Italian Sourdough Bread Recipe For Baking At Home

Creating homemade artisan sourdough bread can be a rewarding experience that brings the warmth of freshly baked bread to your home. This recipe is designed to guide you through the process, ensuring that you achieve a beautiful loaf with a crispy crust and a soft, airy interior.

Homemade Artisan Sourdough Bread

Before diving into the recipe, let’s take a moment to appreciate the visual appeal of this bread.

Ingredients

3 cups (360 g) all-purpose flour
1 cup (240 g) water, lukewarm
1 teaspoon (5 g) salt
1/2 cup (120 g) active sourdough starter

Instructions

Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. In a separate bowl, mix together the lukewarm water and active sourdough starter until well combined. Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients, mixing until a rough dough forms.
Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead the dough for approximately 10 minutes or until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add small amounts of flour as needed.
First Rise: Place the kneaded dough back into the mixing bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and allow it to rise in a warm place for about 4 to 6 hours or until it has doubled in size.
Shape the Dough: Once the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release any air bubbles. Turn it out onto a floured surface and shape it into a round loaf. Place the shaped dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet or in a proofing basket.
Second Rise: Cover the dough again and let it rise for an additional 1 to 2 hours, until it puffs up beautifully.
Preheat the Oven: While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). If using a Dutch oven, place it inside the oven to preheat as well.
Bake the Bread: Once the oven is hot, carefully transfer the dough onto the Dutch oven (or bake directly on the baking sheet). Use a sharp knife to score the top of the loaf. Cover with the lid (if using a Dutch oven) and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the lid and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, until the crust is golden brown.
Cool and Enjoy: Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes before slicing. Enjoy your freshly baked homemade artisan sourdough bread with your favorite toppings or simply with butter!

This artisan sourdough bread is perfect for sandwiches, toast, or simply enjoyed on its own. Baking your bread at home not only fills your kitchen with delightful aromas but also allows you to customize it to your taste preferences. Happy baking!