That smell? It’s my kitchen on a Saturday morningwarm, crusty, pure heaven. This golden sourdough bread is the kind of homemade heart-hug that’s blowing up everywhere from TikTok loaves to those weirdly soothing Instagram slice reels. Rich, chewy, glowy like sunshinethis loaf is what weekend dreams are made of.
This one’s a no-fuss beauty: just bread flour, water, salt, and your bubbly bestie (ahem, your starter). No kaleidoscope of ingredients, no confusing steps. Think of it like the denim jacket of bread flour sourdough recipesalways reliable, always in style. Full details in the blog!
I’ve tested dozens of loaves, from chaotic overnight projects to last-minute “is this even rising?” flops. This one just works. It feels old-school but faster. This large sourdough loaf is tender and golden inside and outand don’t skip the ice trick. I tested it. You’ll love the secret!
Why You’ll Love This Golden Sourdough Bread Recipe
This isn’t just any recipethis is your cozy weekend project with a major payoff. Here’s why you’ll adore it:
Beginner-friendly: Straightforward steps with no kneading. It’s a great go-to for those new to baking sourdough bread.
Golden crust, chewy center: The contrast of textures is pure bread bliss.
Nostalgic vibes: It’s like breaking open a loaf from your favorite old-school artisan bakeryonly you made it.
Flexible timing: The overnight rest means you’re not locked into a strict schedule.
Ingredients Breakdown (+ Substitutions)
This recipe is wonderfully simple. Here’s what you’ll need and how it works:
Bread flour: Provides structure and that perfect chew. You can sub in all-purpose flour if needed.
Warm water: Kickstarts the process and creates the right hydration level.
Active sourdough starter: The life of the party! Make sure your bubbly bestie is fed and ready.
Salt: It sharpens the overall flavor. Trust me, don’t skip it.
Pro Tip: If your sourdough starter doesn’t have a name yet, now’s the time to name it. It adds to the fun of baking sourdough bread!
Ingredient
Measurement
Notes
Bread Flour (or All-Purpose)
4 cups (500g)
Creates sturdy yet soft dough.
Warm Water
1⅔ cups (375g)
Aids hydration and mixing.
Active Sourdough Starter
1 cup (200g)
Make sure it’s bubbly and active.
Salt
2 tsp (10g)
Don’t skimpadds crucial flavor.
Step-by-Step: How to Bake the Easiest Sourdough Bread
Let’s walk through this recipe togetherit’s easier than you think!
Mix the dough: Combine flour and water in a bowl, stir into a shaggy dough, and let it rest for 30 minutes.
Add starter and salt: After resting, mix in your starter and salt until fully combined.
Stretch and fold: Over a 2-hour period, every 30 minutes, stretch the dough by pulling up one side and folding it over. It helps with gluten structure while keeping things low effort.
Bulk rise: Cover your dough and let it rise for 6–8 hours, until doubled and bubbly.
Shape and proof: Gently shape it into a round or oval, place in a floured proofing basket, and refrigerate overnight for a slow, flavorful proof.
Bake: Preheat your Dutch oven at 450°F. Score the dough, bake covered for 20 minutes, then uncovered for 25 minutes to achieve that golden crust.
Step
Timing
Tip
Mix
5 minutes
Don’t overthink the shaggy doughit evens out later.
Rest
30 minutes
Helps with hydration for a better texture.
Stretch & Fold
2 hours
Repeat every 30 minutes for best results.
Bulk Rise
6–8 hours
Warm kitchen? Check it at 6 hours.
Bake
45 minutes
Use parchment to lower the dough into the hot Dutch oven.
How to Tweak, Store, & Enjoy
This recipe is flexible, forgiving, and full of options for tweaking or preserving your loaf.
Tweaks: Want a darker crust? Bake uncovered a few extra minutes. Miss the salt? Sprinkle flaky salt on warm slices before serving!
Storage: Let the bread cool completely before wrapping it in a clean towel or storing in a paper bag at room temperature for 2–3 days.
Freezing: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze for up to 1 month. Defrost at room temp and rewarm in the oven if needed.
Storage Method
How Long
Tips
Room Temperature
2–3 days
Store in a paper bag for a crisp crust.
Freezer
Up to 1 month
Slice before freezing for easy toast!
Final Thoughts on This Large Sourdough Loaf
This golden sourdough bread isn’t just a recipeit’s a small win in your kitchen. With flexible timing, simple ingredients, and a foolproof process, it’s perfect for anyone venturing into beginner sourdough bread recipes. Whether you name your sourdough starter or snack on warm slices straight from the rack, this loaf is here to make your weekend cozier, tastier, and a bit more golden.
Expert Insight: The Art of Golden Sourdough Bread
Achieving the perfect golden crust in sourdough bread results from careful fermentation and optimal baking temperatures. This natural fermentation enhances flavor complexity while promoting a tender crumb, making golden sourdough bread both delicious and digestiblea testament to traditional bread-making techniques.
