…but at least we have good bread!
For whatever reason, I have attended many a potluck in my lifetime. When asked what I was going to contribute, I always said “I can bring homemade sourdough bread!” This statement was almost always greeted by a look of pure awe or barely disguised disbelief. Even now, some of you are thinking…sourdough bread isn’t that really hard…time consuming…better left to the experts? Just have some faith…and a good starter, and you can impress your family and friends with the crusty, chewy goodness. The basic starter is probably the most challenging aspect. However, if you can measure and mix flour and water, you can make starter. There are terrific recipes all over Pinterest, or let me know and I can give you my own secret recipe.
This recipe is a good beginner’s sourdough bread because most of the uncertainty of the rise is removed with the addition of a little yeast. It is great for a newer starter…and absolutely delicious.
The usual Cast of Characters
1 cup “fed” sourdough starter
1 1/2 cups lukewarm water
2 teaspoons instant yeast
2 1/2 teaspoons salt
5 cups Bread flour
1 tbs dough enhancer…optional but highly recommended.
The Steps to Glory
1. Combine all of the ingredients, kneading to form a smooth dough. I use a kitchen aide mixer on low about 8-10 minutes
2. Allow the dough to rise, in a lightly greased, covered bowl, until it’s doubled in size, about 90 minutes. Keep in a warm spot.
3. Gently divide the dough in half; it’ll deflate somewhat.
4. Gently shape the dough into two oval loaves. Place the loaves on a lightly greased or parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover and let rise until very puffy, about 1 hour. Towards the end of the rising time, preheat the oven to 425°F.
4.Spray the loaves with lukewarm water. This step is essential for the crusty outside, soft inside beauty of sourdough.
5. Make two fairly deep diagonal slashes in each using a serrated bread knife. Sprinkle with sea salt.
6. Bake the bread for 25 to 30 minutes, until it’s a very deep golden brown.
7. This is my secret tip just for you…turn oven off, prop open door with an oven mitt and allow the bread to cool in the oven. Don’t remove until the outside is cool enough to touch. Why do this? It prevents the Bread from having a soggy outside from the evaporation as it cools. Soggy bread is just sad.
8. Remove, slice and enjoy…and accept all the compliments. Just don’t tell them how easy it was to do.
Even Anna would be impressed!
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A Day of Small Things... 
Thinking about homemade sourdough bread takes me back to another time. You make me want to try it again.
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Such a relaxing way to spend an afternoon!
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Chuckled over this title, but can’t imagine your house being a mess. Even with a scattering of flour everywhere, it would still be lovely.
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Finally the upper levels are cleared of bins, boxes and Christmas stuff. We took our time this year and really organized what we had and got rid of a lot. It was nice to take a break and bake some bread.
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I love making bread, sourdough and otherwise. Isn’t it fun–and therapeutic?! Your loaves look lovely. #SeniSal
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So relaxing and always appreciated by my people!
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I can even smell the bread….aaaaaah.. .#SeniSal
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And it did smell heavenly!
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I have to admit…this looks so delicious! We are on ‘controlled’ carbs…and I’m afraid a whole loaf of tempting ‘white’ bread may be too much, right now…! I wonder if you could make it with Oat flour? Looks wonderful, though! Oh, and Happy New Year!
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I think it could be made with oat flour. It might be a denser Bread but still very tasty. I’m not sure I could give up my carbs, I really admire your will power.
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This looks so good! There’s nothing like the smell of fresh baked bread in the house.
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Agreed!
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Your bread looks delicious! I can almost smell it 🙂 Thanks for sharing on Farm Fresh Tuesdays…hope to see you again this week!
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You’re too funny — soggy bread is just sad, I agree! WE LOVE sourdough bread in our house. My husband uses Boudin’s sourdough rounds to make what we like to call “cheesy bread” filled with cheese and spices! I’ll bet YOURS would be just as, if not more, yummy! Thanks for sharing at Vintage Charm. xo Kathleen
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I have made a round loaf but never thought about filling it…sounds divine
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What a great idea to add a touch of yeast! I live in MN and keep it cool in my house and sourdough rises so slowly I’ve given up on it! Maybe it’s time to give it another go.
Mollie
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I had mine on top of the radiator today.
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I have not baked sourdough bread for years, but the photo alone makes me what to get out my mixing bowl! 🙂
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Perfect sourdough bread is divine. Crunchy on the outside, soft and tangy inside.
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That looks delicious! There is nothing like fresh bread. Pinned.
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Congratulations! Your post was my Most Clicked at #OverTheMoon this week. Visit me on Sunday evening and see your feature! I invite you to leave more links to be shared and commented upon. Please be sure to leave your link number or post title so we can be sure to visit!
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Love this news!!!
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I have been wanting to make sourdough bread!! Can you tell me how to make the starter and how large your jar for the starter is? Your bread looks amazing!
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Absolutely! This is the recipe I used about 8 years ago to start. I have had great luck with it. https://www.thekitchn.com/how-to-make-your-own-sourdough-starter-cooking-lessons-from-the-kitchn-47337
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You do make that recipe sound incredibly easy. Thanks for all of the great tips and for sharing with us at #HomeMattersParty
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YUM, looks good! Thanks so much for linking up with me at my #UnlimitedMonthlyLinkParty 11, open April 1 to 26. All entries shared on social media if share buttons installed. I’d like to invite you to check out my other current link parties!
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