15 Sourdough Recipes for Delicious Homemade Bread
Sourdough baking can elevate your homemade bread. The right recipes and techniques can help you create delicious loaves that are both flavorful and healthy. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced baker, there’s a sourdough recipe for you.
The beauty of sourdough lies in its unique flavor and texture, which comes from the natural fermentation process. It’s not just about making bread; it’s about connecting with the tradition of baking and sharing delightful creations with family and friends. Get ready to explore a variety of sourdough recipes that will make your kitchen come alive with the aroma of fresh bread.
1) Beginner’s No-Knead Sourdough
Making sourdough bread can be simple and fun. A no-knead recipe is perfect for beginners. You don’t need to be a baking expert to get great results.
Start with a reliable sourdough starter, which adds flavor and helps the bread rise. Mix the ingredients in a large bowl. All you need is flour, water, salt, and your starter.
After mixing, let the dough sit for several hours. During this time, it will rise and develop flavor. Once the dough has increased in size, shape it gently.
You will bake it in a hot oven, ideally around 450°F (232°C). Using a Dutch oven can help create steam, which makes a crusty loaf.
Ingredients
- 3 cups (375g) bread flour
- 1 ½ cups (360ml) water, room temperature
- ¾ cup (180g) active sourdough starter
- 1 teaspoon salt
Cooking Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix flour and salt.
- Add water and sourdough starter; mix until combined.
- Cover the bowl and let it rest for 12-18 hours.
- Preheat oven to 450°F (232°C).
- Shape the dough; let it rest for 30 minutes.
- Bake in a preheated Dutch oven for 30 minutes.
- Remove the lid and bake for another 15-20 minutes until golden.
2) Extra-Tangy Sourdough Loaf
If you want a sourdough loaf with a bold flavor, try making an extra-tangy sourdough loaf. This bread gets its unique tang from the fermentation process. The key is to use a well-fed starter to kickstart the fermentation.
For this loaf, you’ll need bread flour for better structure. The dough will develop a chewy texture that pairs well with that nice sour taste. Remember to mix your ingredients well to ensure even distribution.
Ingredients
- 3 cups (360g) bread flour
- 1 cup (240ml) cool water (60-65°F / 15-18°C)
- 1 cup (240g) active sourdough starter
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
Cooking Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the starter, water, and 3 cups of bread flour.
- Add the salt and mix until a shaggy dough forms.
- Knead the dough for about 10 minutes until smooth.
- Let it rise for 4-6 hours or until doubled in size.
- Shape the dough and let it rest for another hour.
- Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C) and bake for 25-30 minutes.
3) Rustic Country Sourdough
Rustic Country Sourdough is a delicious bread that has a crispy crust and a soft, chewy interior. It’s perfect for sandwiches or as a side with your meals. You can make it easily with a few basic ingredients.
Start by mixing your sourdough starter, warm water, and flour. Allow the dough to rise until it doubles in size. This process usually takes about 4 to 8 hours, depending on the temperature of your kitchen.
Shape the dough into a round loaf and let it rest again. Before baking, score the top to help it expand. Bake it at 450°F (230°C) for about 30 to 40 minutes until golden brown.
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup fed sourdough starter
- 1 1/2 cups warm water
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
Cooking Instructions
- Combine sourdough starter, warm water, and flour in a bowl.
- Let the dough rise for 4 to 8 hours.
- Shape the dough into a round loaf and let it rest.
- Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C).
- Score the top of the loaf.
- Bake for 30 to 40 minutes until golden brown.
4) Whole Wheat Sourdough Bread
Making whole wheat sourdough bread is a rewarding experience. You will enjoy the nutty flavor and healthier ingredients. It’s perfect for sandwiches or toast.
To start, you need a ripe sourdough starter, which should be bubbly and active. Use freshly milled whole wheat flour for the best taste.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (227g) active sourdough starter
- 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons (255g) lukewarm water (about 110°F or 43°C)
- 3 cups (340g) whole wheat flour
- 1 teaspoon (6g) salt
- 1 teaspoon instant yeast
Cooking Instructions
- Mix the sourdough starter with lukewarm water in a large bowl.
- Add whole wheat flour and salt, and stir until smooth.
- Let the dough rest for about 30 minutes.
- Knead the dough for about 10 minutes until smooth.
- Allow it to rise in a warm place for 4-6 hours or until doubled in size.
- Shape the dough into a loaf and place it in a greased pan.
- Let it rise for another 1-2 hours.
- Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C).
- Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown. Enjoy!
5) Simple Rye Sourdough
Making simple rye sourdough is a satisfying experience. This bread has a wonderful flavor and a hearty texture. It’s great for sandwiches or just enjoying with butter.
