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Easy Sourdough Bread for Beginners

A simple, foolproof sourdough recipe perfect for beginners — no kneading, just patience, and a beautifully crusty loaf every time.
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 7 hours
Servings: 1 loaf
Course: Bread, Breakfast
Cuisine: American, Artisan
Calories: 180
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Sourdough Bread
  • 100 g active sourdough starter fed and bubbly
  • 375 g warm water around 80°F (27°C)
  • 500 g bread flour or all-purpose flour
  • 10 g salt

Equipment

  • Mixing bowl
  • Kitchen scale
  • Dutch oven
  • Wire rack

Method
 

  1. Feed starter 4–6 hours before baking until bubbly and doubled in size.
  2. Mix starter, water, and flour until shaggy, then rest 30–45 minutes (autolyse).
  3. Add salt and fold dough to incorporate.
  4. Let dough rise for 4–6 hours, performing stretch and folds every 30–45 minutes for the first 2 hours.
  5. Shape dough into a round and place in a floured bowl seam-side up.
  6. Cover and proof 2–3 hours or refrigerate overnight.
  7. Preheat Dutch oven to 450°F (230°C). Score dough and bake covered 20 minutes, then uncovered 25–30 minutes.
  8. Cool completely before slicing.

Notes

Fermentation times may vary based on room temperature. For deeper flavor, proof overnight in the fridge.