Classic Sourdough Bread With Starters

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Few things compare to the smell of freshly baked sourdough bread wafting through your kitchen. This timeless recipe brings that artisanal experience into your home using your own sourdough starter. With its golden crust and chewy interior, this bread is both rustic and elegant, perfect for everything from avocado toast to a hearty soup side.

What sets sourdough apart is the natural fermentation process, giving it a depth of flavor you simply can’t get from store-bought loaves. If you’ve been nurturing a starter, this is a rewarding and satisfying way to put it to good use. Each loaf you bake becomes part of your personal bread-making journey.

Why You’ll Love This Classic Sourdough Bread With Starters

This recipe is for anyone who appreciates the art of slow baking. It doesn’t rely on commercial yeast but instead uses the natural yeast from your starter. That means more flavor, better texture, and improved digestibility. Plus, the process of folding and resting gives you a hands-on feel that makes baking this bread meditative and fulfilling.

What Kind of Flour Should I Use?

For a reliable, crusty sourdough, bread flour is ideal thanks to its high protein content. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can experiment with adding a touch of whole wheat or rye flour for deeper flavor. Just remember that different flours absorb water differently, so you might need to adjust hydration slightly.

Ingredients for the Classic Sourdough Bread With Starters

Good bread begins with quality ingredients, and this one keeps it beautifully simple. Each component plays a critical role in achieving the perfect crumb and crust.

• Sourdough starter – This is the soul of the recipe, giving the bread rise, tang, and texture.
• Bread flour – Provides the strength and chewiness you want in your crusty loaf.
• Water – Hydrates the dough and helps activate the gluten.
• Salt – Balances the flavor and tightens the gluten structure.

How To Make the Classic Sourdough Bread With Starters

Step 1: Feed Your Starter

Make sure your sourdough starter is active and bubbly. Feed it 4 to 8 hours before baking, depending on your starter’s rhythm.

Step 2: Mix the Dough

Combine 100g of starter with 375g of water and 500g of bread flour. Mix until no dry bits remain. Cover and let it rest (autolyse) for 30 to 45 minutes.

Step 3: Add Salt

Add 10g of salt and mix it into the dough using a pinch-and-fold motion. Let it rest for 15 minutes.

Step 4: Stretch and Fold

Perform 4 sets of stretch and folds every 30 minutes over the next 2 hours. This builds the dough’s strength.

Step 5: Bulk Fermentation

Let the dough rise for 4 to 5 hours at room temperature until it’s puffy and increased in size.

Step 6: Shape the Dough

Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and shape it into a round or oval. Place it seam-side up into a floured proofing basket.

Step 7: Cold Proof

Cover and refrigerate the dough overnight (8 to 12 hours). This slow fermentation boosts flavor.

Step 8: Bake

Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C) with a Dutch oven inside. Transfer the dough into the pot, score the top, and bake covered for 20 minutes, then uncovered for another 20-25 minutes until deep golden brown.

How to Store and Serve Your Bread

This loaf is best served slightly warm with butter, but it’s versatile enough for sandwiches, toast, or dipping in olive oil. It feeds 8 to 10 people depending on the serving size. Once cooled completely, store it wrapped in a tea towel or paper bag to preserve the crust. Avoid plastic bags as they soften the crust too quickly. For longer storage, slice and freeze in an airtight container.

What to Serve With Classic Sourdough Bread With Starters?

Creamy Tomato Spinach Pasta

The acidity of sourdough cuts perfectly through creamy sauces like this vibrant tomato-spinach pasta.

Herby Chicken Meatball Bowl

A cozy meal paired with a crusty slice of sourdough makes for a satisfying lunch or dinner.

Classic Caprese Salad Recipe

Use sourdough as a base for Caprese-style open-faced sandwiches with fresh tomatoes and mozzarella.

Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque

Dip your bread into a rich, creamy seafood soup for an indulgent flavor pairing.

Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Creamy Parmesan Shells

Use toasted slices of sourdough to mop up the buttery steak and pasta sauce.

Creamy Smothered Chicken with Spinach, Potatoes and Mushrooms

This bread holds up beautifully to saucy dishes and adds texture to every bite.

Frozen Banana Yogurt Pops

Balance a savory meal with a refreshing and light dessert like frozen yogurt pops.

Easy Homemade Naan Bread

Serve your sourdough alongside other flatbreads for a bread lover’s tasting board.

Want More Bread Ideas?

If baking brings you joy, you’ll want to try a few of these popular choices too:

• Easy Homemade Naan Bread when you need a quick soft flatbread.
• Garlic Butter Chicken Balls with Creamy Parmesan Pasta for another saucy meal that begs for bread.
• Classic Caprese Salad Recipe with sourdough crostini on the side.
• Creamy Tomato Spinach Pasta for the ultimate comfort meal.
• Ooey Gooey Butter Cake as the perfect dessert follow-up to a hearty sourdough feast.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest bread board so you can come back to it any time.

Have questions about your starter or how your crumb turned out? Leave a comment below. I’m always happy to troubleshoot and cheer you on.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks and more bakes on Janet Dishes on Pinterest.

Conclusion

Classic sourdough bread with starters isn’t just about baking; it’s about tradition, patience, and flavor. Whether you’re a seasoned bread maker or just getting started, this recipe will become a favorite in your kitchen. With every loaf, you’re not just feeding yourself—you’re feeding a passion for homemade simplicity.

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