Artisan Sourdough Bread

If you’re looking for the ultimate comfort food that fills your home with warmth and a delightful aroma, look no further than this Artisan Sourdough Bread recipe. There’s just something magical about the process of creating your own bread from scratch. Watching it rise and develop a beautiful crust is incredibly satisfying, not to mention the taste! This bread is perfect for busy weeknights when you want to whip up a quick sandwich or for family gatherings where everyone can enjoy fresh, homemade bread.

Baking this Artisan Sourdough Bread brings joy to the kitchen and creates lasting memories. Whether enjoyed on its own with a bit of butter or as part of a hearty meal, it’s sure to become a staple in your home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple preparation: With just a few ingredients and some patience, you’ll create bakery-worthy bread right in your kitchen.
• Delicious flavor: The tangy notes from the sourdough starter paired with a crispy crust make each slice irresistible.
• Family-friendly: Everyone loves fresh bread! It’s perfect for kids’ sandwiches or served alongside soups and salads.
• Make-ahead convenience: Prepare the dough in advance and let it work its magic overnight for minimal fuss on baking day.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Artisan Sourdough Bread recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients that you likely already have at home. Let’s gather what we need so we can get started!

• 50 g Active Sourdough Starter (100% hydration, recently fed)
• 50 g Bread Flour
• 50 g Water (lukewarm)
• 400 g Bread Flour
• 300 g Water (lukewarm)
• 100 g Levain (prepared ahead)
• 10 g Salt

Variations

One of the best things about making Artisan Sourdough Bread is how flexible it can be! Feel free to experiment with different flavors and additions to suit your taste.

• Add herbs: Mix in dried herbs like rosemary or thyme for an aromatic touch.
• Incorporate seeds: Toss in sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for added texture and nutty flavor.
• Try whole grain flour: Substitute part of the white bread flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier loaf.
• Mix in cheese: Fold in shredded cheese like cheddar or mozzarella before shaping the dough for a cheesy delight.

How to Make Artisan Sourdough Bread

Step 1: Prepare the Starter

In a jar, combine your active sourdough starter, 50 grams of bread flour, and 50 grams of lukewarm water. Mixing these ingredients well activates the yeast, which helps your bread rise beautifully. Cover this mixture and let it ferment for 8-12 hours, until it doubles in size—this is when all that wonderful tangy flavor starts developing!

Step 2: Autolyse the Dough

In a large bowl, mix together 400 grams of bread flour and 300 grams of lukewarm water. This step allows the flour to absorb water fully, which improves gluten development. Let this mixture rest for about 30 minutes. Resting is essential because it makes kneading easier later on!

Step 3: Add Levain and Salt

Once the dough has rested, add your prepared levain and 10 grams of salt to the mixture. Mixing thoroughly incorporates all the ingredients. The salt not only enhances flavor but also strengthens gluten structure—vital for that lovely chewy texture!

Step 4: Bulk Fermentation

Cover the bowl with a cloth and let it rest for another 30 minutes. After resting, perform a set of stretch and folds by pulling one edge of the dough up and over itself. Repeat this every 30-45 minutes over 3-5 hours. This technique strengthens the dough while keeping air bubbles intact.

Step 5: Shape Your Loaf

Once bulk fermentation is complete, turn out your dough onto a floured surface. Gently shape it into a loaf by folding it over itself several times until it feels taut. This shaping helps create surface tension which will support rising during baking.

Step 6: Final Proofing

Place your shaped loaf into a floured banneton basket (or any bowl lined with cloth). Cover it again and refrigerate for about 12-18 hours. This slow proofing develops even more flavor while making sure you get that beautiful crust!

Step 7: Preheat Your Oven

About half an hour before baking, preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C) with your Dutch oven inside. A hot oven ensures that your bread gets that perfect rise as soon as it enters—resulting in an airy interior.

Step 8: Bake Your Bread

Carefully remove the hot Dutch oven from your oven. Gently turn out your loaf from the banneton into it, scoring the top allows steam to escape while baking—this helps achieve that gorgeous crust we all love! Cover with the lid and bake for about 20 minutes.

