Name: Easy Same Day Sourdough Bread
Prep time: 1 h
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 50 min
Cuisine: European
Ingredients: 500 grams bread flour (4 cups); 350 grams water (1.5 cups); 100 grams sourdough starter (1/2 cup); 10 grams salt (2 tsp)

Why Make This Recipe

Making your own sourdough bread at home is both rewarding and delicious. This easy same-day sourdough recipe allows you to enjoy fresh, homemade bread without having to wait for days. You’ll have a crispy crust, a chewy inside, and a wonderful flavor that can’t be beat. Plus, using a sourdough starter adds a natural tang that makes every slice special.

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How to Make Easy Same Day Sourdough Bread

Ingredients:

500 grams bread flour (4 cups)
350 grams water (1.5 cups)
100 grams sourdough starter (1/2 cup)
10 grams salt (2 tsp)

Directions:

Feed your sourdough starter equal parts flour and water the night before you plan to bake.
The next morning, combine the active starter and water in a bowl and whisk them together using a fork.
Add the flour and salt to the water mixture, and mix until you have a loose, shaggy ball of dough.
Cover the bowl with a tea towel and let it sit for 20-30 minutes to rest.
Perform three sets of stretch and folds, spaced twenty minutes apart. After each set, cover the dough with a wet tea towel. To do this, grasp one side of the dough, stretch it up, and fold it over the main ball. Do this for each side of the dough.
After the last set of stretch and folds, cover the dough with a damp tea towel and allow it to ferment until it doubles in size. This may take 4-8 hours depending on your home’s temperature.
Once the dough has doubled, do one final set of stretch and folds. Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a banneton or a floured bowl. Put it in the fridge for one hour.
Preheat your oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit.
Score the top of your sourdough bread with a sharp knife, then place it into a Dutch Oven (you do not need to preheat the Dutch Oven).
Bake for 25 minutes, then remove the lid and continue baking for another 20-25 minutes or until the crust is golden brown.
Once done, take the bread out of the oven and let it cool for an hour before slicing.

How to Serve Easy Same Day Sourdough Bread

This sourdough bread is perfect for toasting, making sandwiches, or enjoying with butter and jam. You can serve it alongside soups and salads or simply enjoy it as is with a drizzle of olive oil. Each bite will be a delight on its own!

How to Store Easy Same Day Sourdough Bread

To store your sourdough bread, let it cool completely. Keep it in a paper bag on the counter for up to three days for the best flavor and texture. If you want to store it for longer, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in the freezer. It can stay fresh in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, just let it thaw at room temperature.

Tips to Make Easy Same Day Sourdough Bread

Make sure your sourdough starter is active and bubbly for the best results.
If your home is cooler, allow for longer fermentation times.
Adapt the water amount slightly based on your flour type and humidity.
Use a sharp knife or a bread lame to score your bread for a nice opening during baking.

Variation

If you want to add more flavor, consider incorporating herbs, cheese, or nuts into the dough before the first rise. Experimenting with additions can create a unique twist on the classic sourdough flavor!

FAQs

Can I use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour?

Yes, you can use all-purpose flour. However, bread flour will give a better structure and chew to the bread.

What can I do if my dough isn’t rising?

If your dough isn’t rising, it may be due to an inactive sourdough starter. Make sure your starter is bubbly and healthy before using it. You may also check your room temperature, as cooler homes may slow down the rising process.

How do I know when my bread is done?

Your bread is done when it has a deep golden-brown crust and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. If you have a thermometer, the internal temperature should read about 200-210 degrees Fahrenheit.