How to Bake Sourdough Bread: A Step-by-Step Guide to Perfect Loaves in 2024

1. Gather your ingredients and equipment
2. Mix the dough and let it ferment
3. Shape the dough and let it rise
4. 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, and a Dutch oven or baking stone.

Mix the dough and let it ferment

Combine the ingredients in a large mixing bowl and knead the dough until it is smooth and elastic. Let the dough ferment at room temperature for several hours or overnight, allowing the sourdough starter to work its magic.

Shape the dough and let it rise

After the fermentation period, shape the dough into a round loaf and place it on a floured surface. Cover the dough with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise for another 1-2 hours until it has doubled in size.

Bake the sourdough bread

Preheat your oven and baking vessel. Carefully transfer the risen dough into the preheated Dutch oven or onto the baking stone. Bake the bread with the lid on for the first part of the baking process, then remove the lid to allow the crust to brown. Once the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom, it is ready to be enjoyed.