Authentic Sourdough Bread
A true artisan loaf fermented with a natural starter, featuring a crisp crust and open crumb that embodies genuine sourdough craftsmanship. This french-inspired quick meals ready in about 75 minutes pairs active sourdough starter, water, bread flour for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 1, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 100 g, active sourdough starter
- 500 g water
- 700 g bread flour
- 15 g sea salt
- 20 g bread flour (for dusting)
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 100g active sourdough starter, 500g water, and 700g bread flour; mix until no dry streaks remain.
- Step 2: Cover with a damp cloth and let rest for 30 minutes (autolyse).
- Step 3: Add 15g sea salt to the dough and mix for 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Step 4: Perform 4 sets of stretch-and-folds every 30 minutes, folding the dough over itself on a lightly floured surface.
- Step 5: After 2 hours, shape the dough into a tight boule, place seam-side up in a floured banneton, and cover with a cloth.
- Step 6: Refrigerate for 12-16 hours for slow fermentation.
- Step 7: Preheat oven to 475°F with a Dutch oven inside for 45 minutes.
- Step 8: Carefully transfer dough to the preheated pot, score the top with a sharp knife, cover with lid, and bake for 30 minutes.
- Step 9: Remove lid and bake for 15-20 minutes until deep golden brown and crusty.
- Step 10: Cool completely on a wire rack before slicing (at least 2 hours).
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Authentic Sourdough Bread take to make?
Total time is about 75 minutes (30 min prep + 45 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Authentic Sourdough Bread?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep active sourdough starter from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Authentic Sourdough Bread?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Authentic Sourdough Bread for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 1 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 1). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Authentic Sourdough Bread?
French quick meals like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Kids gobbled it up without complaints — that's a 5-star in my book.
- ★★★★☆
Really good but took about 10 minutes longer than stated.
- ★★★★☆
Very good for a 45-minute recipe. Would bump up the spice level though.
