My First Sourdough Loaf: A Golden Success! 🍞✨
The day has finally arrived—I baked my very first sourdough loaf! After nurturing my sourdough starter with the help of a live culture bread mix starter helper, waiting patiently through every fold and rest, and refrigerating it overnight, I pulled out this golden beauty. The best part? My two golden retrievers, Charlie and Ladybug, were just as excited as I was!
Just hoping that mom drops that bread!
The Process:
Starting sourdough was a little intimidating at first, but I decided to dive right in. Here’s how my first sourdough adventure unfolded:
Making the Starter:
It all began with some flour, water, and daily feedings. My starter, affectionately named Fluffy, took about a week to mature and bubble to life. To keep my starter fresh and vibrant, I’ve been using these glass starter jars. They’re the perfect size and make feeding easy!Mixing the Dough:
After carefully combining the ingredients, I folded the dough every 30 minutes, letting it rest between folds to develop its structure. Using bowl covers during proofing kept my dough moist and protected without the need for wasteful plastic wrap.Proofing Overnight:
I let the dough chill overnight in the fridge to proof (patience is key here!). My proofing basket kit was a game-changer, providing perfect support and beautiful patterns on my loaf.The Bake:
With a sprinkle of flour and a slash on top using this bread lame, I popped the dough into my preheated Dutch oven. The smell of fresh bread filled the house, and I knew something special was happening. To make baking easier and prevent sticking, I used a silicone bread sling — highly recommend!
Photos of the Journey:
Look at that crust! The golden color and that gorgeous ear make all the effort worth it.
My two golden critics! Charlie and Ladybug were waiting for a taste.
What I Learned:
Patience Pays Off: Sourdough isn’t rushed; it’s a labor of love.
Tools Matter: Having the right tools makes all the difference! My bread slicer has been amazing for achieving even slices without squishing my loaf. And storing my bread in this bread box keeps it fresh for days. Of course, my Dutch oven was essential for baking—it helps create that perfect crust by trapping steam.
It’s Just the Beginning: I can’t wait to experiment with new flavors and shapes.
The Result:
Here it is in all its glory—my first sourdough loaf! The crust is crunchy, the crumb is soft and tangy, and I couldn’t be happier with the result.
Watch the Process:
Want to see the magic in action? Check out my TikTok video of the sourdough journey here!
Conclusion:
Baking this sourdough loaf was such a rewarding experience, and I’m hooked! I’m already planning my next bake—maybe sourdough pretzels or focaccia. What should I try next?
And don’t forget—if you’re diving into sourdough baking, check out these must-have tools: bread bags for homemade bread
Have you tried sourdough baking? Share your tips or favorite recipes in the comments—I’d love to hear from you!
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