artichoke Dip: Creamy and cheesy dip served warm makes an excellent pairing for dipping pieces of fresh sourdough.
Crispy French Fries: Serve crispy fries alongside sandwiches made with sourdough for a satisfying meal experience.
Herbed Quinoa Salad: A light salad packed with herbs adds freshness and balances out the rich flavors of the sourdough.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making sourdough bread can seem daunting, but avoiding a few common mistakes can lead to better results.

Using an inactive starter: Ensure your sourdough starter is bubbly and active. Feed it the night before for best results.
Incorrect water temperature: Use lukewarm water (around 76-78ºF) when mixing the dough. Too hot or too cold can affect fermentation.
Skipping the first rise: Allow your dough to rise for the recommended time. Rushing this step can yield dense bread.
Over-proofing the dough: Watch for signs of over-proofing, such as a wet and sticky texture. Shape and bake as soon as it doubles in size.
Not preheating properly: Preheat your Dutch oven adequately before baking to achieve a crispy crust. This usually takes about 20 minutes.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container or wrapped in plastic wrap for up to 3 days.
If you notice the crust getting soft, consider toasting slices before serving.

Freezing Easy Sourdough Bread Recipe

Wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
It can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Easy Sourdough Bread Recipe

Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F and warm the bread for about 10-15 minutes for best results.
Microwave: Use short bursts of 10-15 seconds; avoid overheating, which can make bread tough.
Stovetop: Place slices in a skillet on low heat until warmed through, ensuring they stay soft.

Frequently Asked Questions

This section addresses some common questions related to our easy sourdough bread recipe.

What is an Easy Sourdough Bread Recipe?

An Easy Sourdough Bread Recipe allows you to create delicious sourdough with minimal effort. It requires a few simple ingredients and hands-off methods.

How long does it take to make this Easy Sourdough Bread Recipe?

From start to finish, this recipe takes about 24 hours due to fermentation times. However, most of this time is hands-off.

Can I customize my Easy Sourdough Bread Recipe?

Yes! You can add herbs, seeds, or spices during the mixing stage for added flavor. Experiment with different flours too!

What should I do if my dough doesn’t rise?

If your dough doesn’t rise, check if your starter was active enough or if the temperature was suitable during fermentation.

How do I know when my Easy Sourdough Bread is done baking?

Your bread is done when it has a golden brown crust and reaches an internal temperature of 205°F.

Final Thoughts

This easy sourdough bread recipe is perfect for beginners and experienced bakers alike. Its simplicity makes it approachable while still yielding delicious results. Feel free to customize with your favorite flavors or flours. Enjoy the process and share this delightful homemade loaf with family and friends!