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 for Perfect Sourdough Bread

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.