To get started, you will need a few basic ingredients. They include rye flour, bread flour, water, and sourdough starter.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (120g) rye flour
- 1 cup (120g) bread flour
- 1 cup (240ml) water
- 1/2 cup (120g) active sourdough starter
- 1 teaspoon salt
Cooking Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix the rye flour and bread flour together.
- Add the water and stir until combined.
- Mix in the sourdough starter and salt.
- Knead the dough for about 5-10 minutes until smooth.
- Let it rise in a warm place for about 4-6 hours.
- Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C).
- Shape the dough and place it in a baking dish.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown.
6) Savory Sourdough Muffins
Savory sourdough muffins are a delightful treat. They are perfect for breakfast or a snack. You can enjoy them warm with butter or on their own.
These muffins are made with a tangy sourdough starter. You can mix in ingredients like cheese, herbs, and spices for added flavor. They are easy to make and a great way to use sourdough discard.
Ingredients
- 1 cup sourdough starter
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup grated cheese (like cheddar)
- 1/4 cup milk
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Optional: herbs like rosemary or thyme
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, mix the sourdough starter, flour, and baking powder.
- In another bowl, whisk together milk, eggs, cheese, salt, and herbs.
- Combine both mixtures and stir until combined.
- Pour the batter into a muffin tin.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown. Enjoy your muffins!
7) Quick Sourdough Pizza
Making quick sourdough pizza is a fun and easy way to enjoy homemade pizza. With just a few ingredients, you can have a delicious crust in no time.
You can use sourdough starter or even sourdough discard. This recipe doesn’t require kneading or long rising times. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Simply mix the ingredients and let the dough rest briefly. Then shape it, add your favorite toppings, and bake. The pizza comes out crispy and full of flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (240g) sourdough starter (active or discard)
- 1 ½ cups (180g) all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon (3g) salt
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil
- Water as needed
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C).
- In a bowl, combine sourdough starter, flour, salt, and olive oil. Mix well.
- Add water slowly to form a soft dough.
- Let the dough rest for 15-20 minutes.
- Shape the dough onto a baking sheet.
- Add your favorite toppings.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden brown.
8) Fluffy Sourdough Pancakes
Fluffy sourdough pancakes are a delightful breakfast option. They use sourdough starter discard, making them a great way to reduce waste. You’ll love their light and airy texture.
To make these pancakes, start by mixing your dry ingredients like flour, baking powder, and sugar. In another bowl, combine your wet ingredients, including the sourdough starter, milk, and an egg.
Combine the two mixtures for a smooth batter. Cook the pancakes on a preheated skillet at 375°F (190°C) until golden brown. Enjoy them with your favorite toppings!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup sourdough starter
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup milk
Cooking Instructions:
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, mix sourdough starter, egg, and milk.
- Combine both mixtures until smooth.
- Heat a skillet to 375°F (190°C).
- Pour batter onto the skillet and cook until bubbles form, then flip.
- Serve warm with toppings of your choice.
9) Sourdough Sandwich Bread
Making sourdough sandwich bread is a rewarding experience. This bread has a soft texture, perfect for sandwiches and toast. You’ll love how simple it is to prepare.
You will need your sourdough starter, some all-purpose flour, butter, and a touch of honey for sweetness. The combination creates a delightful loaf that everyone will enjoy.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (240 ml) active sourdough starter
- 4 cups (480 g) all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup (60 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) honey
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1 1/2 cups (360 ml) warm water (100°F/38°C)
Cooking Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix the sourdough starter, warm water, and honey.
- Add flour, salt, and butter to the mixture. Stir until combined.
- Knead the dough for about 10 minutes until smooth.
- Let the dough rise for 4 hours or until doubled in size.
- Shape the dough into a loaf and place it in a greased pan.
- Allow it to rise again for 1-2 hours.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, until golden brown.
10) High Hydration Sourdough
High hydration sourdough is known for its moist and airy texture. This bread has a water-to-flour ratio above 80%, making the dough wetter and a bit trickier to handle.
When you bake it, you get a crusty outer layer and a soft, chewy inside. The higher water content also helps develop more flavor during fermentation.
For best results, you need a strong sourdough starter that’s bubbly and active. Remember to use room temperature water to help your dough rise properly.
Ingredients
- 500 grams (4 cups) bread flour
- 400 grams (1â…” cups) water
- 100 grams (½ cup) active sourdough starter
- 10 grams (2 teaspoons) salt
Cooking Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix flour and water until combined.
- Let the mixture rest for 30 minutes.
- Add the starter and salt, mixing until incorporated.
- Knead the dough for about 10 minutes.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl and cover it.
- Let it rise for 4-6 hours at room temperature or until doubled.
- Shape the dough and place it in a floured proofing basket.
- Allow it to rise for another 2-3 hours.
- Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C) with a Dutch oven inside.
- Bake the bread for 30-40 minutes, until golden brown.
- Cool on a wire rack before slicing.