For more delicious recipes and cooking inspiration, follow me on Facebook, Pinterest and Reddit!
Finally Nailing My Golden Sourdough Bread
After way too many sticky dough disasters and a few burnt crusts, I’m excited to share my golden sourdough bread recipe. It took several weekends of trial and error to get that perfect chewy crumb and crisp golden crust, but this version is truly the product of real, hands-on experience in the kitchen.
FAQs ( Crusty Golden Sourdough Bread with a Soft Chewy Center )
How long does it take to make golden sourdough bread?
Making golden sourdough bread typically takes 24-48 hours from start to finish, though most of this time is hands-off fermentation. The active work time is only about 30-45 minutes spread across mixing, folding, and shaping. If you’re looking for a faster option, you can try a fast sourdough bread recipe that reduces the timeline to about 12-18 hours with a more active starter and warmer environment.
What type of flour works best for crusty golden sourdough?
Bread flour is the best choice for golden sourdough bread because its higher protein content (12-14%) develops strong gluten structure for that perfect chewy texture. You can also use a combination of bread flour and all-purpose flour for a slightly more tender crumb. Many bread flour sourdough recipes recommend adding a small percentage of whole wheat flour to enhance the golden color and add depth of flavor.
Can beginners successfully make this sourdough bread?
Absolutely! This beginner sourdough bread recipe is designed to be approachable for new bakers. The key is having an active, bubbly sourdough starter and following the timing guidelines carefully. Don’t worry if your first loaf isn’t perfect – sourdough baking is a skill that improves with practice. Start with this simple sourdough bread recipe and you’ll be amazed at what you can create with just flour, water, salt, and starter.
How do I get that perfect crusty exterior?
The secret to a beautifully crusty golden sourdough bread is creating steam during the first part of baking sourdough bread. Use a Dutch oven with the lid on for the first 20-30 minutes, then remove the lid to allow the crust to develop its golden color. You can also place a pan of boiling water on the bottom rack of your oven. The contrast between the steamy environment and dry heat creates that irresistible crispy crust we all love.
Can I make this as an overnight sourdough bread?
Yes, this recipe works wonderfully as an overnight sourdough bread! After shaping your loaf, place it in the refrigerator for 8-24 hours for the final rise. This slow, cold fermentation actually improves the flavor and makes the dough easier to score. When you’re ready to bake, you can put it straight from the fridge into your preheated Dutch oven. The extended fermentation time creates even more complex flavors in your golden sourdough bread.
Final Slice of Wisdom
Whipping up this golden sourdough bread is easier than you think, and the payoff? A warm, crusty loaf with that perfect chewy crumb you’ll be bragging about. Whether you toss in a pinch of herbs or stick to the classic, it’s all good. I always say, a well-fed starter and a little patience are all you need to bake magic in your kitchen.
Got a fave sourdough trick or a starter name that cracks you up? Share your photos and storiesI love seeing how these large sourdough loaves make your homemade moments extra special. Pass it on, bake with love, and let this simple recipe bring a little golden glow to your day.
This beginner sourdough bread recipe offers a large sourdough loaf with a chewy center and crisp golden crust. Perfect for baking sourdough bread at home, it’s an easy and simple sourdough bread recipe for all skill levels.
Ingredients
Scale
4 cups 500g bread flour or all-purpose flour
1⅔ cups 375g warm water
1 cup 200g active sourdough starter
2 teaspoons 10g salt
Instructions
In a large mixing bowl, combine 4 cups of flour and 1⅔ cups of warm water.
Stir until a shaggy dough forms, then let it rest for 30 minutes.
After resting, add 1 cup of active sourdough starter and 2 teaspoons of salt.
Mix well until everything is fully combined.
Cover the bowl with a clean towel or plastic wrap.
Let the dough sit at room temperature.
Every 30 minutes for 2 hours, perform a set of stretch and folds.
To stretch and fold, pull one side of the dough upward and fold it over itself.
Turn the bowl a quarter turn and repeat three more times.
After the final fold, cover the bowl again and let the dough rise for 6 to 8 hours.
It should double in size and appear bubbly and puffy.
Gently transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface.
Shape it into a round or oval loaf by folding and tucking the edges underneath.
Place the shaped dough seam-side up into a floured proofing basket or towel-lined bowl.
Cover and refrigerate for 8 to 12 hours.
The next day, place a Dutch oven into your oven and preheat to 450°F (232°C).
Remove the dough from the fridge and turn it out onto parchment paper.
Score the top of the dough with a sharp knife or razor blade.
Carefully lower the dough into the hot Dutch oven using the parchment paper.
Cover and bake for 20 minutes.
Remove the lid and bake uncovered for another 25 minutes.
Take the bread out of the Dutch oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack before slicing.
Sharing a handpicked collection of easy, healthy recipes made in our family kitchen. Rachel brings comforting classics, while Emily adds fresh, modern ideas together creating meals that are simple, flavorful, and family-friendly.
