The Easiest Sourdough Bread
Soft and fluffy with a crunchy crust—this recipe is the perfect beginner’s guide to baking sourdough bread. While it may be a simple recipe, the loaf is still just as impressive and delicious as “artisan” bread—without the extra steps and complicated work!
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In the last three years I have tried multiple sourdough recipes. There are of course many similarities among recipes, but each one tends to use their own method for getting from flour, water, starter, and salt to a finished loaf.
And some are complicated.
So while I love each method, my favorite will always be this simpler one. No autolyze. No need to mix with your hands or to mix in a particular way. And the best of all: the fewest steps possible.
For a busy mom, full time teacher, and side hustler, fewer steps is the best.
FYI, If you’re new to the world of sourdough, check out this post about creating a starter and this post about maintaining a starter. And before baking your first loaf, you may want to check out this post all about levains. And, if need be, check out this post about troubleshooting a sourdough starter.
Why this recipe works
This recipe is simple! It requires minimal mixing, which for me is the worst part of sourdough. It’s also absolutely doable with a spatula rather than your hands, which, to be honest, is why I hate the mixing. I have very dry hands and also often have my nails painted, making it unideal to mix my sourdough by hand repeatedly. Instead, this method requires one step of mixing.
While more artisan style loaves call for using your hands (there are some benefits—most notably a better feel for when the dough is properly mixed), I’ve never found it to make a huge difference. The real key is a healthy starter and overall experience as a bread baker.
This recipe also uses a basic—and very common—ratio of ingredients. It’s fairly foolproof, making it ideal for beginner bakers (or experienced ones who just don’t have the energy to mix and autolyze all day). It uses a 75% hydration (water to flour ratio), meaning you’ll have a soft, delicately chewy loaf that’s still easy to work with. Higher hydration can be difficult to shape. Although shaping is just one little step in the hours-long process of sourdough, it is one of the most important. A tightly shaped loaf will bake far better than a loose one. Plus, shaping can be stressful!
Finally, there is some flexibility in this recipe. You can use your oven to build the levain (the bulked up bit of starter you’ll use in the dough) and for the bulk fermentation (the first rise), meaning it’s faster and more predictable in its timing. Or you can use the counter, which takes longer but requires less rigid watching and timing. And while final proofing the shaped loaf is best done in the fridge (it deepens the flavor and makes the loaf keep its shape better), you can also do that on the counter, speeding up the process.
Overall, this recipe is simple and flexible, making it the easiest sourdough recipe that I love falling back on.
Key ingredients & equipment
Active starter (levain). In the recipe I do walk you through how to build the levain, but you can find out more about levains (which is just active starter that’s bubbly and passes the float test) in this post here.
Warm water—roughly 80F/27C. I suggest filtered water, unless your tap water is particularly fresh and clean, such as mountain areas.
Bread flour. All-purpose flour can work, too, but bread flour is by far the superior choice here.
Salt. I suggest finely ground sea salt.
Large mixing bowl. I always use a large bowl so I don’t spill ingredients as I mix. Things can get messy!
Kitchen scale. Be sure it’s reliable. I highly suggest weighing everything for sourdough, as measuring cups can pack in the flour and cause your ratios to be wildly off. Until you’re experienced, it’s best to carefully weigh ingredients.
Thermometer. Again, be sure it’s reliable. If you don’t have one or it breaks, you can use the boiled water method: bring 2/3 cup water to a boil and add it to 1 and 1/3 cup cold water. This will give you a little more than the 375g you need, but it should be the correct temperature.
Rubber spatula. This makes mixing so much easier, as it’s all rubber and easier to clean.
How to make the easiest sourdough bread
At the beginning, sourdough can feel daunting, but it’s actually just a few steps, often tweaked by a particular baker in their recipe. The general process of making sourdough includes the following:
Building a levain (or having enough active starter for your recipe)
Mixing the ingredients
Stretch and folds (instead of kneading)
Bulk fermentation (the first rise)
Shaping the loaf
Final proof (the second, small rise)
Baking
1. Build a levain and let it rise until bubbly. Take 25g starter and mix with 50g warm water and 50g flour. Let rise on the counter for 8-12 hours (or in the turned-off oven with the light on for 3-6 hours), until it doubles in volume, has bubbles that break the surface, and can pass the float test (see FAQ’s below for doing a float test). For more on levains and float tests, this post here.
