Speedy Same Day Sourdough Bread Recipe
If you’ve ever craved fresh, tangy sourdough but thought you didn’t have time to make it from scratch, this Speedy Same Day Sourdough Bread Recipe will change your bread-baking game forever. This loaf is chewy on the inside, crackly on the outside, and comes together in just a day—no overnight proofing required. If you’re short on time or simply impatient for warm slices of homemade sourdough, you’ll love how this approach brings the joy of artisan bread right to your kitchen even on your busiest days.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What’s so magical about this Speedy Same Day Sourdough Bread Recipe is how it transforms just four humble ingredients into a spectacular, bakery-worthy loaf. Each component serves an essential role, creating the unmistakable flavor and dreamy texture that makes sourdough special.
- All-purpose flour: The foundation of every good loaf, this brings structure and the signature airy crumb.
- Water: Simple as it sounds, water activates the starter and binds everything into a supple, stretchy dough.
- Sourdough starter: Your natural leaven brings both tanginess and rise; make sure it’s bubbly and active for the best results.
- Salt: Don’t skip this! Salt sharpens flavor, strengthens the dough, and helps regulate fermentation.
How to Make Speedy Same Day Sourdough Bread Recipe
Step 1: Mix the Dough
Start by grabbing a roomy mixing bowl. Combine the water, lively sourdough starter, and salt first, stirring until everything is dissolved and slightly frothy. Gradually add the flour, mixing until no dry bits remain. The dough should look shaggy and a little sticky—don’t worry, this texture is exactly what you want at this stage, setting you up for a well-rounded loaf.
Step 2: Rest the Dough
Cover your bowl with a damp towel or plastic wrap, then let the dough rest at room temperature for 30 minutes. This rest (also called the autolyse) allows the flour to hydrate fully and the gluten network to start forming, which means less kneading for you later. It’s a small step that makes a big difference in the final loaf’s tenderness.
Step 3: Stretch and Fold
Over the next hour, you’ll perform a series of stretch-and-folds every 20 minutes. Wet your hands, gently pull up one edge of the dough, and fold it over itself. Rotate the bowl and repeat until you’ve made several folds. This gentle technique is key in the Speedy Same Day Sourdough Bread Recipe—it builds the bread’s structure without heavy kneading, encouraging that sought-after open crumb.
Step 4: Bulk Fermentation
Let your dough rise at room temperature for 3 to 4 hours, or until it looks almost doubled in size and feels poofy. This is when all those wild yeasts and bacteria get to work, puffing up your dough and developing complex flavors in a fraction of the usual time. A warm spot in your kitchen speeds things up, so don’t be afraid to tuck your bowl somewhere cozy.
Step 5: Shape and Second Rise
Dust your countertop lightly with flour and turn out the dough. Shape it into a round ball, gently tightening the surface as you go. Transfer the dough seam-side up into a well-floured banneton or a bowl lined with a towel for its second, shorter rise. Give it about 2 hours—this brief proof brings out a lovely lightness in the loaf.
Step 6: Preheat the Oven
While the dough finishes its rise, preheat your oven to 460°F (238°C) with your Dutch oven nestled inside. This step is crucial in the Speedy Same Day Sourdough Bread Recipe—the blazing-hot Dutch oven mimics a bakery’s steam oven, skyrocketing your loaf’s “oven spring” and giving it a golden, blistered crust.
Step 7: Score and Bake
Carefully tip the dough onto a piece of parchment, then score the top with a sharp blade or serrated knife. This helps control where the bread expands as it bakes. Transfer the dough, using the parchment as a sling, into your preheated Dutch oven. Bake covered for 30 minutes, then remove the lid and drop the oven temperature to 440°F (227°C) to finish for 10 more minutes, letting the crust deepen and crisp.
Step 8: Cool and Slice
Transfer the bread to a wire rack, resisting the urge to slice in right away. Let it cool completely; this patience pays off with an even crumb and easier slicing. Now, get ready to enjoy your freshly baked Speedy Same Day Sourdough Bread Recipe in all its glory!
How to Serve Speedy Same Day Sourdough Bread Recipe
Garnishes
This loaf is delicious on its own, but a few thoughtful touches can make it extra special. A swipe of salted butter, a drizzle of olive oil with flaky sea salt, or a sprinkle of fresh herbs will highlight the sourdough’s tang. For a sweet twist, try honey or fruit preserves—the tart crumb and sweet spread make a delightful pairing.
