Easy Homemade Sourdough Recipe is the perfect way to bake bakery-quality bread right in your own kitchen. With a crisp golden crust, a soft and chewy interior, and that classic tangy sourdough flavor, this recipe is simple enough for beginners while still delivering incredible results. Whether you’re making avocado toast, grilled cheese, or simply enjoying a warm slice with butter, this homemade sourdough loaf is guaranteed to become a favorite.
If you’ve been intimidated by sourdough baking, don’t worry! This step-by-step guide walks you through the entire process using an active sourdough starter, making it easier than ever to bake a beautiful artisan loaf at home.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Homemade Sourdough Recipe
- Perfect for beginners
- Crispy artisan-style crust
- Soft, chewy crumb
- Naturally fermented for incredible flavor
- No commercial yeast needed
- Great for sandwiches, toast, or dipping in soup
- Freezes beautifully
What Is Sourdough Bread?
Sourdough bread is naturally leavened using a fermented sourdough starter instead of commercial yeast. The starter contains wild yeast and beneficial bacteria that slowly ferment the dough, creating its signature tangy flavor, chewy texture, and airy crumb.
The long fermentation also helps develop deeper flavor than traditional bread.
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 100 grams active sourdough starter
- 350 grams warm water
- 500 grams bread flour
- 10 grams fine sea salt
Kitchen Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Kitchen scale (recommended)
- Dough scraper
- Banneton basket or bowl lined with a towel
- Dutch oven with lid
- Sharp razor or bread lame
- Cooling rack
How to Make Easy Homemade Sourdough Bread
Step 1: Mix the Dough
In a large bowl, combine:
- Active sourdough starter
- Warm water
Stir until mostly dissolved.
Add bread flour and mix until no dry flour remains.
Cover and let rest for 30 minutes.
Step 2: Add Salt
Sprinkle the salt over the dough.
Wet your hands and work the salt into the dough until fully incorporated.
Cover again.
Step 3: Stretch and Fold
Every 30 minutes for the next 2 hours:
- Grab one side of the dough
- Stretch upward
- Fold over itself
Rotate the bowl and repeat four times.
Do this a total of 4 rounds.
The dough will become smoother and stronger each round.
Step 4: Bulk Fermentation
Cover the bowl and allow the dough to rise at room temperature for 4–6 hours, or until it has increased by about 50%.
Step 5: Shape the Dough
Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface.
Shape into a tight round loaf by folding the edges underneath while rotating.
Place seam-side up into a floured banneton basket or towel-lined bowl.
Step 6: Cold Proof
Cover and refrigerate for 8–16 hours.
This develops the best flavor and makes scoring easier.
Step 7: Preheat
Place your Dutch oven inside the oven.
Preheat to:
450°F (232°C)
Allow the Dutch oven to heat for at least 30 minutes.
Step 8: Score the Dough
Turn the dough onto parchment paper.
Using a bread lame or sharp razor, make one long slash across the top.
This allows the loaf to expand while baking.
Step 9: Bake
Transfer the dough into the hot Dutch oven.
Bake:
- Covered: 20 minutes
- Remove lid
- Bake another 20–25 minutes
The crust should be deep golden brown.
Internal temperature should reach approximately 205–210°F.
Step 10: Cool
Place on a wire rack.
Allow to cool for at least 1 hour before slicing.
This prevents a gummy interior.
Pro Tips for Perfect Sourdough
- Use an active, bubbly starter that doubles in size after feeding.
- Weigh ingredients with a kitchen scale for consistent results.
- Avoid adding extra flour during shaping unless absolutely necessary.
- Cold proof overnight for the best flavor.
- Let the loaf cool completely before slicing.
Delicious Variations
Everything Bagel Sourdough
Add everything bagel seasoning before baking.
Rosemary Garlic
Fold roasted garlic and chopped rosemary into the dough during stretch and folds.
Jalapeño Cheddar
Mix in:
- Diced jalapeños
- Sharp cheddar cheese
Cinnamon Raisin
Add raisins and cinnamon for a breakfast loaf.
Honey Oat
Brush with honey and sprinkle rolled oats before baking.
What to Serve With Homemade Sourdough
- Butter
- Homemade jam
- Olive oil and balsamic vinegar
- Soup
- Chili
- Pasta
- Grilled cheese
- Avocado toast
- Eggs
- Charcuterie boards
Storage Tips
Store at room temperature in a paper bag or bread box for up to 4 days.
Avoid refrigerating, as it can dry out the bread.
Freezing Instructions
Slice the cooled loaf.
Freeze in an airtight freezer bag for up to 3 months.
Toast slices directly from frozen.
Common Questions
Why didn’t my sourdough rise?
Your starter may not have been active enough, or the dough may have needed more fermentation time.
Can I use all-purpose flour?
Yes, but bread flour produces a chewier loaf with better structure.
Do I need a Dutch oven?
A Dutch oven creates steam for the best crust, but you can also use a baking stone with a pan of hot water in the oven.
How do I know my starter is ready?
It should double in size within 4–8 hours after feeding and pass the float test (a small spoonful floats in water).
Can I freeze sourdough?
Absolutely! Slice first for easy reheating.
Nutrition Facts
Per Slice (based on 16 slices)
- Calories: 140
- Protein: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fat: 1g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 240mg
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Nutrition values are estimates and will vary depending on ingredient brands and loaf size.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like pulling a warm, freshly baked loaf of sourdough out of the oven. With its crisp, golden crust, soft and chewy interior, and rich, tangy flavor, this Easy Homemade Sourdough Recipe proves that artisan bread doesn’t have to be complicated. Whether you’re baking your very first loaf or you’ve been making sourdough for years, this simple recipe is one you’ll come back to again and again.
If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Leave a comment below with your favorite way to enjoy homemade sourdough, and don’t forget to share this recipe with friends and family. Be sure to save this recipe on Pinterest so you’ll always have an easy, foolproof sourdough bread recipe ready whenever you’re craving fresh homemade bread.
I hope you enjoyed learning about how to make this easy homemade sourdough recipe! If you liked this one, you should check out my Homemade Flour Tortillas recipe and the rest of my blog. If you have any questions, please contact me at: [email protected]
Happy baking! 🍞❤️
