🍞 Artisan Sourdough Bread Recipe (Easy Overnight Method)

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Rest Time: 10–12 hours (overnight)
Bake Time: 35–40 minutes
Total Time: ~12 hours
Yield: 2 loaves
Difficulty: Easy–Intermediate

🥖 Introduction

This artisan sourdough bread is soft inside, crisp outside, and full of deep, tangy flavor thanks to a slow overnight fermentation.

It’s designed for both beginners and experienced bakers who want bakery-style bread at home with simple steps and reliable results.

🧂 Ingredients

• 500g bread flour (about 4 cups)
• 100g whole wheat flour (optional, for flavor)
• 100g active sourdough starter (bubbly)
• 375g room temperature water
• 10g sea salt

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Feed Your Starter

Feed your sourdough starter 4–6 hours before baking.
It should double in size, look airy, and smell slightly tangy.

2. Mix the Dough (Autolyse)

In a large bowl:

• Mix starter + water until dissolved
• Add flours
• Stir until no dry flour remains

Cover and rest for 1 hour.

This helps gluten develop naturally.

3. Add Salt

Sprinkle salt over dough.
Pinch, fold, and squeeze until fully incorporated.

4. Bulk Fermentation (3–4 Hours)

Every 30 minutes:

• Stretch dough upward
• Fold over itself
• Rotate bowl and repeat

Do this for 3–4 hours.

✔ Dough should rise 50–75%
✔ Feel airy and soft
✔ Show small bubbles

5. Pre-Shape & Rest

• Lightly flour surface
• Divide dough into 2 pieces
• Shape into loose balls
• Rest 20 minutes

6. Final Shape

Shape into tight logs and place into loaf pans.

7. Cold Proof (Overnight)

Cover and refrigerate for 8–12 hours.

This step builds flavor and improves texture.

8. Bake

Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C).

• Score dough with a sharp blade
• Bake 35–40 minutes
• For crisp crust: remove from pans last 10 minutes

9. Cool Completely

Let bread cool at least 1 hour before slicing.

⚠ Cutting too early will make the crumb gummy.

💡 Pro Tips

• Always use an active, bubbly starter
• Add steam (hot water tray) for better crust
• Brush with butter after baking for softness
• Whole wheat flour = deeper flavor but denser crumb

🍽️ Serving Ideas

• Toast with butter or jam
• Sandwiches or grilled cheese
• Garlic bread base
• Freeze slices for up to 3 months

❓ FAQs

Why didn’t my bread rise well?
Your starter may be weak. Feed it 2–3 times before baking.

Can I skip cold proof?
Yes, but flavor will be less developed.

How do I get a softer crust?
Brush with melted butter and cover while cooling.

🔥 Final Result

This recipe gives you bakery-style sourdough at home with a crisp crust, soft crumb, and rich flavor — all from a simple overnight process.