No-Knead Sourdough Bread Recipe
This No-Knead Sourdough Bread recipe offers a simple yet authentic way to create a naturally fermented loaf with a crisp crust and chewy interior. Utilizing the power of a sourdough starter, this bread requires minimal hands-on preparation, relying on slow fermentation to develop rich flavors and an airy texture.
- Author: Marco
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 13 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (about 1.5 pounds) 1x
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Sourdough Bread Ingredients
- 1 cup active sourdough starter
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups lukewarm water
- 2 teaspoons salt
- Mix dough: In a large bowl, combine the sourdough starter, flour, water, and salt. Stir thoroughly until a sticky, shaggy dough forms, ensuring all flour is hydrated. The dough will be loose and wet but uniform.
- Rest and ferment: Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Let the dough rest at room temperature for 12 to 18 hours, allowing it to ferment and rise slowly, which develops the sour flavor and gluten structure.
- Bake until crusty: Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C) and place a Dutch oven or heavy oven-safe pot with a lid inside to heat. Transfer the rested dough onto a floured surface and shape gently into a round loaf. Carefully place the dough into the hot pot, cover with the lid, and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the lid and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the crust is golden brown and crisp. Remove from oven and cool on a wire rack before slicing.
Notes
- Ensure your sourdough starter is active and bubbly for best fermentation results.
- Use a kitchen scale if possible for precise measurements.
- Do not skip the long fermentation time; it is key to flavor and texture.
- A Dutch oven or similar heavy pot is essential for steam retention and crust development.
- Allow the bread to cool completely before cutting to avoid a gummy crumb.
Keywords: no-knead bread, sourdough, artisan bread, homemade bread, easy bread recipe, slow fermentation