Go Back
sourdough bread

Sourdough Bread

InsiderMama.com
This classic sourdough bread has a chewy center, crisp golden crust, and simple ingredients. It’s naturally leavened and baked to perfection in a Dutch oven—no kneading needed.
Servings 10 slices

Ingredients
  

  • 4 cups 500g bread flour or all-purpose flour
  • 1⅔ cups 375g warm water
  • 1 cup 200g active sourdough starter
  • 2 teaspoons 10g salt

Instructions
 

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine 4 cups of flour and 1⅔ cups of warm water.
  • Stir until a shaggy dough forms, then let it rest for 30 minutes.
  • After resting, add 1 cup of active sourdough starter and 2 teaspoons of salt.
  • Mix well until everything is fully combined.
  • Cover the bowl with a clean towel or plastic wrap.
  • Let the dough sit at room temperature.
  • Every 30 minutes for 2 hours, perform a set of stretch and folds.
  • To stretch and fold, pull one side of the dough upward and fold it over itself.
  • Turn the bowl a quarter turn and repeat three more times.
  • After the final fold, cover the bowl again and let the dough rise for 6 to 8 hours.
  • It should double in size and appear bubbly and puffy.
  • Gently transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface.
  • Shape it into a round or oval loaf by folding and tucking the edges underneath.
  • Place the shaped dough seam-side up into a floured proofing basket or towel-lined bowl.
  • Cover and refrigerate for 8 to 12 hours.
  • The next day, place a Dutch oven into your oven and preheat to 450°F (232°C).
  • Remove the dough from the fridge and turn it out onto parchment paper.
  • Score the top of the dough with a sharp knife or razor blade.
  • Carefully lower the dough into the hot Dutch oven using the parchment paper.
  • Cover and bake for 20 minutes.
  • Remove the lid and bake uncovered for another 25 minutes.
  • Take the bread out of the Dutch oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack before slicing.