2. Stir active levain with warm water. I like this order of stirring because it’s the easiest. I just use an all-rubber spatula to mix the two together until mostly mixed. Don’t worry if the starter/levain isn’t fully dissolved.
3. Stir in salt. You can do this with the flour, but I like doing it here to let it dissolve fully.
4. Stir in flour until combined and no dry sections. At first, this may seem way too dry to every mix together. Just keep mixing, using a folding motion with your spatula and occasionally flattening it down in the middle to release any water or flour pockets. You can also use your hands and squish it together between your fingers. Mix until you don’t see any pockets of flour. It will be a shaggy ball.
5. Stretch and fold. Let the mixed dough rest for about 30 minutes (a little less or a little more is fine—life happens). Then, using clean, damp hands, slide your hand under one “side” of the dough and grab it gently in your fingers. Pull it up and fold it over the middle of the dough, pressing it gently. It should stretch a little past the middle of the dough. Rotate and do this at least 4 times, until all sides have been pulled up, folded over, and then pressed back into the dough on the other side.
6. Repeat 3-4 times every 30ish minutes. You’ll want to repeat the stretch and folds until the dough is smooth and elastic. It should feel tougher with each set, making it a little harder to stretch and fold each time. The goal is the pass the translucency test—pulling up a small bit of the dough and being able to stretch it until you can see light pass through it without it breaking. Early on, it always took me at least 5 sets, until my starter and technique improved.
7. Let dough rise until volume increases by about 50%. I highly suggest a straight-edged, bucket-style canister with measurements on the side. That will be much more accurate in figuring out how much it has risen. (Note: the photos below show a single loaf pre-rise and a double loaf post-rise. Because life.)
8. Pre-shape. This helps even out the structure and helps build the structure needed to actually shape the bread for baking. Simply fold two opposite sides over the middle (similar to the stretch and folds) then repeat with the other two ends. Flip it over, cover with plastic, and let rest for about 20 minutes.
9. Shape. If making a round boule, you’ll repeat the steps from the pre-shape. Fold one side over the middle, then fold the opposite side over the first fold. Repeat this with the two resulting ends. Flip it over and use the edge of your hands (the sides of your pinkies) to spin the dough as you gently pull your hands under it, pulling the top as tight as possible. Place upside down in a floured banneton (or small mixing bowl lined with a tea towel). If the bottom (which is now facing up) begins to lose its tightness, use damp fingers to pull it back together and stick it to itself. This helps keep that taut surface on the top. Cover tightly (right against the dough and a little around its edges) with plastic wrap.
10. Final proof. Refrigerate at least 8 hours, or up to 36 (I’ve done more, but often the bread gets too puffy by then). Or, you can let it proof on the counter for 30-60 minutes, until it just begins to puff up slightly.
11. Bake. Preheat your oven and baking vessel at 450F/235C. After preheat cycle is done, let it continue heating 10-30 minutes. Remove your bread from the fridge and turn over on a piece of parchment (so that it’s right side up again). Using a very sharp knife, score it as desired (I’m basic and just do slashes). Trim excess parchment and transfer carefully to your baking vessel and place the lid back on. Bake for 30 minutes then remove the lid and turn the oven down to 400. Bake 15-20 minutes more, until your ideal shade of golden brown.
12. Let cool 1 hour. This is pretty mandatory, as the bread will turn gummy and begin to dry out if you cut it too soon.
Enjoy!
Uncut bread can last on the counter 2 days or can be wrapped un foil and frozen up to 2 months. Let defrost on the counter before serving.
Cut bread should be wrapped in foil or plastic.
Timing options:
Here I include a few options for when you can start your bread. How long the entire process takes depends on where you let the levain rise and the bulk fermentation happen. The counter will take longer than the oven, but sometimes that’s ideal!
