Italian Sourdough Bread Recipe For Baking At Home

Hey y’all! Today we’re diving into the art of baking something truly special: homemade artisan sourdough bread. This isn’t just any bread; it’s that comforting, crusty loaf that makes you feel right at home. You can pair it with your favorite spreads, or just enjoy it fresh out the oven. So, roll up those sleeves and let’s get baking!

Check Out This Gorgeous Loaf!

Feast your eyes on this beauty, a perfect example of a homemade sourdough that’s just waiting to be sliced.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up your own batch of delicious homemade sourdough bread:

3 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ cups water (room temperature)
1 teaspoon active dry yeast
1 ½ teaspoons salt
1 cup sourdough starter (make sure it’s bubbly and active)

Instructions

Now, let’s get into the nitty-gritty. Follow these steps and you’ll have some fine sourdough in no time:

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and yeast. Mix it well.
Add the sourdough starter and water to the dry ingredients. Stir until it all comes together into a shaggy dough.
Cover the bowl with a damp cloth and let it rest for about 30 minutes. This is called the autolyse, and it helps the flour absorb the water.
After the resting period, knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic.
Place the dough back into the bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm, draft-free spot for about 4 to 6 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
Once the dough has risen, gently punch it down to remove the excess air. Shape it into a round loaf and let it rest on a floured surface for another 30 minutes.
Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) and place a Dutch oven (with the lid on) inside to heat up for about 30 minutes.
After the second rise, carefully transfer your loaf into the hot Dutch oven. You can score the top with a sharp knife for that artisan look.
Cover it with the lid and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the lid and bake for an additional 15 to 20 minutes until the crust is golden brown.
Let it cool on a wire rack before slicing into it. Trust me, the wait is worth it!

There you have it! Your very own homemade artisan sourdough bread, ready to impress your family and friends. Slice it, toast it, or just indulge in it as is. Either way, you’re gonna love it!