Bake Perfect Sourdough Bread At Home In 7 Easy Steps

Step 1:

Make sure your sourdough starter is active and bubbly. Feed it 4–6 hours before baking.

Step 2:

In a large bowl, combine the starter, warm water, and flour. Mix until no dry flour remains. Cover and let rest for 30 minutes.

Step 3:

Add salt to the dough and knead it gently in the bowl for 5–10 minutes until smooth.

Step 4:

Cover the dough and let it rise at room temperature for 4–6 hours, folding the dough every 30 minutes during the first 2 hours to develop gluten.

Step 5:

Turn the dough onto a floured surface, shape it into a round loaf (boule), and place it in a floured proofing basket or bowl.

Step 6:

Cover and refrigerate the dough overnight (8–12 hours) for slow fermentation and better flavor.

Step 7:

Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) with a Dutch oven inside. Transfer the dough into the hot Dutch oven, score the top, cover, and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the lid and bake for another 20–25 minutes until golden brown.