Sourdough Bread in a Bread Machine Recipe

Introduction

Sourdough bread made in a bread machine combines the tangy flavor of natural fermentation with the convenience of hands-off baking. This method yields a soft, crusty loaf perfect for sandwiches or toasting. Whether you’re new to sourdough or a seasoned pro, this recipe makes homemade bread easy.

Ingredients

• 1 1/4 cups water
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted)
• 4 cups bread flour
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1/2 tablespoon salt
• 1/2 cup sourdough starter (bubbly and active)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Add the water and melted butter to the bread machine.
2. Step 2: On top of the liquids, add the bread flour, sugar, and salt.
3. Step 3: Finally, add the sourdough starter on top of the dry ingredients.
4. Step 4: Use the kneading function on your bread machine (for example, function 8) and let it knead for about 25 minutes.
5. Step 5 (Optional): After the first knead cycle, press the knead button again for an additional 25-minute cycle to strengthen the dough.
6. Step 6: Let the dough sit in the bread machine for about 6 hours, or until it nearly rises to the top of the bread pan. Spritz the dough’s surface with water a few times during this period to keep it from drying out and to promote a golden crust.
7. Step 7: Once the dough has risen, select the baking function (such as function 13) on your bread machine, and choose the dark crust option, which bakes the bread for about 1 hour.
8. Step 8: Remove the bread from the machine and allow it to cool completely before slicing.

Tips & Variations

• Make sure your sourdough starter is bubbly and active for the best rise and flavor.
• If you prefer a milder sourdough taste, reduce the fermentation time slightly but keep an eye on the dough’s rise.
• For extra flavor, try adding herbs or seeds to the dough before kneading.
• Use a spray bottle for even misting during the rise to keep the dough surface moist.

Storage

Store the bread wrapped in a clean kitchen towel or plastic bag at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, slice and freeze the bread, then toast or warm slices as needed. Avoid refrigerating as it can dry out the bread quickly.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of bread flour?

You can substitute whole wheat flour, but it may result in a denser loaf. Consider mixing whole wheat with bread flour for a better texture.

What if my sourdough starter is not very active?

It’s best to feed your starter and let it become bubbly and active before baking. Using a weak starter may lead to poor rise and a denser bread.

Sourdough Bread in a Bread Machine Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 92 reviews

• Author: Rafael
• Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 1 loaf (about 12 slices) 1x

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Description

This sourdough bread recipe uses a bread machine to simplify the process, making it easy to bake homemade sourdough with minimal effort. The dough is kneaded, fermented, and baked all within the bread machine, resulting in a deliciously tangy and crusty loaf with a golden brown crust and a soft crumb.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Liquid Ingredients

• 1 1/4 cups water
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 cup sourdough starter (bubbly and active)

Dry Ingredients

• 4 cups bread flour
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1/2 tablespoon salt

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Instructions

1. Add Liquids: Pour the water and melted butter into the bread machine pan.
2. Add Dry Ingredients: Layer the bread flour, sugar, and salt on top of the liquids in the bread machine pan, ensuring even distribution.
3. Add Sourdough Starter: Spoon the bubbly, active sourdough starter on top of the dry ingredients without mixing.
4. Knead the Dough: Select the kneading function on your bread machine (function 8 for this machine) to mix and knead the dough thoroughly for 25 minutes.
5. Optional Additional Kneading: For a stronger gluten structure, once the first kneading cycle finishes, press the knead button again to give the dough an additional 25-minute kneading cycle.
6. Allow Dough to Rise: Let the dough rest and ferment inside the bread machine for about 6 hours, or until it nearly rises to the top of the bread pan. Spritz the dough surface with water occasionally to prevent drying and to encourage a golden crust during baking.
7. Bake the Bread: Choose the baking function on the bread machine (function 13 on this machine) and set it to the dark crust option, which bakes the bread for 1 hour.
8. Cool the Bread: Remove the loaf from the bread machine pan and let it cool completely on a wire rack before slicing.

Notes

• Make sure your sourdough starter is bubbly and active for the best rise and flavor.
• Spritzing the dough during the rise helps prevent a dry crust and promotes a beautiful golden color when baked.
• The optional second kneading cycle improves dough elasticity but is not mandatory.
• Adjust rise time if your kitchen is warmer or colder — the dough should nearly double in size.
• Use the dark crust setting for a crustier and richer colored loaf; a lighter crust can be selected if preferred.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Bread
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: sourdough bread, bread machine, homemade bread, easy sourdough, bread recipe