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Freshly baked artisan sourdough bread with a beautifully scored, dark golden crust on a cooling rack.

Classic No-Knead Sourdough Bread


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  • Total Time: 13-19 hours (including fermentation)
  • Yield: 1 large loaf 1x

Description

A step-by-step guide to baking artisanal no-knead sourdough bread at home, perfect for beginners and experienced bakers alike, resulting in a crusty exterior and a chewy, airy crumb with that signature tangy flavor.


Ingredients

Scale

400g strong bread flour (approximately 3 cups)
300g non-chlorinated water (approximately 1 ¼ cups)
100g active sourdough starter (fed and bubbly)
8g fine sea salt (approximately 1 ½ teaspoons)


Instructions

Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the bread flour and non-chlorinated water. Mix until just combined and no dry flour remains. Cover the bowl with a damp cloth or plastic wrap and let it rest for 30 minutes to 1 hour (autolyse).
Step 2: Add the active sourdough starter to the flour mixture. Mix gently with your hand, squeezing the dough between your fingers, until the starter is fully incorporated. Cover again and let rest for 30 minutes.
Step 3: Add the fine sea salt. Wet your hands slightly and gently fold the dough over itself for a few minutes, working the salt in. Cover and rest for 30 minutes.
Step 4: Over the next 3-4 hours, perform a series of 'stretch and folds'. Every 30 minutes, with wet hands, gently grab a portion of the dough from one side, stretch it upwards, and fold it over to the opposite side. Rotate the bowl and repeat this 3-4 times. Perform 4-6 sets of stretch and folds.
Step 5: After the stretch and folds, let the dough rest, covered, at room temperature for another 8-14 hours (bulk fermentation), or until it has roughly doubled in size and shows signs of activity (bubbles, domed surface).
Step 6: Gently turn your dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently pre-shape the dough into a loose round or rectangle. Let it rest, uncovered, for 20-30 minutes.
Step 7: For the final shape, gently shape your dough into a tight boule or batard. Place the shaped dough seam-side up into a floured banneton basket or a bowl lined with a floured towel.
Step 8: Cover the banneton with plastic wrap or a plastic bag and refrigerate for 12-24 hours (cold proofing).
Step 9: Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C) with a Dutch oven inside for at least 45 minutes to 1 hour.
Step 10: Carefully remove the hot Dutch oven from the oven. Gently invert the cold dough from the banneton into the hot Dutch oven. Score the top of your sourdough bread with a sharp razor blade or lame. Bake with the lid on for 25 minutes.
Step 11: Remove the lid and reduce the oven temperature to 450°F (230°C). Continue baking for another 20-25 minutes, or until the crust is a deep golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 200-210°F (93-99°C).
Step 12: Carefully remove the bread from the Dutch oven and place it on a wire rack to cool completely for at least 1-2 hours before slicing.

Notes

Ensure your sourdough starter is very active and bubbly before beginning. Room temperature significantly affects fermentation times; adjust accordingly. For best results, use a Dutch oven.

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes active, 12-18 hours bulk fermentation
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Breads & Doughs
  • Cuisine: Artisan

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 70g)
  • Calories: 250 kcal
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Sodium: 350mg
  • Fat: 2g
  • Saturated Fat: 0.5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 1.5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 48g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 9g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg
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