Sourdough Bread Tangy Crusty Loaf (Print-Friendly Version)

Tangy loaf with golden crust and chewy crumb from natural fermentation. Enjoy on its own or with your favorite spread.

# Ingredients:

→ Dough

01 - 500 g bread flour
02 - 375 g water
03 - 100 g active sourdough starter
04 - 10 g salt

# Steps:

01 - In a large mixing bowl, combine bread flour and water until no dry spots remain. Cover and let rest for 1 hour to autolyse.
02 - Add the active sourdough starter and salt to the dough. Mix thoroughly until fully combined.
03 - Cover the bowl and let the dough rise at room temperature for 4 to 5 hours, performing a series of stretch-and-folds every 30 minutes during the first 2 hours.
04 - After bulk fermentation, shape the dough into a tight round and transfer to a well-floured banneton or a bowl lined with a floured towel. Cover and refrigerate for 12 to 16 hours.
05 - Preheat the oven to 245°C with a Dutch oven inside for at least 30 minutes.
06 - Invert the dough onto parchment paper, score the surface with a sharp blade, and carefully transfer it to the preheated Dutch oven.
07 - Bake with the lid on for 20 minutes. Remove the lid and continue baking for 20 to 25 minutes, until the crust is deep golden and crisp.
08 - Transfer the baked bread to a wire rack and allow to cool for at least 1 hour before slicing.

# Notes & Tips:

01 - Using a kitchen scale ensures precise measurements for consistent results.
02 - A bread lame or razor allows for clean scoring of the dough, promoting better oven spring.
03 - Whole wheat or rye flour can be substituted for part of the bread flour to create flavor variations.