Basic Crusty Sourdough Bread Recipe

Jump to Recipe Pin Recipe Jump to Video

Basic Crusty Sourdough Bread with a creamy, airy crumb is one of the most rewarding bakes you will ever pull out of your oven. This step-by-step guide will show you exactly how to make a crusty sourdough bread with a few simple ingredients and your own sourdough starter in the comfort of your kitchen.

I don’t think I can count how many loaves of bread I’ve created since I published the first version of this recipe in 2018. I was a new baker and writing the blog post helped me make sense of the bread baking process. Since then, I’ve baked a sourdough loaf every week (sometimes multiple times a week) and each loaf of sourdough bread taught me a different lesson, helping me improve my understanding of baking and the magical world of fermentation.

I thought it was finally time to update this recipe and share those lessons with you! In most instances I’ve simplified my process, and in every case I’ve gained a deeper understanding of the purpose behind every step.

Jump to:

What is sourdough bread?
Benefits of baking with a sourdough starter
What is fermentation?
Why I love this recipe
What you need
Useful bread making tools
Step-by-step instructions
Baker's Tips
Recipe FAQs
You may also like
Basic Sourdough Bread Recipe

What is sourdough bread?

Sourdough bread is a type of bread made using a wild yeast culture called a sourdough starter, as opposed to commercial yeast.

Commercial yeast is primarily one species, S. cerevisiae, while sourdough starter is a diverse mix of wild yeasts, sometimes numbering in the thousands. Commercial yeast is cultivated for its predictability and efficiency. You can make bread using instant yeast in about 2 hours, while baking one loaf of sourdough can take up to two days.

Sourdough fermentation is a slow process, lasting several hours to days, which contributes to its unique flavor and texture. Although commercial yeast works faster, it sacrifices the complexity and depth of flavor that sourdough's extended fermentation provides. Additionally, sourdough bread often offers certain nutritional benefits, such as improved digestibility and potentially increased levels of bioavailable nutrients due to the fermentation process.

Although the popular image of sourdough is often linked to crusty, rustic artisanal bread, any naturally-leavened bread qualifies as "sourdough." In fact, you can create a wide range of delicious sourdough bread such as Sourdough Brioche, Sourdough Dinner Rolls, Sourdough Pretzels, and even Sourdough Pita Bread.

Sourdough bread on a wooden cutting board beside a bubbly sourdough starter in a mason jar.

Benefits of baking with a sourdough starter

During the long fermentation period, yeast and bacteria transform sugars in flour into carbon dioxide, causing the dough to rise, and produce organic acids (lactic and acetic acids) which impart the unique tangy flavor of sourdough.

This is the secret behind the exceptional flavor of sourdough bread. As the dough ferments, the bread develops a deeper and more complex flavor profile. This is why sourdough bread is often considered to have a superior taste compared to conventional bread.

The benefits of fermentation extend beyond flavor and texture. During this period, enzymes breakdown phytic acid, also known as "phytates" which tend to block the absorption of healthy minerals found in wheat. This predigestion allows our bodies to unlock nutrients in wheat that our bodies cannot normally absorb. This makes sourdough bread naturally more nutritious compared to other types of bread.

What is fermentation?

Fermentation is the most pivotal step in the bread-making process, where dough rises as yeast consume sugars in flour into ethanol and carbon dioxide, resulting in light, airy and fluffy bread. It starts as soon as you mix your starter into your dough.

Allowing microorganisms to complete this process is crucial otherwise your bread will be dense and gummy. The timeframe varies with your environment; higher temperatures yield quicker fermentation, while colder ones slow it down. Optimal fermentation happens between 78 to 80F.

Signs of fermentation

Dough looks bubbly
Build up of air bubbles in your dough
Dough is no longer overly sticky
Edges of the dough look domed and not flat
Dough easily releases from the sides of the bowl when you’re ready to shape

**Left**: Dough before proofing, looks smooth but is tight. **Right:** Proofed dough, demonstrates a visible increase in volume, feels bubbly and looks relaxed.

