- Gather your ingredients and equipment
- Mix the dough and let it ferment
- Shape the dough and let it rise
- Bake the sourdough bread
Gather your ingredients and equipment
Gather flour, water, salt, and sourdough starter. You will also need a large mixing bowl, a kitchen scale, a clean kitchen towel, a Dutch oven or baking stone, and a razor blade or sharp knife for scoring the bread.
Mix the dough and let it ferment
Combine the flour, water, salt, and sourdough starter in a mixing bowl. Mix until a shaggy dough forms, then let it rest for 30 minutes. After resting, perform a series of stretch and folds every 30 minutes for 2-3 hours, allowing the dough to ferment and develop flavor.
Shape the dough and let it rise
After fermentation, shape the dough into a round loaf and place it in a floured proofing basket or bowl lined with a kitchen towel. Let the dough rise at room temperature for 3-4 hours, or in the refrigerator overnight.
Bake the sourdough bread
Preheat your oven and baking vessel to a high temperature. Carefully transfer the dough to the hot vessel, score the top, and cover with a lid. Bake for 20 minutes with the lid on, then remove the lid and bake for an additional 20-30 minutes until the bread is golden brown. Allow the bread to cool before slicing and enjoying.