Also note that you can mix and match. You can use the oven light method for just the levain or just the bulk fermentation. The fourth option is an example of this, with a schedule that I use on weekdays. You can also stick the levain or bulk fermenting dough in the fridge if they’re rising faster than your schedule permits (such as it’s bedtime and they’re almost ready).
Option 1: overnight levain, all counter rises
Pro: flexibility, most of the work is first thing in the morning, letting you go do what you need for the day, ideal for cooler weather
Con: takes longer, runs the risk of missing the peak rise on the levain or the 50% rise in the bulk fermentation, not ideal in warm weather
Bedtime (10pm): build levain, let rise on the counter
Morning (8am): Mix dough
Note: if your starter is more mature and rises quickly, you may need to start the levain later or wake up earlier
Morning (8-10am): stretch and folds
Morning/afternoon (10am-4pm or later): bulk fermentation on the counter
Evening (6pm, or when risen by 50%): pre-shape then shape
Note: in cold weather this could take as long as 12 or more hours
Overnight: final proof in fridge
Optional: you can do a counter proof for 30-60 minutes then bake it, but this isn’t my favorite method as it has less sour flavor and may lose its shape somewhat
Morning: bake your loaf
Option 2: Morning levain, all counter rises
Pro: flexibility, most of the work is first thing in the evening, letting you go do what you need for the day, ideal for cooler weather
Con: takes longer, runs the risk of missing the peak rise on the levain or the 50% rise in the bulk fermentation, not ideal in warm weather
Morning (8am): build levain, let rise on the counter
Evening (6pm): Mix dough
Note: watch your levain carefully, as it may need more or less time to be usable
Evening (6-8pm): stretch and folds
Overnight: bulk fermentation on the counter
Note: if your dough is rising too quickly, you can refrigerate it before bed and then shape it in the morning (however, cold dough is a little tougher to shape)
Morning (8am, or when risen by 50%): pre-shape then shape
Note: this could take much less than 12 hours, so avoid this method on your first loaf
Mid-day: final proof in fridge
Optional: you can do a counter proof for 30-60 minutes then bake it, but this isn’t my favorite method as it has less sour flavor and may lose its shape somewhat
Optional: you can also refrigerate a shaped loaf for up to 36 hours (it depends largely on your starter how long it can last, but 36 hours is usually a safe zone)
Afternoon or evening: bake your loaf
Option 3: Morning levain, all oven rises
Pro: predictable timing, useful year round, whole process takes less time, ideal if you have young kids (stretch and folds are always during our nap time!), ideal on weekends
Con: not always an exact timing (takes longer in winter or with a young starter), less flexibility in your day, not ideal on weekdays
Morning (8am): build levain, let rise in the turned-off oven with the light on
Afternoon (12pm): Mix dough
Note: watch your levain carefully, as it may need more or less time to be usable
Afternoon (12-2pm): stretch and folds
Afternoon/evening (2-6pm): bulk fermentation in the turned-off oven with the light on
Evening (6pm, or when risen by 50%): pre-shape then shape
Overnight: final proof in fridge
Optional: you can do a counter proof for 30-60 minutes then bake it, but this isn’t my favorite method as it has less sour flavor and may lose its shape somewhat
Morning (or within 36 hours of shaping): bake your loaf
Option 4: Morning levain, mix and match rises
Pro: somewhat predictable timing, ideal if you are out for the day or at work
Con: not always an exact timing (takes longer in winter or with a young starter)
Morning (7am): build levain, let rise on the counter
Afternoon (3pm): Mix dough
Note: watch your levain carefully, as it may need more or less time to be usable
Evening (3-5pm): stretch and folds
Evening (5-10pm): bulk fermentation in the turned-off oven with the light on
Bedtime (10pm, or when risen by 50%): pre-shape then shape
Overnight: final proof in fridge
Optional: you can do a counter proof for 30-60 minutes then bake it, but this isn’t my favorite method as it has less sour flavor and may lose its shape somewhat
Morning (or within 36 hours of shaping): bake your loaf
All times can be shifted and methods can be mixed and matched based on your schedule (and starter). You can do an overnight counter-rise levain with an oven light bulk fermentation in the morning. Or you can start with option 3, but then let the bulk fermentation happen on the counter and shape it just before bedtime. As well, all times are not exact, since each starter is different and each climate will produce differing rise times for the levain and bulk fermentation.
