sourdough bread recipe.

Easy Artisan Sourdough Bread Recipe (No-Knead, Beginner-Friendly)

This artisan sourdough bread recipe creates a crusty, chewy loaf with a soft open crumb. Perfect for beginners with simple steps, no kneading, and amazing flavor from wild fermentation!

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🍞 Why You’ll Love This Sourdough Bread Recipe

This no-knead sourdough bread is crusty on the outside, soft and airy inside, and made using just 3 ingredients. With an active starter, some patience, and minimal effort, you'll be baking bakery-quality sourdough at home — no special equipment required!

✅ Naturally fermented
✅ No kneading
✅ Beginner-friendly
✅ Perfect open crumb & crispy crust

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🛒 Ingredients

• 500g bread flour (or all-purpose flour)
• 100g active sourdough starter (fed & bubbly)
• 350g lukewarm water
• 10g salt

Optional add-ins: herbs, seeds, garlic, olives, or whole grains

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⏳ Timeline Overview

Step	Time
Mix & Rest	30 min
Bulk Fermentation	4–5 hrs
Shape & Proof	1–2 hrs (or overnight)
Bake	40–45 min

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👩‍🍳 Instructions

🥣 Step 1: Mix the Dough

1. In a large bowl, mix starter, water, and flour. Let it rest for 30 minutes (autolyse).
2. Add salt, mix by hand or spatula until incorporated.

🔁 Step 2: Bulk Fermentation & Folds

1. Cover dough and let rise at room temp for 4–5 hours.
2. Every 30–45 min, do a stretch and fold (3–4 sets total).
   • This builds strength without kneading.

🔄 Step 3: Shape the Dough

1. Gently turn dough onto a floured surface.
2. Shape into a tight round or oval.
3. Place in a floured banneton or lined bowl.

🧊 Step 4: Final Proof

• Option 1: Room Temp – Let rise for 1–2 hours until puffy.
• Option 2: Overnight Cold Proof – Refrigerate 8–12 hours for better flavor and scoring.

🔥 Step 5: Bake the Bread

1. Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C) with Dutch oven inside.
2. Score top of dough with sharp knife or lame.
3. Transfer dough to Dutch oven, cover and bake 20 minutes.
4. Remove lid and bake another 20–25 minutes until golden brown.

🧊 Cool

• Let bread cool completely on wire rack before slicing — this sets the crumb.

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💡 Tips for Perfect Sourdough

• Active Starter: Feed your starter 4–6 hours before mixing dough for peak activity.
• Hydration: Use slightly less water if new to handling sticky dough.
• Flour Types: Mix whole wheat or rye for deeper flavor.
• No Dutch Oven? Bake in a preheated cast iron pan with a tray of water for steam.

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🥄 Nutrition (Per Slice – Approx. 12 slices)

Calories	Carbs	Fat	Protein	Fiber
170	32g	0.5g	5g	2g

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❓ FAQ

Can I make sourdough without a Dutch oven?
Yes! Use a preheated pizza stone or tray and spray water into the oven for steam.

What if my dough is too sticky?
Flour your hands and surface. You can reduce hydration slightly next time.

How do I know it’s done?
A hollow sound when tapped on the bottom, or internal temp of 205–210°F.

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✅ Final Thoughts

This easy sourdough bread recipe is ideal for beginners and home bakers alike. With just flour, water, and salt, you’ll create a stunning artisan loaf that's chewy, tangy, and full of soul. Whether you enjoy it toasted with butter or dipped in soup, homemade sourdough is always worth the wait.