Chef John’s Sourdough Bread

Chef John’s Sourdough Bread is a timeless, artisan-style loaf that captures the heart of traditional baking. Made with a natural starter, this bread develops its flavor through slow fermentation, resulting in a chewy crumb, tangy aroma, and crisp golden crust. Unlike breads made with commercial yeast, sourdough thrives on wild yeast and lactic acid bacteria, creating a deeper, more complex taste that’s both rustic and wholesome.

Chef John’s Sourdough Bread:

This recipe by Chef John is perfect for anyone seeking to master the art of sourdough. With patience and simple ingredients—flour, water, salt, and starter—you can produce bakery-quality bread right from your own kitchen. Each loaf tells a story of care, tradition, and transformation, celebrating the true craft of slow baking.

History:

Sourdough is one of humanity’s oldest fermented foods, dating back over 5,000 years to ancient Egypt. Early bakers discovered that flour and water left to rest naturally began to bubble and rise, thanks to wild yeast in the environment. This accidental discovery revolutionized breadmaking, producing lighter, more flavorful loaves that quickly spread through ancient Greece, Rome, and Europe.

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Chef John’s Sourdough Bread

Shruthi

Chef John’s Sourdough Bread combines ancient tradition with modern technique, producing a beautifully crusty, tangy loaf. With a chewy interior and a caramelized crust, it’s a perfect balance of flavor and texture. Each bake is a journey of patience and passion, connecting you to centuries of artisanal breadmaking. Simple ingredients, slow fermentation, and Chef John’s expert method make this recipe unforgettable.

Print Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Total Time 19 hours hrs 13 minutes mins

Course Bread

Cuisine American, European

Servings 2

Calories 160 kcal

Ingredients

  

• 1 cup (227 g) active sourdough starter
• 1 ½ cups (340 g) warm water
• 4 cups (480 g) bread flour or all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons salt

Instructions

 

• Activate Starter:Make sure your starter is active, bubbly, and has doubled in size before using.
• Mix Dough:In a large bowl, whisk the starter with warm water until dissolved. Add flour and salt, then mix until a sticky dough forms.
• Knead or Fold:Knead the dough for about 10 minutes or perform stretch-and-folds every 30 minutes for 2 hours.
• Bulk Fermentation:Cover and let the dough rest at room temperature for 8–12 hours, or until it doubles and forms bubbles.
• Shape the Loaf:Turn the dough out, shape it into a round ball, and place seam-side up in a floured proofing basket or bowl. Let rise for 2–4 hours.
• Preheat Oven:Heat oven to 450°F (230°C) with a Dutch oven inside for 30 minutes.
• Bake:Score the top, transfer to the hot Dutch oven, cover, and bake for 30 minutes. Remove lid and bake another 10–15 minutes until deep golden brown.
• Cool:Transfer loaf to a wire rack and cool completely before slicing.

Notes

• Always use an active starter that has recently been fed.
• Longer fermentation produces a more pronounced sour flavor.
• Do not cut into the bread while warm—it will affect the texture.
• Use bread flour for a chewier crumb.
• Store in a paper or cloth bag at room temperature to preserve the crust.

Keyword artisan bread, Chef John, homemade bread, Sourdough starter, wild yeast

Tips for Chef John’s Sourdough Bread:

• Add ¼ cup whole wheat flour for extra flavor.
• If your kitchen is cold, let the dough rise in a slightly warm spot.
• For an extra crispy crust, spritz water into the oven before baking.
• Refrigerate the shaped dough overnight for enhanced sourness.
• Use a razor or sharp knife to score cleanly and allow controlled expansion.

FAQs for Chef John’s Sourdough Bread:

Q1: Why is my sourdough dense?
Your starter may have been inactive or under-fermented. Make sure it’s bubbly and doubles in size before using.

Q2: Can I use all-purpose flour?
Yes, though bread flour gives a chewier texture and stronger structure.

Q3: How can I make my sourdough more sour?
Ferment the dough longer, use a higher ratio of starter, or proof it overnight in the refrigerator.

Q4: Do I need a Dutch oven?
It helps trap steam for a crisp crust, but you can use a baking stone and a pan of water for similar results.

Q5: How long does sourdough bread last?
It stays fresh for 3–4 days at room temperature and up to 3 months when frozen.

Conclusion:

Chef John’s Sourdough Bread is a celebration of time-honored baking traditions. Its simple ingredients transform through natural fermentation into a masterpiece of texture and flavor. Each loaf embodies patience, care, and craftsmanship—perfect for home bakers who love the process as much as the result. Once you master this recipe, you’ll never look at bread the same way again.