Easy Sourdough Bread Recipe for Beginners (Step-by-Step Guide)

This easy sourdough bread recipe is perfect for beginners who want to bake homemade bread with a crispy crust and soft, airy inside. Using a natural sourdough starter, you’ll get rich flavor and perfect texture without commercial yeast.

Ingredients

 • 500g bread flour (or all-purpose flour)
 • 100g active sourdough starter
 • 350ml water (room temperature)
 • 10g salt

Equipment

 • Mixing bowl
 • Dough scraper (optional)
 • Clean towel
 • Dutch oven or baking tray
 • Parchment paper

Instructions

Step 1 – Mix the Dough (Autolyse)
 1. In a bowl, mix:
 • Flour + water only (no salt or starter yet)
 2. Mix until no dry flour remains
 3. Cover and rest for 30–60 minutes

This step improves texture and gluten development

Step 2 – Add Starter & Salt
 1. Add:
 • 100g sourdough starter
 • 10g salt
 2. Mix well until fully combined
 3. Dough will be sticky (this is normal)

Step 3 – Bulk Fermentation (First Rise)

Time: 4–6 hours at room temperature

Every 30 minutes (for first 2 hours):
 • Stretch and fold the dough (4–5 times)

How:

 • Pull one side up → fold over
 • Repeat from all sides

This builds strength without kneading

Step 4 – Shape the Dough
 1. Lightly flour your surface
 2. Shape dough into a round ball
 3. Let it rest for 20 minutes
 4. Shape again tightly

Step 5 – Final Proof

Option 1 (Best):

 • Put dough in fridge overnight (8–12 hours)

Option 2:

 • Leave at room temperature for 2–3 hours

Step 6 – Bake
 1. Preheat oven to 230°C (450°F) for 30 minutes
 2. Place dough on parchment paper
 3. Score the top with a sharp knife
 4. Bake:

 • Covered: 20 minutes
 • Uncovered: 20–25 minutes

Step 7 – Cool
 • Let bread cool for at least 1 hour before cutting

 •Cutting too early ruins texture

How to Know It’s Perfect

•Crispy golden crust
 •Soft airy inside
•Slight sour flavor

Beginner Tips

•Dough too sticky? Don’t add too much flour

• No rise? Your starter may not be active

• Flat bread? Needs more fermentation time

Storage

 • Keep at room temperature for 2 days
 • Freeze for longer storage

Recommended tools

To achieve bakery-quality sourdough bread at home, using the right tools can significantly improve your results, making the process easier and more consistent.

Dutch Oven (Highly Recommended)

A Dutch oven traps steam during baking, which is essential for creating a crispy crust and a soft, airy interior.

This is the key to achieving that golden, professional-looking sourdough bread.

Proofing Basket (Banneton)

A proofing basket helps the dough hold its shape during the final rise.

 It also gives your bread that classic artisan pattern and structure.

Sourdough Starter Kit

A sourdough starter kit includes the essential tools needed to maintain a healthy and active starter.

 Perfect for beginners who want a simple and reliable setup.

Upgrade Your Baking Experience

Using high-quality tools can make a noticeable difference in your sourdough results, helping you bake better bread with less effort.

 Explore our sourdough baking tools collection and take your homemade bread to the next level.