Same Day Sourdough Bread

There’s nothing quite like the aroma of freshly baked bread wafting through your home. The crusty exterior, the soft and airy interior, and the delightful tang of sourdough can elevate any meal or serve as a perfect snack on its own. If you’ve ever thought that making sourdough bread requires days of waiting and meticulous planning, think again! This Same Day Sourdough Bread recipe proves that you can enjoy homemade sourdough in a single day without sacrificing flavor or texture. Let’s dive into the details and get baking!

Why This Recipe is a Keeper

This Same Day Sourdough Bread is a game-changer for both novice and experienced bakers. It allows you to harness the power of your active sourdough starter without the long fermentation times typically associated with traditional sourdough methods. The secret lies in the combination of ingredients and the timing of the process, resulting in a loaf that is flavorful, tender, and has a gorgeous crust. Perfect for sandwiches, toast, or simply slathered with butter, this recipe is destined to become a staple in your baking repertoire.

Shopping List

• 150g active sourdough starter: Make sure your starter is bubbly and active for the best results.
• 300g warm filtered water: Aim for a temperature around 90°F to wake up the yeast in the starter.
• 450g flour: A mix of 300g bread flour for structure and 150g all-purpose flour for tenderness.
• 12g salt: Enhances flavor and strengthens the dough.

Gear Up: What to Grab

• Mixing bowl: A large bowl to combine your ingredients.
• Dough scraper: Handy for folding and shaping the dough.
• Kitchen scale: For precise measurements, which is essential in bread baking.
• Baking sheet or Dutch oven: For baking your bread to perfection.
• Kitchen towel: To cover the dough while it rests and rises.

The Method for Same Day Sourdough Bread

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine 150g of your active sourdough starter with 300g of warm filtered water. Stir until the starter is well mixed into the water. Then, add 450g of your flour mixture (300g bread flour and 150g all-purpose flour) and 12g of salt. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.

Step 2: Knead the Dough

On a lightly floured surface, turn the dough out and begin kneading it. Knead for about 8-10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a bit more flour, but be careful not to add too much.

Step 3: First Rise

Place the kneaded dough back into the mixing bowl and cover it with a damp kitchen towel. Allow it to rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.

Step 4: Shape the Dough

Once the dough has risen, gently deflate it and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Shape it into a round or oblong loaf, depending on your preference. You can use a dough scraper to help with shaping.

Step 5: Second Rise

Place the shaped dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or into a well-floured banneton if you have one. Cover it again with the kitchen towel and let it rise for another 30-45 minutes.

Step 6: Preheat the Oven

While the dough is rising for the second time, preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). If you’re using a Dutch oven, place it inside the oven to heat up as well.

Step 7: Bake the Bread

Once the dough has finished its second rise, carefully remove the hot Dutch oven from the oven. If you’re using a baking sheet, simply place the dough directly into the oven. For the Dutch oven, gently place the dough inside, cover it with the lid, and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the lid and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.

Step 8: Cool and Enjoy

Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack. Allow it to cool completely before slicing to ensure the best texture. Enjoy your delicious Same Day Sourdough Bread with butter, as a sandwich, or toasted!

Flavor-Forward Alternatives

If you want to experiment with flavors in your Same Day Sourdough Bread, consider these options:

• Herbs: Add dried herbs like rosemary or thyme to the dough for a savory twist.
• Cheese: Fold in shredded cheese such as cheddar or parmesan for a cheesy loaf.
• Seeds: Mix in seeds like sunflower or pumpkin for added crunch and nutrition.
• Dried fruit: Incorporate dried cranberries or raisins for a sweet touch.

Cook’s Notes

Here are a few tips to help you make the best Same Day Sourdough Bread possible:

• Ensure your sourdough starter is active and bubbly for the best flavor and rise.
• Use a kitchen thermometer to check the water temperature; it should be around 90°F.
• Don’t skip the kneading step, as it develops gluten, giving your bread structure.
• Feel free to adjust the flour types based on your preference—just keep the overall weight the same.

Leftovers & Meal Prep

Your Same Day Sourdough Bread is best enjoyed fresh, but it can be stored for later use. Here are some tips:

• Store any leftover bread in a paper bag to keep the crust crispy.
• If you have more than one loaf, consider freezing some. Slice the bread first for easy access later.
• Use leftover bread for delicious French toast by following this French Toast Recipe.

Reader Q&A

Can I use whole wheat flour for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute part of the bread flour with whole wheat flour. Just keep in mind that it may affect the texture and flavor slightly. A mix of all-purpose and whole wheat works well too.

How do I know if my sourdough starter is active?

Your starter should be bubbly and should double in size within 4-6 hours after feeding. A good test is to place a spoonful of it in a glass of water; if it floats, it’s ready to use!

Can I make this bread without a Dutch oven?

Absolutely! You can bake it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Just create steam in the oven by placing a pan of water on the bottom rack while baking.

What can I do with stale sourdough bread?

Stale sourdough bread can be transformed into croutons, breadcrumbs, or even Buttermilk Biscuits. You can also toast it for a crunchy snack!

Quick Weeknight Wins

• Buttermilk Biscuits for a quick and flaky side.
• Try a simple green salad with roasted veggies for a refreshing dinner.
• Make a hearty soup to pair with your freshly baked sourdough.
• Prepare a quick pasta dish that can be on the table in under 30 minutes.

Save & Share

If you enjoyed this Same Day Sourdough Bread recipe, consider sharing it with friends and family. Bread-making is a delightful experience that brings people together, and this recipe is perfect for sharing the joy of baking. Happy baking!