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Easy Sourdough Bread Recipe

Hey there, fellow moms and baking enthusiasts! If you've ever felt like you're juggling more than you can handle – whether it's work, kids, or just life – I'm right there with you. My sourdough journey began with the discovery of a 200-year-old starter, and it's been a flavorful adventure of ups and downs. Today, I'm excited to share my go-to sourdough recipe that's tailor-made for busy lifestyles and evolving priorities. So, let's roll up our sleeves and dive into the world of easy, delicious sourdough! Find all my sourdough bread tools and ingredients HERE.

Rediscovering the Sourdough Passion

During my pregnancy, I stumbled upon the enchanting world of sourdough. The prospect of baking fresh, nutritious breads and delightful sourdough discard treats was irresistible. Yet, as life took a new turn postpartum, I had to let go of my sourdough routine. But wait, there's more to the story! With the help of a trusty bread machine, I ensured my family always had homemade bread. However, the heart missed the art of sourdough, and that's where my rekindling journey began.

Crafting a Low-Maintenance Sourdough Routine

After almost two years of contemplation, I decided to rekindle my sourdough passion. Weeks of experimentation followed, resulting in a game-changing discovery: a low-maintenance overnight proof method that requires minimal stretch and folds. This approach fits perfectly into a bustling lifestyle, giving us the tangy delight of sourdough without the intimidation factor.

Easy Sourdough Bread Recipe Breakdown

The Recipe that Fits Your Life: Here's the scoop on my easy-peasy sourdough recipe:

Ingredients:

• 50 to 60 grams of fed sourdough starter
• 360 grams of filtered room temperature water
• 500 grams of bread flour (King Arthur’s Bread Flour is my go-to)
• 10 grams of sea salt

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl (avoid stainless steel), mix the sourdough starter with water.
2. Add bread flour and mix to form a shaggy, sticky dough.
3. Incorporate sea salt into the dough.
4. Cover and let the dough rest for 1 hour.
5. Stretch and fold the dough to build tension (about 15 seconds).
6. Shape the dough into a round, place back into the bowl, and let it rest for 8-12 hours on the counter.
7. Shape the dough again and let it rest for 10 minutes.
8. Place the dough in a floured banneton basket for the final rise. 1 to 4 hours on the counter depending on the season. 12 to 24 hours covered in the fridge. 
9. Preheat the oven to 450°F.
10. Score the dough and transfer it to a Dutch oven using parchment paper.
11. Bake covered for 30 minutes, then uncovered for an additional 20 minutes.
12. Let the bread cool on a wire rack for at least 2 hours.

Easy Sourdough Bread Recipe Notes:

• When covering your dough, you can use a damp kitchen towel or plastic wrap. I use a large pot lid that fits over my bowl. 
• When the dough is sticky, wet your hands to make it easier to work with. 
• If you don’t have a banneton basket, line a bowl with a clean kitchen towel and flour.
• If you’d like a darker crust, remove the bread from the dutch oven and place directly on the oven rack for an additional 5 to 10 min with the oven off. 

Embracing the Sourdough Lifestyle: 

Sourdough might seem daunting, but the key is to make it work for your unique routine. My recipe adapts to your busy schedule, letting you indulge in fresh, homemade sourdough without the hassle. It's all about finding joy in the process and making it a part of your life.

On my journey, I've captured moments that reflect the heart of my sourdough adventure. From the delightful slices of freshly baked bread to a TikTok video of feeding our cherished sourdough starter, it's a visual feast that adds a personal touch to the experience.