Description
Rustic Sourdough Bread is an artisanal-style loaf with a chewy crumb, crusty golden exterior, and earthy depth of flavor. Made with sourdough starter, whole wheat flour, and a touch of maple syrup or honey, it develops its character through a long overnight fermentation.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup (120g) active sourdough starter (100% hydration)
- 1 1/2 cups (360ml) warm water (about 80°F/26°C)
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey
- 1 cup (120g) whole wheat flour
- 3 cups (360g) unbleached bread flour
- 2 teaspoons fine sea salt
Instructions
- In the evening, whisk together starter, warm water, and maple syrup (or honey).
- Add flours and salt. Mix until no dry flour remains, kneading lightly for 3–4 minutes. Dough will be sticky.
- Cover and let rest 45 minutes.
- Perform one stretch and fold around the dough. Repeat once or twice more, resting 45 minutes between folds.
- Cover and bulk ferment overnight at room temperature (8–14 hours).
- In the morning, preshape dough, rest briefly, then shape into a boule or batard.
- Place in a floured banneton, cover, and proof 30–45 minutes until slightly puffy.
- Preheat oven to 475°F (245°C) with a Dutch oven or cast iron inside.
- Turn dough onto parchment paper, score the top, and transfer into the hot vessel.
- Bake covered for 30 minutes, then uncover and bake 10–15 minutes at 450°F (232°C) until internal temperature reaches 190–205°F (87–96°C).
- Cool completely on a wire rack for at least 1 hour before slicing.
Notes
- Swap maple syrup with honey for a slightly different sweetness.
- Increase whole wheat or add a small amount of rye flour for deeper flavor.
- Fold in seeds like sesame, sunflower, or flax for extra texture.
- Dough can be refrigerated during bulk fermentation or proofing for convenience and enhanced flavor.
- Always cool bread completely before slicing to avoid gummy texture.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes (hands-on, spread throughout)
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Artisan
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 0.5g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
