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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Add Liquids: Pour the water and melted butter into the bread machine pan.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Layer the bread flour, sugar, and salt on top of the liquids in the bread machine pan, ensuring even distribution.
- Add Sourdough Starter: Spoon the bubbly, active sourdough starter on top of the dry ingredients without mixing.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
