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Homemade Sourdough French Bread

Enjoy the delightful balance of crispness and chewy softness with Homemade Sourdough French Bread, perfect for any meal or gathering.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 5 hours
Servings: 1 loaf
Course: Bread, Side Dish
Cuisine: French
Calories: 80

Ingredients
  

For the bread
  • 500 g Bread Flour Provides the perfect structure.
  • 350 ml Water The source of hydration.
  • 100 g Sour Starter Your active sourdough starter—key to that lovely tang!
  • 10 g Salt Enhances flavor and helps with gluten development.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a mixing bowl, mix the bread flour, water, sourdough starter, and salt until a shaggy dough forms. The dough will be quite wet.
  2. Transfer your dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead it for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If it's too sticky, you can use a bit of flour as needed.
  3. Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise at room temperature for about 3-4 hours, or until it doubles in size.
Shaping and Final Rise
  1. Once the dough has risen, gently deflate it on a floured surface. Shape it into a loaf or divide it into smaller pieces for baguettes, then place it seam-side down in a floured proofing basket or on a baking sheet.
  2. Cover it and let it rest for another hour until it puffs up.
Baking
  1. About 30 minutes before baking, preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) and place a baking stone or an inverted baking tray inside.
  2. Just before baking, score the top of your bread with a sharp knife to allow steam to escape and help control the rise.
  3. Transfer your loaf onto the hot baking stone. Create steam in the oven by spritzing water inside or placing a pan with boiling water on the bottom. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
  4. Allow your loaf to cool on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes before slicing.

Notes

Ensure your sourdough starter is active and bubbly before using it for a good rise. Adjust water levels as needed based on flour absorption. Store leftovers tightly wrapped or sliced and frozen for longer shelf life.