The Best Homemade Sourdough Recipe

What You’ll Love About This Recipe

This homemade sourdough recipe is perfect for anyone who loves fresh, flavorful bread. It’s simple, rewarding, and sure to impress.

• It uses just a few basic ingredients, making it easy to start.
• You’ll enjoy the satisfying process of making your own starter from scratch.
• The crusty, golden loaf you bake will fill your kitchen with an amazing smell.

Recipe

Sourdough bread is a classic, rustic loaf known for its tangy flavor and chewy texture. Making sourdough at home requires patience and a good starter, but the results are well worth the effort. Here’s a simple recipe to guide you through the process.

Ingredients:

• 500g bread flour
• 350g water (room temperature)
• 100g active sourdough starter
• 10g salt

Instructions:

1. Mix the flour and water in a large bowl until no dry bits remain. Cover and let rest (autolyse) for 30 minutes.
2. Add the sourdough starter and salt to the dough. Mix until well combined.
3. Perform a series of stretch and folds every 30 minutes for 2 hours to build strength in the dough.
4. Cover the dough and let it ferment at room temperature for 6-8 hours, or until it has roughly doubled in size.
5. Shape the dough into a round or oval loaf and place it in a floured banneton or bowl. Cover and refrigerate for 12_{20}hours (overnight).
6. Preheat the oven to 475°F (245°C) with a Dutch oven inside for 30 minutes.
7. Carefully transfer the dough to the hot Dutch oven, score the top, and bake covered for 20 minutes.
8. Remove the lid and bake for an additional 20_{25}minutes, or until the crust is deep golden brown.
9. Let the bread cool completely on a wire rack before slicing.

Notes:

• Verify your sourdough starter is active and bubbly before using.
• Adjust the fermentation time based on room temperature; warmer conditions may shorten the process.

Equipment:

• Large mixing bowl
• Banneton or bowl
• Dutch oven
• Bench scraper
• Wire rack

Time:

Prep time: 30 minutes

Cooking time: 45 minutes

Total time: 14_{16}hours (including fermentation and proofing)

Cuisine: Baking

Serving:

Makes 1 large loaf, serving 8_{10}people.

Nutrition

Sourdough bread is a nutritious option for many diets, offering essential nutrients and natural fermentation benefits. Below is the nutritional breakdown per slice (approximately 30g).

What To Serve With It

I love serving my homemade sourdough with classic pairings like creamy butter and rich soups, but I also enjoy experimenting with creative combinations, such as avocado toast or a sharp cheese plate. The bread’s tangy flavor makes it so versatile, and I’ve found it can elevate just about any meal or snack. What’s your favorite way to enjoy sourdough?

Classic Pairings

When you’ve got a fresh loaf of sourdough ready to enjoy, you’ll want to pair it with something that complements its tangy, chewy goodness. Butter is a classic—rich, creamy, and slightly salty, it melts into the warm bread perfectly. A drizzle of honey adds sweetness, balancing the sourness beautifully. For something savory, try sharp cheddar or creamy brie. Olive oil with a pinch of sea salt lets the bread’s flavor shine. And don’t forget soup! A bowl of tomato or butternut squash soup turns sourdough into a comforting meal. Simple, timeless pairings make every bite unforgettable.

Creative Combinations

While classic pairings are always a hit, there’s so much fun in getting creative with how you serve sourdough. I love turning my loaf into bite-sized crostini, topped with smashed avocado, feta, and chili flakes. Another favorite is pairing thick slices with a hearty bowl of tomato soup for dipping. For breakfast, I toast sourdough, slather it with ricotta, and drizzle it with honey and fresh berries. Sometimes, I even use it as a base for open-faced sandwiches, layering smoked salmon, cream cheese, and capers. Experimenting with different flavors keeps things exciting, and I’ve found there’s really no wrong way to enjoy it!