Why I love this recipe

Low hydration level (about 71%) which makes it perfect for beginners: Hydration level is the amount of water in a recipe relative to the amount of flour (this includes the water and flour in the sourdough starter as well).
Dough is easier to work with: Low hydration level results in a dough that’s not too slack or sticky and is very easy to work with.
Much of the recipe is hands off: In between the crucial steps of mixing and stretch and folds the dough undergoes a series of long rest periods before your sourdough is shaped.

TIP: If this is your first bake, or you’re new to sourdough, stick with recipes that have 75% hydration level or less.

What you need

Sourdough starter: The main leavener for your sourdough bread, it tenderizes your dough and causes your bread to rise. You'll need a good sourdough starter to create this recipe. If your starter is not mature and active, it won't be able to make your dough rise.
Bread flour - Bread flour has a protein content of 12 to 14% and is made out of hard wheat varieties. Allows stronger gluten networks which allows your dough to hold its shape. You can substitute all-purpose flour in a pinch.
Whole wheat flour - Whole wheat flour adds a lovely nuttiness and earthiness to bread. Avoid using 100% whole wheat flour in this recipe as it may yield denser bread. Whole wheat flour absorbs more liquid than white flour, and this recipe has a lower hydration level.
Water - If possible try to use filtered, well or bottled water. It’s commonly thought that the chlorine and chemicals in tap water can negatively affect or even kill the microorganisms in sourdough.
Salt - In addition to flavor, salt helps strengthen the gluten network in your dough. Leave it out and your bread may collapse as it bakes.

Useful bread making tools

Dutch oven: steam is essential when baking sourdough bread. The easiest way to add steam in your oven is by using a Dutch oven. You can also use a specialty bread baker like the Challenger Bread Pan or Le Creuset Bread Oven.
Kitchen scale: precision is key with bread baking, measuring by weight is much more accurate than volume measures.
Lame fitted with a sharp razor blade: a specialized tool for scoring bread, if you don’t have one, use a sharp paring knife.
Banneton: proofing basket, wicks excess moisture away from the dough as it proofs.
Rice flour: prevents the dough from sticking to your proofing vessel and will not scorch in the oven.
Proofing Box: a temperature controlled kitchen appliance that maintains a consistent temperature where fermentation can occur at an optimal level.
Bench scraper or bench knife: useful for dividing, manipulating and picking up dough.

Step-by-step instructions

Creating sourdough bread involves multiple steps, and although it might appear daunting initially, with practice, the process will become more intuitive. Over time, you'll develop an instinct for your dough. While your initial loaves might not be flawless, each baking experience will teach you valuable lessons, enhance your expertise, and refine your skills.

Still want delicious crusty bread but don't have two days to dedicate to bread baking? Try my Rustic Sourdough Discard Bread Recipe!

Day 1: Make the dough

STEP 1 Activate your starter: Feed your starter at least 4 hours (or the night before) before you are ready to mix your dough (image 1).

TIP: Ideally, you should use your starter when it is at its peak once it has doubled in volume, and before it sinks.

STEP 2 Mix the dough: Combine the ingredients together in a large mixing bowl and stir until no traces of dry flour remain. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it rest for 1 hour (image 2).

STEP 3 Strengthen the dough: You'll need to perform a series of folds to build a strong gluten network. These will be completed during bulk fermentation.

Perform 1 set of stretch and folds: Pick the dough up and stretch it as far as it will go without tearing (image 3), then fold it over itself (image 4). Turn the bowl 90 degrees and repeat 3 times (this is considered 1 set). Let the dough rest for 30 minutes.

Perform 2 sets of coil folds in 30 minute intervals: Lift the center of the dough up using your fingertips until the ends release from the bowl (image 5). Set the dough down, tucking the ends under (image 6).

TIP: The windowpane test is a great way of determining whether you've developed enough strength and structure in your dough.

To perform the windowpane test:

Gently pinch a portion of your dough with damp fingertips.
Stretch it as thin as possible until it appears translucent.
If the dough can stretch enough to see the silhouette of your fingers without tearing: you've passed!

