How do I know if my sourdough starter is ready to use?

Your starter is ready when: It doubles in size within 4-6 hours of feeding. It has a bubbly texture and a slightly tangy aroma. A spoonful floats in water (the “float test”).

Can I make sourdough without a starter?

No, a sourdough starter is essential. However, you can borrow an active starter from a friend or purchase a dried starter online.

Why is my sourdough bread too dense?

A dense loaf usually means: The dough didn’t ferment long enough. Your starter wasn’t strong and active. The gluten wasn’t well-developed during kneading.

What is the best flour for making sourdough bread?

Bread flour works best because of its high protein content, which helps create a strong dough structure. However, mixing in whole wheat, rye, or spelt flour can add depth and flavor.

Sourdough Bread The Ultimate Guide to Baking Perfect Loaves

Ultimate Guide to Sourdough Bread: History, Benefits, and How to Make It at Home

Print Recipe

Learn how to bake sourdough bread at home with this step-by-step guide. Discover fermentation tips, troubleshooting tricks, and storage methods.

Author: wafaeadrar
Prep Time: 12 hours
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 12 hours 45 minutes
Yield: 1 loaf 1x
Category: Breakfast
Cuisine: International

Ingredients

Scale

3 ½ cups (450g) bread flour
1 ½ cups (350g) water
½ cup (100g) active sourdough starter
2 tsp (10g) salt

Instructions

Mix the Dough: Combine flour, water, and starter. Let it rest for 30 minutes, then add salt.
Bulk Fermentation: Let the dough rise for 4-6 hours at room temperature, folding every 30 minutes.
Shaping: Shape the dough into a round and place it in a proofing basket.
Final Proofing: Refrigerate overnight for enhanced flavor and texture.
Baking: Preheat the oven to 475°F (245°C), score the dough, and bake for 25 minutes covered, then 20 minutes uncovered.
Cooling: Let the bread cool before slicing to retain moisture.

Nutrition

Calories: 150 kcal
Fat: 0.5g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 5g

Find it online: https://miralrecipes.com/sourdough-bread-baking-guide/