Side Dishes
The Speedy Same Day Sourdough Bread Recipe is perfect alongside hearty soups (think tomato or butternut squash), crisp salads, or savory egg dishes. It’s also a stellar vessel for gooey grilled cheese or classic BLTs. However you slice it, this bread is eager to make even a simple meal feel like a feast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a wow factor, serve the loaf on a rustic wooden board with a selection of dips—whipped feta, roasted garlic, or olive tapenade. For gatherings, let everyone tear off pieces from a warm, just-baked round. You can even cube it for homemade croutons or slice it thick for French toast the next morning.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once the bread has cooled, store it in a paper bag or wrapped in a clean kitchen towel at room temperature. This keeps the crust crisp while preventing excess moisture buildup. It will stay fresh for a couple of days, though sourdough rarely lasts that long before getting devoured!
Freezing
To enjoy your Speedy Same Day Sourdough Bread Recipe later, slice the cooled loaf and place the pieces in a freezer-safe bag. This way, you can thaw individual slices as needed for toast or sandwiches. Frozen sourdough will taste nearly as good as fresh when reheated properly.
Reheating
Refresh slices in a toaster or warm the whole loaf in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes to bring back that just-baked aroma and crisp crust. If reheating from frozen, let the bread thaw at room temperature before toasting or warming—it will taste every bit as good as new.
FAQs
Can I use bread flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Absolutely! Bread flour will give the Speedy Same Day Sourdough Bread Recipe a slightly chewier crumb and higher rise due to its higher protein content. You may need to adjust the water a tiny bit, as bread flour absorbs more liquid.
What if I don’t have a banneton?
No worries! Line a medium bowl with a clean, well-floured kitchen towel. This makes a great substitute and will help the dough hold its shape during the second rise just as well as a specialty basket.
Do I need to feed my starter right before baking?
For best results, use your starter when it’s at peak activity—usually 4 to 6 hours after a feeding, when it’s bubbly and has doubled in size. This ensures your Speedy Same Day Sourdough Bread Recipe gets the best rise and flavor possible.
How do I know if the dough has finished the first bulk fermentation?
Look for a dough that’s risen by about 70 to 80 percent and feels full of air when gently pressed. If it’s doubled in size and bubbles are visible on the surface, you know you’re on the right track!
Can I add seeds or mix-ins?
Definitely! Feel free to fold in sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, or even bits of roasted garlic or chopped olives during the last stretch-and-fold. These additions can make your Speedy Same Day Sourdough Bread Recipe uniquely yours.
Final Thoughts
Baking bread from scratch is simply magical, and with the Speedy Same Day Sourdough Bread Recipe, it’s totally within reach—no matter how packed your schedule. Give it a try and see how satisfying a warm, crusty loaf pulled straight from your oven can be. You might just find yourself baking it again and again!
Print
Speedy Same Day Sourdough Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 5 hours
- Yield: 1 loaf 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Learn how to make a delicious Speedy Same Day Sourdough Bread with this easy recipe. This bread is perfect for those who want freshly baked sourdough without the long wait!
Ingredients
For the Bread:
- 410 grams all-purpose flour
- 290 grams water
- 160 grams sourdough starter
- 8 grams salt
Instructions
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix water, sourdough starter, and salt. Stir well and gradually add flour until combined.
- Rest: Cover and let rest for 30 minutes.
- Stretch and Folds: Perform stretch and folds every 20 minutes for an hour.
- Bulk Ferment: Allow the dough to bulk ferment for 3–4 hours, until nearly doubled.
- Shape and Rise: Shape the dough into a ball and let it rise in a floured banneton for another 2 hours.
- Preheat and Bake: Preheat your oven to 460°F (238°C) with the dutch oven inside. Score the dough and bake covered for 30 minutes; then uncover and bake for an additional 10 minutes at 440°F (227°C).
- Cool and Enjoy: Cool on a rack before slicing.
Notes
- You can customize this recipe by adding seeds or herbs to the dough.
- Ensure your sourdough starter is active and bubbly for best results.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (50g)
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 0.5g
- Sodium: 240mg
- Fat: 0.5g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Sourdough Bread, Same Day Bread, Homemade Bread, Quick Sourdough
