How to bake sourdough bread at home: A beginner's guide to using natural yeast and artisanal techniques 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. Bake the bread

Gather your ingredients and equipment

Gather flour, water, salt, and your sourdough starter. You will also need a large mixing bowl, a kitchen scale, a clean kitchen towel, and a Dutch oven or baking stone.

Prepare your sourdough starter

If you don't already have a sourdough starter, you will need to create one by mixing flour and water and allowing it to ferment for several days. If you have a starter, make sure it's active and bubbly before using it in your bread.

Mix and knead the dough

Combine your ingredients in a large mixing bowl and knead the dough until it is smooth and elastic. This will take about 10-15 minutes.

Let the dough rise

Place the dough in a clean, lightly oiled bowl and cover it with a kitchen towel. Let it rise at room temperature for several hours, or until it has doubled in size.

Bake the bread

Preheat your oven and baking vessel, then carefully transfer the risen dough to the hot vessel. Bake the bread until it is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. Let it cool before slicing and enjoying!