True Taste Sourdough Bread with Cracked Pepper

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A no-knead sourdough loaf featuring a crisp crust and chewy interior, enhanced with cracked black pepper for a genuinely bold flavor. This french-inspired quick meals ready in about 60 minutes pairs active sourdough starter, all-purpose flour, bread flour for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 180 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.

★ 4.3 (14 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 45 min Serves 8 French cuisine 180 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 1/2 cup active sourdough starter, 3 cups all-purpose flour, 1 cup bread flour, 1 1/2 cups water, and 1 1/2 tsp salt. Mix until no dry flour remains, then cover and let rest at room temperature for 30 minutes.
  2. Step 2: After 30 minutes, add 1 tsp cracked black pepper to the dough, then fold the dough over itself 3 times using a wet spatula, letting it rest for 30 minutes. Repeat folding twice more with 30-minute rests in between.
  3. Step 3: Transfer dough to a floured bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and refrigerate for 12-18 hours (overnight) for slow fermentation.
  4. Step 4: Preheat oven to 450°F with a Dutch oven inside for 30 minutes. Gently shape the dough into a ball on a floured surface, place seam-side up in the hot Dutch oven, and score the top with a sharp knife.
  5. Step 5: Cover with the lid and bake for 20 minutes, then remove lid and bake for 25 more minutes until the crust is deep golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 200°F.

Frequently asked questions

How long does True Taste Sourdough Bread with Cracked Pepper take to make?

Total time is about 60 minutes (15 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 True Taste Sourdough Bread with Cracked Pepper?

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 True Taste Sourdough Bread with Cracked Pepper?

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 True Taste Sourdough Bread with Cracked Pepper 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 True Taste Sourdough Bread with Cracked Pepper?

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.

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