11) Sweet Sourdough Buns
Sweet sourdough buns are a delightful treat that you can easily make at home. They are soft, fluffy, and perfect for breakfast or as a snack.
To start, you will need a sourdough starter. This gives your buns a unique flavor. Mixing in milk, butter, and a bit of sugar will make them even sweeter and richer.
Let your dough rise until it doubles in size. This can take around 2 to 12 hours, depending on the temperature of your kitchen.
Once baked, these buns are best enjoyed fresh. They can be served with butter, jam, or even enjoyed plain.
Ingredients
- 100g sourdough starter
- 250g all-purpose flour
- 100ml warm milk
- 50g sugar
- 30g melted butter
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp salt
Cooking Instructions
- Mix the sourdough starter, flour, and warm milk in a bowl.
- Add sugar, melted butter, egg, and salt.
- Knead the dough until smooth.
- Let the dough rise in a warm place until it doubles.
- Shape the dough into buns and place them on a baking tray.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
12) Classic Sourdough Donuts
Making classic sourdough donuts is a fun and rewarding process. The tangy flavor from the sourdough adds a unique twist to this beloved treat.
Start by preparing your sourdough starter. You’ll want it to be active and bubbly for the best results.
Combine your ingredients and let them rise. The dough should become fluffy and light.
After shaping the donuts and letting them proof, heat your oil. Fry the donuts until they’re golden brown, then let them cool.
Once cooled, glaze or dust them with sugar to add some sweetness. Enjoy these delicious treats with a cup of coffee or tea!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (240 ml) sourdough starter
- 1/4 cup (50 g) sugar
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) milk
- 1 egg
- 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp salt
- Oil for frying
Cooking Instructions:
- Mix all ingredients until smooth.
- Let the dough rise for 1-2 hours.
- Shape into donuts and let proof for another hour.
- Heat oil to 350°F (180°C).
- Fry donuts until golden brown.
- Cool and glaze or dust with sugar.
13) Decadent Sourdough Brownies
These sourdough brownies are a delightful twist on a classic dessert. They combine rich chocolate flavor with a hint of sourdough tang. You’ll find these brownies moist and fudgy, making them perfect for any chocolate lover.
To make these brownies, you’ll use sourdough starter discard. This not only reduces waste but adds a unique flavor and chewy texture. You can easily whip up a batch using simple ingredients.
Ingredients
- 170 grams (12 tablespoons) unsalted butter
- 300 grams (1 ½ cups) sugar
- 75 grams (¾ cup) unsweetened cocoa powder, sifted
- 1 large egg
- 150 grams (1 ¼ cups) all-purpose flour
- 100 grams (1/2 cup) sourdough starter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon salt
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Melt the butter in a bowl and add sugar, stirring until combined.
- Mix in the cocoa powder, egg, sourdough starter, and vanilla.
- Stir in the flour and salt until just combined.
- Pour the batter into a greased 9×9 pan.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
14) Versatile Sourdough Challah
Sourdough challah is a delightful twist on the traditional recipe. This rich bread combines the tangy flavor of sourdough with the sweetness of challah. You’ll enjoy its soft texture and beautiful braid.
To get started, feed your sourdough starter about 4-12 hours before making the dough. This ensures it’s bubbly and ready. Knead the ingredients together until the dough is smooth and pulls away from the bowl.
As it rises, the dough develops its flavor. After baking, your challah should have a golden-brown crust and feel hollow when tapped. Bake it at 350°F (175°C) for about 25-40 minutes.
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup bread flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- 1 cup sourdough starter
- ¼ cup sugar
- 3 eggs
- â…“ cup olive oil
- 1 cup water
Cooking Instructions
- Feed your sourdough starter.
- Mix the flours and salt in a bowl.
- In a mixer, combine starter, eggs, sugar, and water.
- Add the dry ingredients and knead until smooth.
- Let the dough rise until doubled in size.
- Braid the dough and place it in a loaf pan.
- Let it rise again, then bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25-40 minutes.
15) Liquid Levain Sourdough
Liquid levain is a type of sourdough starter that has a higher hydration level. This means it contains equal parts of water and flour, creating a wet mixture. It’s easy to use and can add a lovely depth of flavor to your bread.
To make liquid levain, simply combine water at about 75°F (24°C) with bread flour. You can keep it in the fridge if you aren’t baking every day, just remember to warm it up before use.
This starter allows for great fermentation and will help your bread rise well. It is a fantastic choice for making various sourdough recipes.
Ingredients
- 100 g (3/4 cup) bread flour
- 100 g (1/4 cup + 3 Tbsp) water at 75°F (24°C)
Cooking Instructions
- Mix together the water and flour in a plastic tub or glass jar.
- Stir until there are no dry bits of flour.
- Cover loosely and let it sit at room temperature for several hours.
- Feed it again with equal parts flour and water when needed.