Tips and FAQ’s for this recipe
What if it’s rising too fast?
If the bulk fermentation (or even levain) is going too fast, feel free to use the fridge! This will slow down the yeast, giving you some buffer time. However, it’s important to catch it early enough, as the fridge doesn’t stop the yeast from rising somewhat, especially for the first couple hours as it cools down.
What is the float test?
It’s so simple! You just take a very small spoonful of your levain (or active starter) and place it in a cup of room temperature water. If it floats, it’s ready to use in baking. If not, it probably needs more time. Usually, when the bubbles begin to break the surface of the levain/starter, it’s at the beginning of being ready. Once the bubbles fill the surface and it starts to sink back down, it’s at the very tail end of being usable, so watch it carefully (and time your loaf carefully).
Why do stretch and folds?
Stretch and folds build strength into your dough but in a gentle way, creating a more tender loaf. Rather than knead the bread, you’ll simply stretch and fold then let it rest, letting the sourdough work its magic to create those long gluten strands that give the classic sourdough crumb. What I love the most about stretch and folds is that they are easier to monitor than kneading (and easier on your wrists!). Even if you don’t do a full 4-5 sets (I don’t always), it builds just enough strength while still keeping the bread soft and fluffy.
What is the difference between bulk fermentation and final proof?
Both are important to sourdough on a chemical level, but the basic difference is that bulk fermentation is the longer rise that is done first, allowing the dough to build acid (which creates that sour taste) and carbon dioxide for rise and an airiness. We don’t want it to double in volume, because that would exhaust too much of the yeast, leaving none for what’s known as oven spring (the final release of carbon dioxide that makes that lovely ear or slit down the middle).
Final proof is important because the shaping process removes a lot of the gas created in the bulk fermentation. You want to give it a chance to rest, puff up again (just a bit), and ideally build a little more flavor. This is why refrigeration is so helpful. The yeast grows very slowly in the fridge, meaning it won’t rise very much. However, the good bacteria continues to grow and create the various acids that create that sour taste. Still, even without the fridge, this final proof allows your shaped loaf to get some rise, relax, and be ready for baking.
How do I shape the loaf?
You can do any shape you’d like. I often do a round boule or loaf, since I have a dedicated bread pan for each shape. It can often be helpful to watch a video on shaping. Most shaping methods will have you fold one side just past the middle (so about 2/3 over) then repeat with the opposite side, folding that fully over the first fold you made. It’s kind of like doing a trifold on a paper. However, here is where methods can vary. If I’m making a long loaf, I’ll stop there and begin pulling from one side toward myself (using the edges of my hands/sides of my pinkies). It’s kind of like you’re pulling (to create tension against your counter) and rolling/tucking it under (on the far side from you) as you go.
A boule is a lot more straight forward. You do the trifold mentioned above, then repeat that with the two remaining ends. It’ll be somewhat square shaped at this point. Then, take the edges of your hands (sides of your pinkies) and spin the loaf, rotating your hands underneath the dough slightly to help pull the top part tightly. You can do this with either floured hands or damp hands. Damp hands takes more experience, but does get better results. When you turn it upside down into your banneton, try to pinch the bottom together to help maintain that tightness you created. You may need to dampen your hands to do this.
How do I keep the shaped loaf tight?
This takes a bit of practice. I still use flour on my hands to shape my loaf, which means the bottom (where the dough gathers as you pull the top tight) can fill with flour and not glue together. Instead, when you flip it over into your banneton, it will often spread back out. That’s where it’s important to pull it back together, using damp hands to help glue it into place so the taut surface (which is currently on the bottom) stays taut. As well, use that plastic wrap to help keep it in place. I like to tuck it around the edges slightly, keeping the dough from spreading back out and losing its shape.
What should I proof my shaped loaf in?
