Baking bread at home might sound intimidating, but once you try sourdough, you’ll wonder why you didn’t start sooner. Many people think sourdough requires complicated steps, endless kneading, or years of practice. The truth is, you won’t believe how easy this easy sourdough bread recipe is!
With just a few simple ingredients, some patience, and the right method, you can create a rustic, golden loaf with a crisp crust and soft, airy crumb. Whether you’re in the United States, the United Kingdom, or Canada, this recipe works beautifully in any home kitchen.
🥖 Why Sourdough Bread?
Sourdough has been cherished for centuries, and for good reason:
Flavorful – The natural fermentation creates a tangy, rich taste.
Healthier – Easier to digest compared to regular bread, with fewer additives.
Longer lasting – The natural acids help preserve freshness.
Simple ingredients – Just flour, water, salt, and a sourdough starter.
And best of all, this easy sourdough bread recipe is beginner-friendly—perfect if you’re just starting out.
🥣 Ingredients You’ll Need
To bake one standard loaf, gather the following:
500 g (about 4 cups) bread flour (you can mix with whole wheat for extra flavor)
375 g (about 1 ½ cups + 2 tbsp) water, room temperature
100 g (about ½ cup) active sourdough starter (fed and bubbly)
10 g (about 2 tsp) salt
That’s it—no fancy additives, just the essentials.
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Mix the Dough
In a large bowl, combine the starter and water until dissolved.
Add the flour and salt. Mix until no dry spots remain. The dough will be sticky—that’s normal.
Step 2: Autolyse (Rest the Dough)
Cover with a towel and let the dough rest for 30 minutes.
This helps the flour hydrate, making the dough easier to handle.
Step 3: Stretch and Fold
Instead of kneading, use the stretch and fold method: grab one side of the dough, stretch it up, and fold it over.
Rotate the bowl and repeat 3–4 times.
Do this every 30 minutes for about 2 hours. This builds gluten strength without hard kneading.
Step 4: Bulk Fermentation
Cover the bowl and let the dough rise at room temperature for 4–6 hours, or until doubled in size.
Step 5: Shape the Dough
Gently transfer the dough to a floured surface.
Shape into a round or oval loaf, depending on your baking dish.
Place in a floured banneton (proofing basket) or a bowl lined with a floured towel.
Step 6: Final Proof
Cover and refrigerate overnight, or proof at room temperature for 1–2 hours.
Overnight cold proofing enhances flavor and makes scoring easier.
Step 7: Bake Your Bread
Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C) with a Dutch oven inside.
Once hot, carefully place the dough into the Dutch oven, score the top with a sharp knife or razor, and cover with the lid.
Bake for 20 minutes with the lid on, then 20–25 minutes uncovered until golden brown.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Remove bread from oven and let cool for at least 1 hour before slicing.
Slice, slather with butter, and enjoy your homemade sourdough!
🌟 Practical Tips for Perfect Sourdough
Starter strength matters – Make sure your sourdough starter is active and bubbly before baking.
Hydration balance – If the dough feels too sticky, dust lightly with flour but avoid adding too much.
Steam = crust – Baking in a Dutch oven traps steam, giving that signature crisp crust.
Flavor boost – Mix in seeds, herbs, or even roasted garlic for variations.
Patience is key – Sourdough takes time, but most of it is hands-off.
🎉 Why This Recipe Works for Beginners
Unlike traditional bread-making methods that require kneading and exact timing, this recipe is more forgiving. The stretch and fold technique replaces heavy kneading, while overnight proofing allows flexibility in your schedule.
That’s why so many home bakers agree—you won’t believe how easy this easy sourdough bread recipe is!
Conclusion
Making sourdough at home doesn’t have to be complicated. With just four ingredients and simple steps, you can bake a loaf that looks like it came from an artisan bakery. The crisp crust, chewy crumb, and tangy flavor will make you proud every time you pull a loaf out of the oven.
So why wait? Grab your sourdough starter, follow these simple steps, and discover for yourself why this is the easy sourdough bread recipe you’ll keep coming back to.