Classic Country Loaf
MediumThe quintessential sourdough bread with a crackling crust, open crumb, and complex tangy flavor. This is the loaf that started the sourdough revolution.
24 hours
45 minutes
1 loaf (about 900g)
Medium
Ingredients
- bread flour400g
- whole wheat flour100g
- water350ml
- active sourdough starter100g
- salt10g
Steps
Autolyse
Mix flours and 325ml water in a large bowl. Combine until no dry flour remains. Cover and rest at room temperature. This develops gluten without kneading.
Add Starter and Salt
Add the active starter and squish it into the dough. Dissolve salt in remaining 25ml water and add to dough. Mix thoroughly using the pincer method—squeeze dough through fingers repeatedly.
Bulk Fermentation with Folds
Perform stretch and folds every 30 minutes for the first 2 hours (4 sets total). To fold: wet hands, grab one side of dough, stretch up, and fold over. Rotate bowl 90° and repeat 4 times. Rest covered between folds. Dough should increase 50-75% in volume.
Pre-shape
Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface. Shape into a round by tucking edges underneath. Let rest uncovered for 20 minutes (bench rest).
Bench Rest
Let the dough relax. It will spread slightly. This makes final shaping easier and creates better structure.
Final Shape
Flip dough gently. Fold bottom third up, sides in, then roll toward you to create surface tension. Place seam-side up in a floured banneton or bowl lined with a floured towel.
Cold Proof
Cover and refrigerate overnight. This slow fermentation develops complex flavors. The dough is ready when it has grown but still springs back slowly when poked.
Preheat Oven and Dutch Oven
Place Dutch oven with lid inside your oven. Preheat to 250°C. Let it heat for at least 45 minutes for thorough, even heat.
Score and Bake Covered
Turn dough onto parchment paper. Score the top with a sharp blade or razor at a 30° angle, about 1cm deep. Carefully place in hot Dutch oven. Cover with lid and bake.
Bake Uncovered
Remove lid. Reduce temperature to 230°C. Bake until deep golden brown with an internal temperature of 95°C.
Cool
Remove from oven and place on a wire rack. Listen for the crust crackling! Wait at least 1 hour before slicing—the interior is still baking from residual heat.
Tips & Notes
- 1Hydration is 75%—adjust water if your flour absorbs differently
- 2The dough should be slightly tacky but not sticky
- 3Scoring creates an "ear"—the iconic raised edge on artisan loaves
- 4Store at room temperature cut-side down for up to 3 days