Baking Sourdough Bread: A Step by Step Guide
Jun 21, 2025 / btwgardenmachine/
Mixing the Dough
Think of mixing as introducing your starter to its floury new home. A gentle hand works best here—no need for aggressive kneading. The goal is to coax the gluten strands to form gradually, creating that perfect balance between strength and elasticity. Watch as the shaggy mass transforms into a cohesive dough right before your eyes.
Bulk Fermentation
This is where the magic happens. As your dough rests, invisible microbes work tirelessly, producing gases that will lift your loaf and acids that develop flavor. Patience is your greatest tool during bulk fermentation—the dough will tell you when it's ready with visible bubbles and increased volume. The aroma alone will have you hooked on sourdough baking.
Shaping the Dough
There's something almost meditative about shaping dough. Whether you choose a rustic boule or an elegant batard, the key lies in creating surface tension without deflating those precious gas bubbles. Your hands learn the perfect pressure through practice—firm enough to shape, gentle enough to preserve all that fermentation goodness.
Proofing and Baking
The final rise before baking is like the dough taking a deep breath before its big moment. A well-proofed loaf will feel alive under your fingertips—lightly springy with visible expansion. Baking in a Dutch oven mimics professional steam-injected ovens, giving you that crackling crust and tender crumb that makes sourdough irresistible.
Baking and Cooling
That first whiff of baking bread is your reward for all the waiting. The Dutch oven's intense heat works its magic, transforming the pale dough into a golden masterpiece. Resist the temptation to cut into it immediately—the cooling period allows moisture to redistribute, ensuring every slice has perfect texture.
Cooling and Enjoying
Cooling the Bread
Proper cooling makes the difference between good bread and great bread. That wire rack isn't just for looks—it prevents the dreaded soggy bottom by allowing air circulation all around the loaf. Listen closely and you might hear the crust singing as it cools, a symphony of tiny cracks forming in the crisp exterior.
The wait tests your patience but rewards your palate. A loaf sliced too soon becomes gummy; cooled properly, each slice reveals an open crumb structure and balanced flavors. Use this time to prepare your favorite accompaniments—you'll want everything ready when that first perfect slice is.
Enjoying Your Sourdough
That first bite after all the waiting? Pure bliss. The crust shatters delicately, giving way to a chewy interior with just the right amount of tang. Try it simply with good butter that melts into the warm crumb, or get creative with artisanal toppings.
Sourdough's versatility shines at any meal. Toast it golden for breakfast, use it to sop up soup at lunch, or transform it into gourmet croutons for dinner. Each loaf tells the story of your care and attention—from starter to final slice. Share it proudly with friends or savor it quietly with your morning coffee—this is bread worth celebrating.
The joy of sourdough extends beyond eating. That satisfying crackle as you break the crust, the way it makes even simple ingredients feel special, the pride of creating something truly nourishing—these are the intangible rewards of sourdough baking.