Easy Sourdough Bread Recipe

This post may feature affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.

Enjoy this simple sourdough bread recipe that requires no kneading and delivers a delicious rustic flavor. It’s perfect for beginner bakers, yielding a loaf that’s crusty on the outside yet tender on the inside. Serve a warm slice with toppings like vegan butter, jam, compote, avocado, or hummus.

Table of Contents

❤️ Why you’ll love this recipe

Effortless: No kneading or complicated techniques are required for this easy sourdough recipe.
Versatile: Try customizing the flavor with your favorite add-ins like nuts, seeds, olives, herbs, dried fruits, and plant-based cheese.
Economical: Homemade sourdough bread costs a fraction of store-bought loaves, and you’ll be shocked at how delicious it turns out!
Satisfying: Once catch your first glimpse of the final loaf, you’ll feel so proud! There is nothing more satisfying than baking your own bread at home.

If you love making your own baked goods like this sourdough recipe, you should check out our dairy-free bread, vegan garlic bread, vegan cornbread, and vegan biscuits.

🍞 What is sourdough bread?

Sourdough bread is a type of leavened bread that achieves its rising properties from fermented dough rather than commercial baker’s yeast. It begins with a ‘starter,’ which is a flour and water mixture that is slowly fermented by wild Lactobacillaceae and yeast.

This bread is known for its characteristic tangy flavor, chewy texture, and excellent shelf life. It is one of the oldest types of baked goods, dating back thousands of years! In comparison, commercially produced yeast only dates back about 150 years.

This no-knead version eliminates the need for labor-intensive kneading, making it perfect for busy home bakers. The crust turns out perfectly golden brown and crisp, and the inside is soft and tender.

The long fermentation process enhances the flavor and helps create a beautiful crumb structure. Once baked, you can serve this sourdough bread recipe with pretty much anything! Some of our favorites include vegan butter, strawberry compote, hummus, or avocado.

Sourdough Bread Loaf Cut In Half. — Enjoy a warm slice with some vegan butter

🌱 Is sourdough bread vegan?

Sourdough bread is almost always vegan, but some versions include additional ingredients like butter, eggs, honey, and milk.

The most traditional recipes (including this one) are made with just water, flour, and salt. Rest assured, you can serve a slice of this sourdough bread to all your vegan friends and family.

Flour And Water In A Bowl. — Start with room temperature ingredients

🛒 Ingredients & substitutions

Sourdough starter: Provides natural leavening and a tangy flavor. If you don’t have a sourdough starter, you can make your own starter, purchase a sourdough starter online, or ask a friend to give you some extra.
Water: Hydrates the dough and aids in gluten development. Make sure it’s filtered water for the best flavor.
Flour: We use whole wheat and unbleached all-purpose flour to create a chewy-yet-tender texture with a crispy crust. For chewier bread, use a higher ratio of whole wheat flour. For a softer texture, use more all-purpose flour.
Salt: Enhances the flavors and adds dimension to the sourdough bread recipe.

For a complete ingredient list and step-by-step guide, scroll down to our recipe card.

📝 How to make sourdough bread

Step 1: Mix the dough

To begin, remove your sourdough starter from the fridge for at least an hour before starting the bread-making process.

Once the starter has warmed up, mix it with water and salt in a large mixing bowl. Add the flour and any optional add-ins, like seeds or olives. Mix everything together until the dough is well combined.

Step 2: First rising

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a large plastic bag and leave the dough to rise at room temperature for 18-22 hours. We will typically start the bread around 3 pm the day before baking to let it rise overnight.

Ball Of Dough In A Bowl. — Mix it together and leave it to rise.

Rising Dough In A Bowl. — Mix it together and leave it to rise.

Depending on the climate you live in, the time your dough takes to rise will vary. As a general guideline, the dough should almost double in size before you move on.

Step 3: Second rising

Once the dough has risen enough, sprinkle some flour on top of the dough and on your hands. Take a portion of dough from the bottom to stretch and fold it about 5 or 6 times.

Flour on Hands and Dough In A Bowl. — Flour your hands to prevent sticking

Hands Kneading Bread Dough. — Flour your hands to prevent sticking

Form the dough into a ball, transfer it to a parchment-lined bowl that’s about the same size as the Dutch oven you’ll bake it in, and let it rise again for another 2-3 hours.

Step 4: Preheat the oven

Preheat your oven to 450 degrees F. While it’s heating, place a Dutch oven inside to warm it up as well.

Ball Of Dough In A Parchment Lined Pot. — Transfer the dough once you’ve shaped it

Step 5: Score the dough

Transfer the dough to the hot Dutch oven, and score the top with a sharp knife or sourdough bread lame to allow steam to escape. Sprinkle the top with additional flour before placing it in the oven for decoration.

Scored Sourdough Bread In Parchment Paper. — Score it to allow steam to escape

Step 6: Bake the bread

Bake the sourdough bread with the lid on for 35 minutes, then remove the lid and bake it for another 15-20 minutes until the top is golden brown. Allow the loaf to cool completely on a wire rack before slicing it. Happy eating!

