How to Make Chef John’s Sourdough Bread: A Delicious, Artisan Recipe

Chef John’s sourdough bread recipe has become a beloved favorite for bread lovers and home bakers alike. Known for its perfectly chewy crust and delightfully airy crumb, this recipe is surprisingly approachable for both beginners and seasoned bakers. Sourdough bread, with its naturally leavened qualities, not only delivers a tangy depth of flavor but also offers a satisfying baking process that connects us to traditional bread-making.

Why You’ll Love Chef John’s Sourdough Bread Recipe

This recipe offers a step-by-step approach that simplifies the sourdough process without sacrificing quality. It doesn’t require a mixer, making it ideal for home kitchens. The slow fermentation method used in this recipe brings out a rich, complex flavor that you won’t find in store-bought bread. This is the ultimate guide to creating a crusty, aromatic, and tender sourdough loaf right from your own oven.

Recipe Overview: Chef John’s Sourdough Bread

Chef John’s sourdough bread relies on a natural starter for leavening. The dough is mixed, rested, and given time to develop its structure before baking, resulting in a beautifully rustic, golden-brown crust with a soft and airy interior. With only a few basic ingredients, this recipe is about the art of fermentation, patience, and dedication to the craft.

Ingredients

• 3 1/2 cups bread flour
• 1 1/4 cups water (room temperature)
• 1/2 cup sourdough starter (active and bubbly)
• 2 teaspoons sea salt

Ingredient Substitutions

If bread flour isn’t available, you can use all-purpose flour, though bread flour is preferred for better gluten development and a chewier texture. For a softer crust, consider adding 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the dough. You can also experiment with whole wheat flour for a heartier loaf by substituting up to 25% of the bread flour.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Chef John’s Sourdough Bread

1. Feed Your Starter: Ensure your starter is active by feeding it about 4-6 hours before you plan to bake. It should be bubbly and doubled in size when ready.
2. Mix the Dough: In a large bowl, combine the flour and water. Stir until a shaggy dough forms, then cover and let rest for 30 minutes (this process is called autolyse and helps the dough absorb water).
3. Add Starter and Salt: After 30 minutes, add the sourdough starter and salt. Mix well until all ingredients are incorporated. This may take a few minutes by hand, but it’s worth the effort!
4. Bulk Fermentation: Cover the bowl with a damp cloth and let the dough rest in a warm spot for 3-4 hours. Every 30 minutes, gently stretch and fold the dough over itself four times, rotating the bowl each time.
5. Shape the Dough: After the bulk fermentation, turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Shape it into a round loaf by folding the edges toward the center, then flip it over and gently shape into a ball.
6. Final Rise: Place the shaped dough seam-side up in a lightly floured proofing basket or bowl lined with a cloth. Cover and let rise for 1-2 hours until puffy but not over-expanded.
7. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) with a Dutch oven inside for at least 30 minutes.
8. Score and Bake: Carefully transfer the dough into the preheated Dutch oven, seam-side down. Score the top with a sharp knife to allow the bread to expand while baking. Cover with the lid and bake for 20 minutes, then remove the lid and bake for another 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
9. Cool and Serve: Let the bread cool on a wire rack for at least 1 hour before slicing. This helps the crumb set and prevents it from becoming gummy.

Tips and Tricks

For a sourdough bread with an even deeper flavor, try extending the bulk fermentation time by placing the dough in the refrigerator overnight. Additionally, spraying water into the oven before baking can create more steam, resulting in a crispier crust. Lastly, be gentle with the dough to maintain its air bubbles, which are key to that airy texture.

Cooking Times

• Preparation Time: 30 minutes
• Resting and Rising Time: 5-6 hours (plus optional overnight fermentation)
• Baking Time: 40-45 minutes
• Total Time: 6-7 hours

Serving Suggestions

This recipe yields a single loaf that serves around 6-8 people. Sourdough bread is versatile and can be enjoyed with butter, jam, or even as the base for avocado toast. It pairs beautifully with soups and salads, and can be used to make hearty sandwiches. For an elegant appetizer, serve with olive oil and balsamic vinegar for dipping.

Nutritional Information (Per Slice)

Calories: 130
Carbohydrates: 26g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 0.5g
Sodium: 200mg

Storage and Reheating

Store sourdough bread at room temperature in a bread bag or wrapped in a cloth to maintain its crust. It can stay fresh for up to 3 days. For longer storage, slice the bread and freeze it in a sealed bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, warm slices in the oven for a few minutes at 300°F, or toast them for a crispy texture.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Do I need a Dutch oven to make sourdough bread?

While a Dutch oven is ideal for trapping steam and creating a crispy crust, you can still make this bread using a baking stone or sheet. Place an oven-safe dish with water on the bottom rack to generate steam.

What if my dough doesn’t rise as expected?

Ensure your starter is active and bubbly before using it. If it’s too cold in your kitchen, the dough may need more time to rise. Try placing it in a warm spot or extending the bulk fermentation.

Can I make this bread gluten-free?

Traditional sourdough requires gluten for structure, so this recipe isn’t gluten-free. However, gluten-free sourdough recipes can be found that use alternative flours and baking methods.

Conclusion

With Chef John’s sourdough bread recipe, you can master the art of making beautiful, crusty bread right at home. This recipe offers the perfect balance of tangy flavor and soft texture, with a deeply satisfying baking process. We hope this guide has inspired you to give sourdough baking a try! Share your results in the comments, and check back for more recipes and baking tips.