Learn how to make the iconic San Francisco Sourdough Bread from scratch with this easy recipe. Enjoy its tangy flavor and chewy texture, perfect for sandwiches or toast. The long fermentation process gives this bread its signature flavor and crispy crust. Give it a try and impress your friends and family with your homemade sourdough!
Ingredients
- 3 cups bread flour
- 1 ½ cups lukewarm water
- 1 cup active sourdough starter
- 2 teaspoons salt
Directions
- Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, combine the bread flour, water, and sourdough starter. Mix well until a rough dough forms. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it rest at room temperature for 30 minutes.
- Step 2: After 30 minutes, sprinkle the salt over the dough and knead it for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. You can do this by hand or with a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook.
- Step 3: Place the dough back in the bowl and cover with plastic wrap. Let it rise at room temperature for 2-3 hours, or until it doubles in size.
- Step 4: After the first rise, gently deflate the dough and shape it into a round loaf. Place it on a lightly floured baking sheet or in a proofing basket. Cover loosely with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise again for 2-3 hours.
- Step 5: Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). If you have a baking stone, place it in the oven to heat up.
- Step 6: Once the dough has doubled in size again, carefully transfer it to the hot baking stone or a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Score the top of the loaf with a sharp knife or razor blade to allow for expansion.
- Step 7: Bake the bread for 25-30 minutes, or until it is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. Let it cool completely on a wire rack before slicing and serving.
- Step 8: Enjoy your homemade San Francisco Sourdough Bread with your favorite spreads or use it to make delicious sandwiches. Store any leftovers in an airtight container to maintain its freshness.
