Real Deal Sourdough Bread
A handcrafted loaf using a 100% natural starter, achieving authentic sourdough tang and airy crumb through slow fermentation. This french-inspired quick meals ready in about 70 minutes pairs active sourdough starter, bread flour, (70% hydration) water for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 150 calories and feeds 8, 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
- 100g active sourdough starter
- 500g bread flour
- 350g (70% hydration) water
- 10g sea salt
- for dusting extra bread flour
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, combine active starter, bread flour, and water. Mix until no dry flour remains, then cover and let rest for 30 minutes (autolyse).
- Step 2: Add sea salt to the dough and mix for 5 minutes until smooth and elastic, using a stand mixer or by hand.
- Step 3: Perform 3 sets of stretch-and-folds every 30 minutes over 1.5 hours to develop gluten; cover dough with a damp towel between folds.
- Step 4: Shape dough into a tight boule, place seam-side up in a floured banneton, and cover with a towel. Proof at room temperature for 2 hours until doubled in size.
- Step 5: Preheat oven to 475°F (245°C) with a baking stone inside for 45 minutes. Score the dough with a razor blade, transfer to the stone, and bake for 25 minutes. Reduce heat to 450°F (230°C) and bake for 15 more minutes until deep golden brown.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Real Deal Sourdough Bread take to make?
Total time is about 70 minutes (30 min prep + 40 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 Real Deal 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 Real Deal 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 Real Deal Sourdough Bread for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 8 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 8). 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 Real Deal 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
- ★★★★☆
Really good but took about 10 minutes longer than stated.
- ★★★★☆
Really good but took about 10 minutes longer than stated.
- ★★★★☆
Tasty recipe. I'd add a bit more seasoning next time.