Baked sourdough recipe. — The loaf should look golden brown and crackly on top

If you have questions about this sourdough bread recipe, check out our FAQs or leave a comment down below!

🧈 What to serve with sourdough bread

There are an almost unlimited amount of dishes to serve with sourdough bread, but here are a few ideas to get you started:

Spread with butter
Strawberry compote or blueberry compote
Almond or peanut butter
Toasted with guacamole or avocado crema
As a base for bruschetta or salsa fresca
Paired with soups and stews
Vegan cream cheese
Made into a sandwich
Dipped in olive oil and balsamic vinegar

🌡️ Storage & reheating

For any leftover sourdough bread, follow these simple storage and reheating tips:

Fridge: Store the cooled sourdough bread loaf in a breadbox or wrapped in a clean towel at room temperature for up to 3-4 days.
Freezer: To freeze, wrap the loaf in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe bag where it will last for up to 3 months. Thaw the loaf at room temperature before eating again.
Reheating: To refresh the crust, reheat the loaf in an oven at 350 degrees F for about 5-10 minutes. Alternatively, heat it in a toaster oven for 3-4 minutes until browned.
Prep ahead: You can prepare the dough and let it rise for the first time before refrigerating it for up to 3 days. Allow it to come to room temperature before moving on to the rest of the recipe.

Homemade sourdough bread. — Enjoy your very own homemade bread!

♻️ Variations

Seeds: Add seeds, like sunflower, pumpkin, or flax, for added texture and flavor.
Mediterranean: Try mixing in olives or sun-dried tomatoes for a Mediterranean-inspired flavor.
Flour: Use rye flour instead of whole wheat for a unique flavor profile.
Fruit: Add raisins, dried cranberries, blueberries, or apricots for bursts of sweetness.
Herbs: Incorporate herbs, like thyme, rosemary, or oregano, for an aromatic twist.
Cheese: Make your sourdough bread cheesy by adding in grated vegan cheddar.
Nuts: Use chopped nuts, like walnuts, pecans, or almonds, for an extra crunch.
Spices: Try incorporating cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom for warming flavors.
Sweet: Make a chocolate chip-studded loaf for a sweet variation.

🧑‍🍳 Top tips

Test your starter: Use a good quality, active sourdough starter for the best results.
Let it rise slowly: Allow the dough to rise slowly at room temperature for the best flavor development.
Be gentle: Be gentle when handling the dough so it maintains its airy structure.
Score the dough: Score the dough to help steam escape during baking.
Preheat: Preheat the Dutch oven to ensure even baking and a crispy crust.
Use a lid: Bake the bread with the lid on initially to trap steam and create a delicious crust.
Cool it completely: Let the loaf cool completely before slicing it to prevent a gummy loaf texture.
Choose the right knife: Use a serrated knife to slice the bread for clean, even cuts.
Storage: Store the bread according to our instructions to maintain its freshness and texture.

💬 FAQ

How can I tell if my sourdough starter is ready to use?

Your sourdough starter should be active, bubbly, and have a pleasant, tangy smell. It should double in size within 6-8 hours after feeding it. To test it, drop a small spoonful in a bowl or jar of room-temperature water. If it floats, it is likely ready to use. If it sinks, the starter may need another few days to ferment.

Can I make this sourdough bread recipe without a Dutch oven?

Yes, you can make this sourdough bread recipe without a Dutch oven. Use a heavy, oven-safe pot with a tight-fitting lid or an oven-safe casserole dish with a cover.

Can I use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour?

Yes, you can use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour, but the loaf may have a slightly denser and less chewy texture.

Can I shorten the rising time?

No, we don’t recommend shortening the rising time since it’s essential for developing the gluten bonds, flavor, and texture of the bread. Shortening the time may result in a denser, less flavorful loaf.

My dough is too sticky. What should I do?

If your dough is too sticky, you can add a little more flour. However, be careful not to add too much, since this can result in a dry loaf.

Can I use instant yeast instead of a sourdough starter?

You can technically use instant yeast, but the flavor and texture will differ significantly from a true sourdough bread recipe.

Why is my loaf not rising?

There are many reasons why your loaf may not be rising. Some of the most common reasons are an inactive sourdough starter, incorrect measurements, or insufficient rising time.

Can I make this sourdough recipe with gluten-free flour?

While you can try to make gluten-free sourdough bread using this recipe, the end result will vary. It’s best to find a recipe specifically designed for gluten-free sourdough.

My crust is too hard. How can I fix this?

If your crust is too hard, you can wrap the loaf in a kitchen towel while it’s warm to soften the crust using trapped steam.

🍴 More baking recipes

If you enjoyed making this sourdough bread recipe, be sure to check out more delicious baked goods like these:

Vegan Banana Bread: Soft, tender banana bread made with plant-based ingredients.
Pumpkin Banana Muffins: Moist and flavorful muffins with a hint of warming spices.
Vegan Chocolate Muffins: A muffin recipe for chocolate lovers.
Vegan Brownies: Egg and dairy-free brownies that are rich and indulgent.
Peasant Bread: Another easy loaf of bread to make on any occasion!