Classic Sourdough Bread With Starters

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Sourdough bread is one of those timeless bakes that connects us to old-world traditions and deeply satisfying flavors. This rustic, crusty loaf is leavened naturally with a sourdough starter, delivering that signature tang and chewy crumb that makes it so irresistible. Making it from scratch might seem intimidating, but once you understand the rhythm of sourdough, it becomes a beautiful ritual.

This recipe is built around a healthy, active starter and a slow fermentation process that allows the flavors to fully develop. It may take a bit of time and patience, but every bite rewards you with complexity and texture that simply can’t be replicated with commercial yeast. If you’ve been curious about making real sourdough bread at home, this is your go-to guide.

Why You’ll Love This Classic Sourdough Bread

The heart of this bread lies in its simplicity. It requires just a few ingredients, but the results are nothing short of magical. The chewy interior, the deeply caramelized crust, and the mild tang make it perfect for everything from sandwiches to toast to dipping in soup. And if you’re mindful of what you eat, sourdough’s natural fermentation makes it easier to digest and better for gut health.

There’s also something incredibly satisfying about creating your own loaf from start to finish. Watching the dough rise slowly over time and pulling that golden, crackling loaf from your oven is pure kitchen joy.

What Kind of Starter Should I Use?

For the best results, use an active sourdough starter that has been regularly fed and stored at room temperature. Your starter should be bubbly, smell slightly sweet and tangy, and float in water when it’s ready. Whether you’ve cultivated your own or received a mature starter from a friend, make sure it’s active before beginning the recipe.

Ingredients for the Classic Sourdough Bread

A humble loaf begins with just a few key components. Each ingredient has its own job to do, from gluten structure to flavor enhancement.

Bread flour: This high-protein flour gives sourdough its chewy texture and strong structure.

Water: Hydrates the flour, activates enzymes, and helps develop gluten during folding.

Salt: Essential for controlling fermentation, strengthening dough, and bringing out flavor.

Active sourdough starter: The natural leavening agent that brings rise, flavor, and complexity.

How To Make the Classic Sourdough Bread

Step 1: Mix and Autolyse

In a large bowl, combine your bread flour and water, stirring until no dry bits remain. Let the mixture sit for 30 to 45 minutes. This rest allows the flour to fully absorb the water and start gluten development.

Step 2: Add the Starter and Salt

After the autolyse phase, add your active sourdough starter and salt. Mix until well combined. You can use a dough hook, but working by hand gives you better control.

Step 3: Bulk Fermentation with Stretch and Folds

Let the dough rise at room temperature for 4 to 5 hours. During this time, perform 3 to 4 sets of stretch and folds every 30 minutes. This strengthens the dough without kneading.

Step 4: Pre-shape and Rest

Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Pre-shape it into a round, cover, and let it rest for 20 to 30 minutes. This helps the gluten relax and prepares it for final shaping.

Step 5: Final Shape and Cold Proof

Shape the dough into a tight boule and place it seam-side up in a floured proofing basket or bowl. Cover and refrigerate overnight for 10 to 14 hours. This slow proof develops deep flavor.

Step 6: Score and Bake

Preheat your oven to 475°F with a Dutch oven inside. Turn the dough out onto parchment, score the top, and carefully place it into the hot Dutch oven. Bake covered for 20 minutes, then uncovered for another 20 to 25 minutes until golden brown and crusty.

How to Store and Serve Classic Sourdough Bread

This recipe yields one large round loaf, perfect for serving 8 to 10 people depending on slice size. Once cooled completely, sourdough can be stored wrapped in a tea towel or bread bag at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, slice and freeze the bread in a zip-top bag. Simply reheat slices in a toaster or oven when ready to enjoy.

The loaf is best served slightly warm or toasted to bring out its full flavor and texture. Letting it rest for at least one hour after baking helps the crumb set properly.

What to Serve With Classic Sourdough Bread?

Creamy Soups

Thick soups like tomato bisque or creamy mushroom pair beautifully with slices of sourdough.

Charcuterie Boards

Use sourdough as a hearty base for cheeses, cured meats, and spreads.

Avocado Toast

A slice of toasted sourdough topped with smashed avocado and a sprinkle of chili flakes is breakfast bliss.

Hearty Sandwiches

The firm crumb makes this bread ideal for stacking with roast beef, turkey, or grilled veggies.

Stews and Chilis

Dip chunks of sourdough into warm bowls of stew for a satisfying meal.

Eggs and Breakfast Plates

A perfect companion for scrambled eggs, omelets, or sunny-side-ups.

Olive Oil and Balsamic

Keep it simple with a little dip of extra virgin olive oil and aged balsamic vinegar.

Want More Bread Ideas?

If you loved this sourdough, take a peek at these cozy, carby creations:

• Herb Cheese Quick Bread Recipe for a savory, cheesy loaf with fresh herbs.
• Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread for a Southern sweet treat that slices like cake.
• Red Lobster’s Cheese Biscuit Loaf when you want comfort food meets restaurant favorite.
• Old Time Oven Peach Cobbler for a soft, sweet dish that pairs perfectly with sourdough brunch.
• Zucchini Carrot Oatmeal Muffins for a health-conscious side to your breakfast toast.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest bread board so you can return to it whenever the craving strikes.

Let me know in the comments if you used a rye starter or white, or if you added any seeds to your crust. Sourdough is personal and I love hearing how each baker brings their own twist.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks and more recipes at Mia Recipes on Pinterest and discover your new kitchen inspiration.

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