Jul 13 2026
RestaurantsFrancesHousemade Sourdough Recipe

Housemade Sourdough Recipe

Inspired by Frances
Time5h
Serves8

Cultured butter or Sicilian olive oil

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Ingredients

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Sourdough Bread

Method

Baking Instructions

  1. 1

    Mixing the Dough

    In a large bowl, combine the bread flour and salt. In a separate bowl, mix the active sourdough starter with water until it is well combined. Pour the starter mixture into the flour and mix until a shaggy dough forms.

  2. 2

    Kneading

    Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 10-15 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.

  3. 3

    First Rise

    Place the kneaded dough into a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise at room temperature for about 4-6 hours, or until it has doubled in size.

  4. 4

    Shaping

    Once the dough has risen, turn it out onto a floured surface and shape it into a round loaf. Place it seam-side down in a floured proofing basket.

  5. 5

    Second Rise

    Cover the shaped dough with a cloth and let it rise for another 2-3 hours at room temperature.

  6. 6

    Preheat Oven

    Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) with a Dutch oven inside for about 30 minutes.

  7. 7

    Baking

    Once preheated, carefully remove the Dutch oven, place the dough inside (you can score the top for a decorative touch), cover with the lid, and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the lid and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the crust is deeply golden.

  8. 8

    Cooling

    Remove the bread from the Dutch oven and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 1 hour before slicing.

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