🍞 Artisan Sourdough Bread Recipe (Easy Overnight Method)
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Rest Time: 10–12 hours (overnight)
Bake Time: 35–40 minutes
Total Time: ~12 hours
Yield: 2 loaves
Difficulty: Easy–Intermediate
🥖 Introduction
This artisan sourdough bread is soft inside, crisp outside, and full of deep, tangy flavor thanks to a slow overnight fermentation.
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It’s designed for both beginners and experienced bakers who want bakery-style bread at home with simple steps and reliable results.
🧂 Ingredients
500g bread flour (about 4 cups)
100g whole wheat flour (optional, for flavor)
100g active sourdough starter (bubbly)
375g room temperature water
10g sea salt
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
- Feed Your Starter
Feed your sourdough starter 4–6 hours before baking.
It should double in size, look airy, and smell slightly tangy.
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- Mix the Dough (Autolyse)
In a large bowl:
Mix starter + water until dissolved
Add flours
Stir until no dry flour remains
Cover and rest for 1 hour.
This helps gluten develop naturally.
- Add Salt
Sprinkle salt over dough.
Pinch, fold, and squeeze until fully incorporated.
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- Bulk Fermentation (3–4 Hours)
Every 30 minutes:
Stretch dough upward
Fold over itself
Rotate bowl and repeat
Do this for 3–4 hours.
✔ Dough should rise 50–75%
✔ Feel airy and soft
✔ Show small bubbles
- Pre-Shape & Rest
Lightly flour surface
Divide dough into 2 pieces
Shape into loose balls
Rest 20 minutes - Final Shape
Shape into tight logs and place into loaf pans. - Cold Proof (Overnight)
Cover and refrigerate for 8–12 hours.
This step builds flavor and improves texture.
- Bake
Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C).
Score dough with a sharp blade
Bake 35–40 minutes
For crisp crust: remove from pans last 10 minutes
- Cool Completely
Let bread cool at least 1 hour before slicing.
⚠ Cutting too early will make the crumb gummy.
💡 Pro Tips
Always use an active, bubbly starter
Add steam (hot water tray) for better crust
Brush with butter after baking for softness
Whole wheat flour = deeper flavor but denser crumb
🍽️ Serving Ideas
Toast with butter or jam
Sandwiches or grilled cheese
Garlic bread base
Freeze slices for up to 3 months
❓ FAQs
Why didn’t my bread rise well?
Your starter may be weak. Feed it 2–3 times before baking.
Can I skip cold proof?
Yes, but flavor will be less developed.
How do I get a softer crust?
Brush with melted butter and cover while cooling.
🔥 Final Result
This recipe gives you bakery-style sourdough at home with a crisp crust, soft crumb, and rich flavor — all from a simple overnight pro
