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Cast Iron

Basic Sourdough Loaf

by:
February 17, 2018
4
4 Ratings
  • Makes 1 loaf
Author Notes

My go-to simple sourdough recipe is adapted from King Arthur Flour, and uses no commercial yeast. A slow overnight rise helps develop the flavor. Adding steam to the oven while you bake helps the bread to achieve maximum expansion and eventually a crisp, golden-brown crust (to get really knitty gritty: It liquefies the starches on the outside, helping to form a nice crisp crust, while keeping it from getting too dark before the bread cooks all the way through—ensuring you get a nice, golden brown exterior.) —Laura Sant

What You'll Need
Ingredients
  • 1 cup fed starter
  • 1 1/2 cups lukewarm water
  • 5 cups all-purpose flour, divided
  • 2 1/2 teaspoons salt
Directions
  1. Mix together the starter, water, and 3 cups of flour in a bowl until fully incorporated. Loosely cover and let rest in a warm place for 4 hours. Transfer to the fridge and let rest overnight.
  2. Twelve hours later, add the remaining dry ingredients and knead until incorporated. Cover and let rise until light and bubbly, from 3 to 5 hours, folding the dough once an hour by stretching the edges into the center and turning it over.
  3. Divide the dough in half and shape into two loaves on a baking sheet lined with parchment. Cover loosely with lightly oiled plastic wrap and let rise until puffy (2 to 4 hours). Toward the end of proofing, preheat the oven to 425º F with a cast-iron skillet on the bottom rack. Prep a cup of very hot tap water.
  4. Score your loaves and add them to the oven. Quickly (and carefully; steam burns hurt!) pour the hot water into the cast-iron skillet and close the door. Bake for 25 to 35 minutes, until golden brown.
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Laura Sant
Laura Sant is a writer and illustrator focused on food, drink, and travel.

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2 Reviews

Babs I.
Babs I. February 16, 2019
The loaves turned out beautifully. I gave one loaf, still warm, to my vegan friend. Next time, I may cut the recipe in half to see how a greater proportion of starter affects it.
 
Babs I.
Babs I. February 14, 2019
I prepped the first step this morning. I only had about 3/4 cup of fed starter after pulling out 75 mg. to keep the starter going. I looked at the top, hoping to maybe cut the recipe in half. It says it makes 1 loaf. However, the instructions are to form two loaves, which I discovered too late. Hoping for at least a decent outcome tomorrow.
 

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