Easy Homemade Sourdough Bread: Master Baker’s Simple Recipe

Chef John’s Sourdough Bread

Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a curious beginner, this sourdough bread recipe will help you craft a spectacular loaf with minimal effort.

Sourdough Bread Overview

This sourdough bread recipe makes a spectacular sourdough loaf in your own kitchen with a homemade sourdough starter and a minimal amount of work. You’ll experience the magic of wild yeast fermentation, achieving an artisan crust and open crumb that’s perfect for sandwiches, toasts, and more.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: PT30M
• Cook Time: PT45M
• Total Time: PT21H55M
• Servings: 8 servings
• Category: Bread
• Cuisine: American
• Rating: 4.9 (164 reviews)

Sourdough Bread Recipe Ingredients

• 100 g active sourdough starter
• 500 g bread flour
• 350 g lukewarm water
• 10 g fine sea salt

How to Make Sourdough Bread

1. Autolyse: In a bowl, mix flour and water until just combined. Cover and rest 30 minutes.
2. Add Starter & Salt: Stir in the sourdough starter, then sprinkle salt. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
3. Bulk Fermentation: Over 4 hours at room temperature, perform 4 sets of stretch-and-folds, 30 minutes apart.
4. Pre-Shape & Bench Rest: Shape into a round loaf. Rest 20 minutes uncovered on the counter.
5. Final Shape & Proof: Shape tightly into a boule and place in a floured banneton. Cover and refrigerate 12–18 hours.
6. Preheat & Bake: Preheat oven to 475 °F (245 °C) with a Dutch oven inside. Transfer loaf to the pot, score the top, cover and bake 20 minutes. Uncover and bake 25 minutes until golden brown.
7. Cool: Let cool on a rack 1 hour before slicing to set the crumb.

Tips for Perfect Sourdough Crust & Crumb

• Hydration Balance: Adjust water by ±10 g for drier or wetter dough.
• Strong Flour: Use high-protein bread flour for better gluten development.
• Steam for Crust: Bake in a covered Dutch oven or add a tray of water for an artisan crust.
• Long Fermentation: A cool bulk fermentation enhances flavor complexity.
• Scoring: Use a lame or sharp knife to create tension and beautiful ear formation.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

• Calories: 205 kcal
• Carbs: 41 g
• Protein: 7 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Fat: 1 g
• Sodium: 405 mg

Enjoy every slice of your homemade sourdough loaf!

For the original inspiration, visit Chef John’s Sourdough Bread.