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Easy Sourdough Bread for Beginners

A simple, beginner-friendly sourdough bread recipe with a crisp crust and soft, airy crumb using minimal ingredients.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 15 hours
Servings: 1 loaf
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American, Autumn
Calories: 180

Ingredients
  

Dough
  • 3.5 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1.25 cups water room temperature
  • 0.5 cup active sourdough starter fed and bubbly
  • 2 tsp salt

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Dutch oven
  • Wire rack
  • Bench scraper

Method
 

  1. Mix flour and water until combined. Cover and rest 30 minutes.
  2. Add sourdough starter and salt. Mix gently until incorporated.
  3. Let dough rest and perform stretch-and-folds every 30 minutes for 2 hours.
  4. Continue bulk fermentation until dough rises 30–50% in volume.
  5. Shape dough gently and place seam-side up in floured bowl.
  6. Cold proof in refrigerator for 8–12 hours.
  7. Bake covered at 450°F (230°C) for 30 minutes, then uncover and bake 15–20 minutes more.

Notes

Allow bread to cool fully before slicing for best texture.