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

1. Gather your ingredients and equipment
2. Prepare your sourdough starter
3. Mix and knead the dough
4. Let the dough rise
5. Shape and score the dough
6. Bake the sourdough bread
7. Cool and enjoy your homemade sourdough bread

Gather your ingredients and equipment

Gather high-quality flour, water, and salt. You will also need a kitchen scale, mixing bowls, a Dutch oven or baking stone, and a kitchen towel or proofing basket.

Prepare your sourdough starter

Feed your sourdough starter and ensure it is active and bubbly before using it in your bread recipe.

Mix and knead the dough

Combine the ingredients to form a shaggy dough, then knead it until smooth and elastic.

Let the dough rise

Allow the dough to rise at room temperature or in the refrigerator, depending on your schedule and preference.

Shape and score the dough

Shape the dough into a round or oval loaf, then score the top to allow for expansion during baking.

Bake the sourdough bread

Preheat your oven and bake the bread in a preheated Dutch oven or on a baking stone to achieve a crispy crust and airy crumb.

Cool and enjoy your homemade sourdough bread

Allow the bread to cool completely before slicing and enjoying the delicious results of your homemade sourdough bread.