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Simple Sourdough Bread Recipe for Starters
Sophia Ramirez

Simple Sourdough Bread Recipe for Starters – Beginner Friendly

The easiest no-knead sourdough bread recipe perfect for absolute beginners. Just 4 ingredients, overnight rise, and 20 minutes hands-on time delivers a bakery-worthy loaf with crispy crust and chewy crumb.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 13 hours
Servings: 12 slices
Course: Bread
Cuisine: Artisan
Calories: 150
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1/2 cup active sourdough starter (100 g)
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour (375 g)
  • 1 1/4 cups warm water (300 g)
  • 2 teaspoons fine sea salt (10 g)

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Dutch oven with lid
  • Proofing basket or bowl
  • Bench scraper or sharp knife
  • Kitchen scale (optional but recommended)

Method
 

  1. In a large bowl combine active starter and warm water. Stir until mostly dissolved. Add salt and stir again. Add all the flour and mix until a shaggy sticky dough forms. Cover and let rest.
  2. Leave covered at room temperature 8–12 hours (overnight) until doubled and bubbly.
  3. Turn dough onto floured counter. Gently shape into a tight ball creating surface tension. Place seam-side up in a floured proofing basket.
  4. Cover and proof 1–2 hours until puffy.
  5. Preheat Dutch oven to 450°F. Score dough, bake covered 20 minutes, then uncovered 23–25 minutes until deep golden and 205–210°F internally. Cool on wire rack 2 hours before slicing.

Notes

Use an active, bubbly sourdough starter that passes the float test. Scale measurements recommended for best results. Dough is intentionally very sticky—flour your hands generously during shaping. Can be refrigerated after shaping for up to 24 hours before baking.