Artisan Sourdough Bread
This artisan sourdough bread embodies the essence of old-world craftsmanship, blending simplicity and precision with just four ingredients—sourdough starter, water, bread flour, and salt. Crafted with a slightly lower-hydration starter and a final hydration of 77.8%, this dough strikes the perfect balance for creating a crisp, crackling crust and an airy, open crumb. The long fermentation process, followed by a cold proof, deepens the flavor and texture, bringing out a rustic complexity. Perfect for those who appreciate the art of slow baking and the timeless satisfaction of a homemade loaf straight from the oven.
Enjoy the crunchy crust and perfectly fermented crumb as it cools on your countertop, filling your kitchen with the irresistible aroma of freshly baked sourdough.
- Total Time: 15-25 hours (including bulk fermentation, proofing, and baking)
- Yield: 2 loaves
Ingredients
- Sourdough Starter: 5.3 oz (150 g)
- Water: 24.7 oz (700 g)
- Bread Flour: 31.7 oz (900 g)
- Salt: 0.63 oz (18 g)
Instructions
1. Autolyse:
- In a large bowl, mix 24.7 oz (700 g) of water with 31.7 oz (900 g) of bread flour until the flour is fully hydrated.
- Let it rest for 30 minutes to 1 hour to allow gluten to develop.
2. Mix:
- Add 5.3 oz (150 g) of your newly fed sourdough starter to the dough and mix until fully incorporated.
- Let the dough rest for 30 minutes.
- After resting, add 0.63 oz (18 g) of salt to the dough, and mix well until the salt is fully dissolved.
3. Bulk Fermentation:
- Perform 3-4 sets of stretch-and-folds every 30 minutes over the next 2-3 hours to help with gluten development.
- Let the dough rest, covered, at room temperature until it has nearly doubled in size (3-5 hours).
4. Shaping:
- After bulk fermentation, divide the dough into two equal portions.
- Shape each portion into a round or oval loaf and let the loaves rest for 20-30 minutes.
5. Final Proof:
- Place the loaves in proofing baskets, cover, and refrigerate for 12-24 hours for a cold retard. This step will enhance flavor and develop a crunchier crust.
6. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 500°F (260°C) with a Dutch oven or baking stone inside for at least 45 minutes.
7. Score and Bake:
- Transfer the dough to parchment paper, score the top, and place it in the Dutch oven or on the baking stone.
- Reduce the temperature to 475°F (245°C) and bake covered for 20 minutes.
- Uncover and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes until the crust is a deep golden brown.
8. Cool:
- Let the loaves cool completely on a wire rack before slicing to allow the crumb to set.
- Prep Time: 1 hour (including autolyse and mixing)
- Cook Time: 45-50 minutes