A straightforward recipe for making soft, sliceable sourdough bread perfect for everyday sandwiches and toast, designed for beginners.
Author:Ahazzam
Prep Time:30 min
Cook Time:45 min
Total Time:7 hours 15 min
Yield:1 loaf
Category:Baking
Method:Baking
Cuisine:American
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
100g active sourdough starter (100% hydration)
350g warm water
500g bread flour
10g fine sea salt
15g unsalted butter, softened
Instructions
Mix the active starter and warm water in a large bowl until combined.
Add the flour and salt to the wet ingredients. Mix by hand until just combined into a shaggy mass.
Cover the bowl and let it rest for 30 minutes (autolyse).
Add the softened butter to the dough. Use the stretch and fold method to incorporate the butter fully, about 3 minutes of gentle folding.
Perform four sets of stretch and folds every 30 minutes during the bulk fermentation period.
Allow the dough to bulk ferment at room temperature (around 72°F) until it has increased in volume by about 50% and feels airy, approximately 4 to 6 hours depending on your kitchen temperature.
Gently shape the dough into a tight log and place it seam-side down into a greased 9×5 inch loaf pan.
Cover the pan loosely and allow for a final proof (second rise) at room temperature for 1 to 2 hours, or until the dough has risen about 1 inch above the rim of the pan.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Bake the loaf for 35 to 45 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 200°F (93°C).
Remove the bread from the pan immediately and cool completely on a wire rack before slicing.
Notes
For a softer crust, lightly brush the top of the loaf with melted butter immediately after removing it from the oven.
If your kitchen is cold, place the covered dough in a slightly warm spot, like inside an oven with just the light on, to speed up the bulk fermentation.
Wait until the loaf is completely cool (at least 3 hours) before slicing to prevent a gummy texture.