Step 9: Finish Baking

After 20 minutes, remove the lid from your Dutch oven and continue baking uncovered for another 30-35 minutes until deeply golden brown. Your kitchen will smell heavenly!

Step 10: Cool Down

Once baked, transfer your loaf onto a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. Cooling is crucial; cutting too soon may result in gummy slices!

And there you have it—your very own Artisan Sourdough Bread! Enjoy every delightful bite!

Pro Tips for Making Artisan Sourdough Bread

Baking artisan sourdough bread is a rewarding experience, and with a few handy tips, you can elevate your baking game!

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Ensure your sourdough starter is active and recently fed. This will ensure a strong rise and the signature tangy flavor that makes sourdough so special.

• Monitor Dough Temperature: Keeping the dough at a consistent lukewarm temperature helps yeast activity. Aim for around 75-80°F (24-27°C) for optimal fermentation.

• Practice Patience: Allowing adequate time for fermentation and proofing is key. Rushing through these steps can lead to dense bread instead of the airy texture you desire.

• Use High-Quality Flour: Invest in good-quality bread flour for better gluten development. This contributes significantly to the structure and chewiness of your loaf.

• Get Creative with Scoring: Scoring not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also allows steam to escape during baking, preventing the crust from cracking unexpectedly.

How to Serve Artisan Sourdough Bread

Artisan sourdough bread is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in many delightful ways! Whether you’re serving it at a family dinner or enjoying a quiet breakfast, it’s sure to impress.

Garnishes

• Olive Oil: A drizzle of high-quality olive oil can enhance the flavors of your sourdough, giving it a rich mouthfeel.
• Fresh Herbs: Sprinkling some chopped fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme adds an aromatic touch that complements the bread beautifully.

Side Dishes

• Soup: Pair your artisan sourdough with a hearty vegetable soup or minestrone. The bread is perfect for dipping, soaking up all those savory flavors!

• Salad: A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette balances the richness of the bread. Consider adding ingredients like cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and avocado for freshness.

• Cheese Platter: Serve slices alongside a variety of cheeses—like creamy goat cheese or sharp cheddar—for an elegant appetizer that everyone will love.

• Hummus or Dips: Enjoy your sourdough with flavorful dips like hummus or tzatziki. It’s an excellent way to create a satisfying snack or light meal.

With these tips and serving suggestions, you’re all set to enjoy homemade artisan sourdough bread to its fullest! Happy baking!

Make Ahead and Storage

This artisan sourdough bread recipe is perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy fresh bread throughout the week. With a few simple steps, you can store or even freeze portions of your homemade loaf for later enjoyment!

Storing Leftovers

• Store the cooled bread in a paper bag at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• For longer storage, wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to help retain freshness.
• Avoid storing in the refrigerator, as this can dry out the bread.

Freezing

• Slice the bread before freezing to make it easier to grab individual portions.
• Wrap slices securely in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Store in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• To reheat, remove slices from the freezer and allow them to thaw at room temperature.
• For a crispy crust, toast slices in a toaster or bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes until warmed through.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making artisan sourdough bread that might help you along your baking journey.

What is Artisan Sourdough Bread?

Artisan sourdough bread is a traditional type of bread made with a natural starter that gives it a unique tangy flavor and chewy texture. It’s known for its crispy crust and airy crumb.

How do I maintain my sourdough starter?

To maintain your sourdough starter, feed it regularly with equal parts flour and water. Keep it at room temperature if you bake frequently or refrigerate it to slow down fermentation between uses.

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of white flour for Artisan Sourdough Bread?

Yes! You can substitute part of the white flour with whole wheat flour for added nutrition and flavor. Just keep in mind that this may slightly alter the texture of your final loaf.

Final Thoughts

Baking artisan sourdough bread at home is not only rewarding but also allows you to savor every bite of its delightful flavor and texture. I hope you enjoy making this recipe as much as I do! Share it with friends or indulge in warm slices straight from the oven. Happy baking, and may your kitchen always be filled with the comforting aroma of freshly baked bread!