Can I proof this in the fridge?

I’ve made this loaf successfully a few times, but I’m not a huge fan of finishing part one at midnight (which means I’m not relaxed enough to fall asleep for some time), then getting up and starting part two the next day in about 8.5 hours. For my loaves, pushing it to 10 hours hasn’t worked as well. Is there a way to let it proof in the fridge—for a longer period of time—which means I can start earlier on day one?

LMG61
  • Posted by: LMG61
  • February 16, 2020
  • 1681 views
  • 2 Comments
No-Knead Sourdough Bread
Recipe question for: No-Knead Sourdough Bread

2 Comments

Posie (.
Posie (. February 17, 2020
Absolutely. If you let it rise in the fridge, give it more time — what I would do is to do the initial folding step, then shape the loaves, place them in a banneton (or some approximation of a proofing basket) and cover them loosely (plastic bag or shower cap works well). Then stick them in the fridge for 10-12 hours, and you could experiment with pushing this to 14. In fact, that cold fermentation should provide even more flavor to the final loaf. Then get the oven nice and hot, and bake them immediately from the fridge (just transfer them to your Dutch oven and score the tops but don’t let the dough come to room temp first).
 
LMG61
LMG61 February 17, 2020
Thank you so much!
 
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