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A freshly baked loaf of sourdough bread made without a starter.

Sourdough Bread Without Starter

A quick and easy recipe for sourdough bread using everyday ingredients, perfect for those who do not have a starter on hand.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 38 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 33 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Bread, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 120
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Dough
  • 3 cups flour Bread flour preferred, all-purpose flour works too.
  • 1.25 cups warm water Warm, not hot, to activate yeast.
  • 2.25 teaspoons active dry yeast One packet.
  • 0.5 cups plain yogurt or buttermilk Adds tang and tenderness.
  • 1 tablespoon vinegar Apple cider or white vinegar for added flavor.
  • 1.5 teaspoons salt Essential for flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon sugar or honey Optional, helpful to wake up yeast.

Method
 

Mix and Rest the Dough
  1. In a large bowl, mix the flour, warm water, yeast, yogurt or buttermilk, vinegar, salt, and sugar or honey until it looks like a shaggy dough.
  2. Cover the bowl and let it sit for 15 minutes.
Knead and Let it Rise
  1. Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5 to 7 minutes until smoother.
  2. Place back in the bowl, cover, and let rise until doubled in size, about 60 to 90 minutes.
Shape, Second Rise, and Bake
  1. Once dough has risen, gently press down and shape into a round loaf.
  2. Place on a baking sheet or in a lightly oiled Dutch oven, cover, and let rise again for 30 to 45 minutes.
  3. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
  4. Make a shallow slash on top of the loaf and bake for 30 to 38 minutes until golden.
  5. Cool for at least 30 minutes before slicing.

Notes

Keep dough sticky for a softer bread. Optional flavor upgrades like garlic powder or herbs can enhance the loaf. Store it cut side down for freshness.