🍞 Crispy Crust Sourdough Bread Recipe

Welcome to Hello Sourdough, your one-stop destination for everything related to sourdough bread making. Whether you're a seasoned baker or just starting out, we have the recipes, tips, and techniques to help you create delicious sourdough treats.

One of our favorite recipes is Crispy Crust Sourdough Bread. This bread is a true delight with its crunchy exterior and soft, chewy interior. To make this recipe, you will need a few simple ingredients: 1 cup of sourdough starter, 2 cups of water, 6 cups of bread flour, and 2 teaspoons of salt.

To begin, mix all the ingredients together in a large bowl. Use your hands or a wooden spoon to combine everything until a sticky dough forms. Don't worry if it looks messy at this stage, that's perfectly normal.

Next, knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 10 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic. This step is crucial as it helps develop the gluten in the dough, which gives the bread its structure.

Once the dough is kneaded, place it back into the bowl and cover it with a clean kitchen towel. Let it rise for 12 hours at room temperature. This long fermentation time allows the flavors to develop and gives the bread its distinctive sourdough taste.

After the first rise, it's time to shape the dough. Gently deflate the dough and shape it into a round loaf. You can also divide it into smaller portions if you prefer individual rolls. Place the shaped dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Cover the dough with the kitchen towel again and let it rise for another 2 hours. This second rise helps the dough to expand and creates a light and airy texture.

While the dough is rising for the second time, preheat your oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. It's important to preheat the oven to ensure an even bake and a crispy crust.

Once the dough has finished its final rise, it's time to bake. Place the baking sheet with the dough into the preheated oven and bake for approximately 30 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.

Remember to create steam in the oven during the initial baking phase to help achieve that crispy crust. You can do this by placing a small pan of water on the bottom rack of the oven.

After baking, remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack. This prevents the crust from becoming soggy as the bread cools.

Now, you're ready to enjoy your homemade Crispy Crust Sourdough Bread. Slice it up and serve it with your favorite spreads or use it to make sandwiches. The possibilities are endless!

Remember, sourdough bread making is a journey, and practice makes perfect. Don't be discouraged if your first attempt isn't exactly as you envisioned. With time and experience, you'll become a sourdough master.

Stay tuned for more sourdough recipes, tips, and techniques here at Hello Sourdough. Happy baking!