Fresh-Baked Sourdough Bread Recipe

Hello, my wonderful foodies! Today, I have an amazing bread recipe for you all. We’re diving into the world of the iconic Fresh-Baked Sourdough Bread Recipe. This bread is a marvellous feast of textures and flavours, perfect for a hearty family dinner or a weekend brunch. The slightly tangy flavour of sourdough, combined with a perfect crust and fluffy inside, is simply heavenly. Trust me, once you taste this homemade sourdough bread; you’d think twice before buying it from the store.

Whether you want to surprise your family by serving them gourmet sandwiches or want to learn a new enterprise in bread baking, this sourdough bread recipe has you covered. Now, let’s breakdown this baking adventure:

• Prep Time: 24 hours
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 24 hours, 45 minutes
• Servings: 10
• Yield: 1 large loaf

Alright, now let’s head to our magical baking journey!

Ingredients & Equipment You’ll Need

• 1 cup sourdough starter
• 3 cups bread flour
• 1.25 cups of water
• 1.5 tsp salt

You’ll also need a dutch oven for baking. If you don’t have a dutch oven, a heavy baking sheet or a casserole dish can work too.

The sourdough starter is the crown jewel of this recipe. It’s responsible for the tangy flavour and the distinct texture. Don’t skimp on this, good things take time!

How To Make Fresh-Baked Sourdough Bread

1. Firstly, mix the sourdough starter, bread flour, and water in a large bowl. Let it rest for about 30 minutes.
2. Then, add salt into the dough mixture and work it until smooth. The dough should be moist, but not sticky.
3. Now, allow the dough to rise: this is the slow process that truly gives your bread its unique shape and flavour. Consider leaving it overnight for best results.
4. Finally, pop your dough into a preheated oven. Bake it until it achieves a golden and crispy crust. Then, let it cool before cutting. Break some bread and enjoy your fresh-baked sourdough!

Tips For The Best Results

• Always use a well-fed sourdough starter.
• Never rush the rising process.
• Always preheat the oven for best baking results.

Storage Tips

• Store in a bread bin for up to 4 days.
• You can freeze them in freezer bags for longer storage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How do I know when my sourdough is ready to bake?
A: It should have almost doubled in size, and it will feel lighter and look noticeably puffed up.

Q: My dough is too sticky, what can I do?
A: If it’s too sticky, add a little bit of flour. It should be tacky but not extremely sticky.

Q: What’s a great sandwich I can make with this bread?
A: A classic grilled cheese or a savory Rueben sandwich would be heavenly!

Q: What to serve with this bread?
A: It pairs really well with a hearty soup.

Q: Can I use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour?
A: Yes, but the bread flour creates a better texture.

Nutritional Facts of Fresh-Baked Sourdough Bread

Each slice contains 135kcal, 27g carbs, 4g protein, and 1g fat. It also provides a good amount of dietary fiber, making it an excellent choice for a balanced diet.

In conclusion, I can say that this Fresh-Baked Sourdough Bread recipe is an absolute winner. It’s satisfying to make, incredibly tasty, and pretty healthy too. Don’t forget to serve it warm and with a generous pat of butter for a heavenly indulgence. Happy baking, folks!