You’re going to love this one—because **yes, sourdough really can be easy**. No fancy equipment, no stress, just simple steps and amazing flavor. Let’s do it 👇
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# You Won’t Believe How Easy This **Easy Sourdough Bread Recipe** Is!
## Why This Recipe Works
* Minimal hands-on time
* No kneading marathon
* Forgiving for beginners
* Crispy crust + soft, airy crumb
If you’ve been scared of sourdough, this is the recipe that changes everything.
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## What You’ll Need
### Ingredients
* 1 cup **active sourdough starter** (bubbly & fed)
* 1 ½ cups **warm water**
* 4 cups **all-purpose or bread flour**
* 2 teaspoons **salt**
That’s it. Four ingredients. ✨
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## Step-by-Step Easy Sourdough Bread Recipe
### 1. Mix the Dough
In a large bowl:
* Mix starter + water
* Add flour and salt
* Stir until a shaggy dough forms
No stand mixer needed.
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### 2. Rest (Autolyse)
Cover and let rest **30 minutes**.
This helps gluten develop naturally—no kneading required.
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### 3. Stretch & Fold (Super Easy)
Over the next **2 hours**, do 3–4 rounds:
* Grab one side of the dough
* Stretch it up
* Fold over itself
That’s it. Takes 10 seconds each time.
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### 4. Bulk Rise
Cover and let rise at room temperature for **4–6 hours**, until:
* Puffy
* Slightly jiggly
* About 50% larger (not doubled!)
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### 5. Shape & Cold Proof
* Gently shape into a round loaf
* Place in a floured bowl or basket
* Cover and refrigerate **overnight (8–12 hours)**
This step builds flavor AND makes baking easier.
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## Bake Like a Pro (Even at Home!)
### 6. Preheat
Heat oven to **450°F (230°C)**
Place a Dutch oven inside while preheating.
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### 7. Bake
* Transfer dough to parchment
* Score the top
* Place in hot Dutch oven
Bake:
* **20 minutes covered**
* **20–25 minutes uncovered**
Golden. Crackly. Beautiful.
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## Tips for Perfect Easy Sourdough Bread
* **Starter not bubbly?** Feed it and wait 4–6 hours
* **Sticky dough is normal** – resist adding flour
* **No Dutch oven?** Use a baking tray + oven-safe bowl of water
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## Common Beginner Mistakes (Avoid These!)
* Overproofing the dough
* Adding too much flour
* Baking before oven is fully hot
Keep it simple—sourdough likes patience, not perfection.
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## How to Store Sourdough
* Room temp: wrapped in cloth, up to 3 days
* Freeze slices up to 2 months
* Toast to revive leftovers (magic ✨)
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## Why Everyone Loves This Easy Sourdough Bread Recipe
* Homemade flavor with bakery results
* Healthier digestion
* No commercial yeast
* Deep, tangy taste
Once you try it, you’ll never go back to store-bought bread.
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## Final Thoughts
This **easy sourdough bread recipe** proves that homemade sourdough doesn’t have to be complicated. With a little time and a lot of simplicity, you’ll get a loaf that looks impr
essive and tastes incredible.