I’ve used a variety of things. I have a round banneton, a long loaf-style banneton, and some round and oval shaped bowls that I also use. I always line my bowl or banneton wit a tea towel, because it prevents all sticking and we prefer the taste of a crunchier, bubbly crust (see below). While bannetons are cool and all, they’re not necessary, especially for a round loaf since you likely have a comparable bowl at home you can use. If you want to make a loaf or batard, a banneton may be ideal to help it maintain that shape, but even an oval or oblong bowl or serving dish would work.
How do I get a more bubbly crust?
A bubbly crust—which is also much more crunchy—is actually pretty easy to achieve. It comes from omitting flour in the banneton (or towel-lined bowl) and perhaps spritzing the bread with water right before baking. In order to keep the bread from sticking to the banneton or bowl, we usually sprinkle it with rice flour (as it’s finer and less prone to burning). However, if you line either vessel with a thin tea towel, it won’t stick and gets around the need for flour. This maintains the moisture level on the surface, leading to a more bubbly, crunchy crust.
My sourdough tools
Here are my must-have tools I use for making sourdough. Affiliate links provided.
The Easiest Sourdough Bread
- prep time: about 30-40 minutes, spread out
- rise/resting times: 9-36 hours (depending on where it rises)
- baking time: 45-50 minutes
- cooling time: 1 hour
- total time: 12-38 hours
servings: 12-16
Ingredients:
for the levain
- 25g active sourdough starter
- 50g flour
- 50g water, filtered and roughly 80F/27C
- kitchen scale
- food thermometer
- clean, clear jar (large enough for the levain to double)
for the bread
- 100g levain (active, bubbly starter)
- 375g filtered water, 80F/27C
- 500g bread flour, plus more for shaping
- 10-12g salt (sea salt is ideal)
- large mixing bowl
- straight-edged kitchen container
- banneton or medium round bowl with a tea towel
- parchment paper
Instructions:
make the levain
- Place 25g active starter in a medium jar or small mixing bowl.
- Zero out your scale (or the “tare” button) and add 50g warm filtered water, about 80F/27C. Stir with a small rubber spatula or spoon until mixed well.
- Zero out the scale again and add 50g flour. You can use any combination of flours, but it you are just starting out, you can play it safe with all-purpose or bread flour.
- Mix well, ensuring there is no dry, unmixed flour and no visible lumps of flour.
- Set the lid loosely on top of the jar or cover with plastic wrap.
- Store in a spot with moderate temperature (roughly 70F/21C) for 8-12 hours, until it has doubled in volume, bubbles begin to break the surface, and it can pass the float test. Alternatively, you can place it in your turned-off oven with the light on and let it rise for 3-6 hours, depending on climate and the age of your starter. See original post for suggestions on how to time your levain and dough.
make the bread
- Once the levain is bubbly and active and passes the float test (see note above), you can begin mixing the bread dough.
- Add 100g active levain/starter to your mixing bowl. Add 375g filtered water that is roughly 80F/27C. Don’t stress if it’s a little warmer or a little cooler. Mix until starter is mostly mixed in.
- Add salt and stir well.
- Add the bread flour and mix until fully combined. Eventually, it becomes hard to stir. At this point you could use your hands or you can simply use the spatula to somewhat fold the dough together (literally scooping from the edge and folding it over the middle section). Mix until there are no pockets of dry flour. It should be a shaggy dough at this point.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a damp towel. Let sit on the counter for roughly 30 minutes (at least 20 but no more than 40). At this point, perform the first set of stretch and folds.
- Stretching and folding is actually quite simple: Using a clean, damp hand, slide your fingers under one “side” of the bowl and grab that section of dough gently in your hand. Lift up gently to stretch it slightly, folding it over the middle of the bowl. It should reach the other side of the bowl or close to it. Rotate the bowl 90 degrees and repeat, until you have stretched and folded all 4 “sides” of the dough. Depending on the size of your bowl, you may need to do 5-6 stretch and folds for each set. Once done, cover again and let sit on the counter.
