How to Bake Sourdough Bread: Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners with Starter, Recipe, and Tips in 2024

1. Preparing the sourdough starter
2. Mixing the dough
3. Shaping and proofing the dough
4. Baking the sourdough bread
5. Tips for successful sourdough baking

Preparing the sourdough starter

To make a sourdough starter, mix equal parts of flour and water in a jar and let it sit at room temperature, feeding it regularly until it becomes bubbly and active.

Mixing the dough

Combine the starter with flour, water, and salt to form a dough, then let it rest and ferment for several hours.

Shaping and proofing the dough

Shape the dough into a loaf, let it rise in a proofing basket, and then transfer it to a preheated Dutch oven for baking.

Baking the sourdough bread

Bake the bread in a preheated Dutch oven to create a crispy crust and soft, airy interior.

Tips for successful sourdough baking

Maintain a consistent feeding schedule for your sourdough starter, use a kitchen scale for accurate measurements, and experiment with different flours and hydration levels to find your preferred sourdough bread recipe.