Another great way to create structure in your dough is through autolyse. Find out more and learn how to add it to your bread baking process by reading my guide about sourdough autolyse.

STEP 4 Bench rest: Let the dough rest in a warm spot untouched for 1 to 2 hours after the last fold.

STEP 5 Shape the dough: Turn the dough out on a clean work surface (image 7). Fold the bottom of the dough towards the middle and the top over that (image 8). Pick up the shorter sides of the cylinder and gather them towards the center. Place the dough inside your proofing basket with the seam side up (image 9). Pinch the seam shut and wrap your proofing basket in plastic wrap (image 10).

TIP: If you don't have a banneton, shape your dough into a boule and use an 8-inch mixing bowl lined with a clean tea towel dusted with rice flour.

STEP 6 Cold Proof: Place the dough into the refrigerator overnight. This will slow down fermentation, and intensify the flavor of your bread.

Day 2: Bake the bread

STEP 7 Start by preheating your oven to 500 F with a Dutch oven inside.

STEP 8 Score the dough: Using a lame fitted with a sharp razor blade, make a large, vertical gash, about ¼ to ½-inch deep, until you reach the other end (image 11).

TIP: Scoring is vital to bread baking. As dough bakes, water evaporates rapidly. Failure to score your dough sufficiently can lead to water vapor exploiting its weakest point, which will cause your dough to burst in unwanted spots.

STEP 9 Bake the dough: Bake for 30 minutes covered and 10 to 15 minutes uncovered, depending on how dark you want your crust (image 12).

Baker's Tips

Use weight over volume measurements. Bread-making hinges on precise ratios, just a few grams of water can can greatly affect how challenging your dough is to work with. Measuring by weight is more accurate than volume, with tablespoons and cups.
Watch the dough not your clock. Since fermentation depends on temperature, the rate at which your bake progresses may vary. Instead of relying solely on the clock, be sure to watch for the telltale signs of fermentation.
There are many ways to create steam in your home oven, the easiest way is by using a Dutch Oven. If you don't have one, check out my post to learn how you can bake your bread in a loaf pan.
Let your bread cool completely before slicing, at least 2 hours. Slicing bread prematurely can prevent the crumb from completely setting, and lead to quicker moisture loss, resulting in the bread drying out and becoming stale faster.

Test your bread baking skills on creative sourdough bread recipes, like Cranberry Walnut Sourdough Bread, Rosemary Lemon Sourdough Bread, Sourdough Spelt Bread or Sourdough Chocolate Bread.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use all whole wheat flour for this recipe?

No, here’s why: whole wheat flour absorbs water at a different rate than white flour, and needs a lot more water. Substituting it for the bread flour here would make your bread heavier and tougher.

Why is my sourdough dense and gummy?

Dense and gummy bread is usually the result of under-fermenting. This is usually caused by using a starter that’s either immature or too weak. Before using it to make bread, make sure your starter has matured, is healthy and is rising dependably over the course of 4 to 6 hours.

If you don’t think your starter is the problem, it may be because you did not let your dough ferment for a long enough period of time. Try adding an hour or two to your bulk fermentation and making sure your dough has risen before shaping it.

I don’t have a Dutch oven, how can I add steam to my home oven?

You can bake your loaf on a baking sheet or a preheated pizza stone (if you have one).

Preheat your oven with a baking tray on the bottom rack of the oven. Once you're ready to bake, load your dough into the oven and pour boiling water into your baking tray. This will create steam. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, then remove the tray and continue baking your bread for another 10 to 15 minutes depending on how dark you like your crust.

Check out my post on How to Bake Sourdough in a Loaf Pan for more information.

How can I stop the bottom of my sourdough bread from burning?

After baking with steam, transfer your bread to a parchment-lined baking sheet and continue baking until your bread reaches your desired color.

Basic Crusty Sourdough Bread Recipe

What is sourdough bread?

Benefits of baking with a sourdough starter