Ingredients for King Arthur Sour Dough Bread
- ½ cup active sourdough starter
- Unbleached All Purpose Flour
- Water
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- Yeast
How to Make King Arthur Sour Dough Bread
- **Make the Sponge:** In a large bowl, combine 1 cup warm water (105-115°F), 1 cup all-purpose flour (or ½ cup all-purpose + ½ cup rye/whole wheat for a bolder flavor), and ½ cup sourdough starter. Mix until just combined. Cover and let rise at room temperature for 4-6 hours, or until doubled in size.
- **Mix the Dough:** Add the remaining ingredients (2 ½ cups all-purpose flour, 1 ½ teaspoons salt, and ½ cup warm water) to the sponge. Mix until a shaggy dough forms. Knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic, adding more flour if needed.
- **First Rise:** Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover and let rise in a warm place for 4-6 hours, or until almost doubled in size.
- **Shape the Loaf:** Gently deflate the dough. Shape it into a round or oval loaf. Place it seam-side up in a well-floured banneton basket (or a bowl lined with a floured kitchen towel).
- **Cold Proof:** Cover the basket and refrigerate for 12-18 hours.
- **Bake the Bread:** Preheat the oven to 450°F (232°C) with a Dutch oven inside. Carefully remove the dough from the banneton, and place it in the hot Dutch oven. Cover and bake for 30 minutes.
- **Uncover and Bake:** Remove the lid and bake for another 55 minutes, or until the crust is deeply golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 200-210°F (93-99°C).
- **Cool and Enjoy:** Let the bread cool completely on a wire rack before slicing and serving.
Chef's Tip for Extra Flavor
Elevate your dish with simple flavor boosters! A final flourish of freshly chopped herbs can add incredible brightness, while a squeeze of lemon or lime juice right before serving can awaken all the flavors. Don't underestimate a sprinkle of quality finishing salt or a drizzle of good olive oil to make your creation shine.
Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)
Sodium
14 g
Sugar
0g
Fat
0g
Carbs
15g