- Repeat this process every 30ish minutes, for a total of 4-5 sets of stretches and folds. You’ll know the dough is ready for the next step when it is smooth, elastic, and becomes more difficult to stretch and fold. As well, you can use the translucency test: pinch a little piece of dough and pull it up until some light can pass through the middle. If light passes through without it breaking, it’s ready.
- Bulk fermentation. Once you’ve done 4-5 stretch and folds and the dough is smooth and can pass the translucency test, cover it and place in a warm spot (no hotter than 90F/32C) until it has risen in volume by 50%. It should begin to be wobbly at this point. To make this easier, I suggest using a straight edged vessel so you can better tell when it’s risen 50%.
- An ideal spot for bulk fermentation is your turned-off oven with the light turned on. However, if you don’t want it to be ready too quickly, you can use the counter. If it is rising too quickly, feel free to put in the fridge to slow down the rise until you are ready to do the shaping.
- Once it has risen by 50% and is wobbly, gently dump the dough onto a floured surface. You can use bread flour or all-purpose. Pre-shape it by pulling one side up and over about ⅔ of the way. Pull the opposite side up and over the first fold completely (similar to creating a trifold for a piece of paper). Repeat this with the other two sides. Gently flip the dough over, cover with plastic wrap, and let rest for about 20 minutes.
- Now shape the dough. If using a round banneton or bowl, you’ll create a round boule. If using a bowl, line it with a tea towel. Optionally, you can sprinkle it with rice flour or bread flour, but this is not necessary unless you want that rustic, floured look and texture. If using a banneton, you must sprinkle it with rice or bread flour. You can also line a banneton with a tea towel to make for easier removal, and this makes sprinkling the flour optional.
- Remove the plastic wrap from the pre-shaped dough and flip the dough over. Repeat the process of folding one side over then the opposite side, finally folding the two remaining sides to create a somewhat square shape.
- Next, use the edges of your hands/sides of your pinkies to spin the dough while simultaneously sliding your hand somewhat underneath the dough. This is best done on a non-floured surface, but it can be difficult to work with and stick to your fingers. You can use either floured hands or damp hands (oddly enough) to do this. As you spin the dough it should create tension on the top and pull it tight. Keep spinning until the top is as tight as possible.
- Flip the dough over and place upside down in the prepared bowl/banneton. To prevent it losing its shape right away, pull the edges of the bottom (currently facing up) together and use damp fingers to press it together, helping keep that tight surface you created on the top (currently facing down). Cover immediately with a piece of plastic wrap, tucking it slightly along the sides to help maintain the shape you created.
- Final proof. Place the bowl/banneton in the fridge. If using a banneton, it’s best to place that inside a plastic shopping bag and tie the handles to prevent the dough drying out. Refrigerate at least 8 hours, up to 36. You can technically do the final proof on the counter for 30-60 minutes (until it’s puffed up every so slightly), but this can lead to a flatter loaf.
- When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 450F/235C. Place your baking vessel inside the oven to preheat as well. I like my Emile Henry bread pot, but a dutch oven or large cast iron with a lid. Let that preheat for at least 10 minutes after the oven reaches 450F/235C. This allows everything to be properly heated up.
- Once the oven and baking vessel are preheated, remove the loaf from the fridge. Remove the plastic wrap and turn it over onto a piece of parchment paper. Use a very sharp knife or bread lame (a razor for bread) to cut at least one slash through the dough. You can get fancy or just do something simple.
- Cut the excess parchment, leaving just enough of an edge to grab it. Remove the baking vessel from the oven and carefully transfer the dough to it. Replace the lid and bake for 30 minutes.
- After at least 30 minutes, remove the lid and turn the oven down to 400F/205C. Let continue baking 15-20 minutes, until the top is nicely golden brown. If you want a lighter top, it’s best to leave the lid on a little longer then reduce how long it bakes without the lid, so that it still bakes for a total of at least 45 minutes.
- Remove the bread from the pan and remove the parchment. Set on a wire rack to cool at least 1 hour. Cutting a loaf before it’s cooled sufficiently does alter the texture, so be sure to time it carefully.
