Quick and Delicious Same Day Sourdough

Sourdough bread is a treat for the senses, offering a chewy interior with a crusty exterior all in one delightful loaf. While traditional sourdough baking involves patience, this same day sourdough bread recipe allows you to enjoy homemade sourdough without the wait. By beginning with a pre-fed starter, you can have fresh sourdough bread on your table within a day, providing a quicker take on this classic artisan bread.

Preparing Your Starter

A successful same day sourdough bread starts with an active and mature sourdough starter. It’s ideal to feed your starter the night before, allowing it to be ready to use the next morning, ultimately saving time. Place the starter in a warm environment to encourage yeast activity and ensure it is bubbly and passes the float test by morning. This simple test involves placing a small amount of starter in water; if it floats, it’s ready to use.

Ingredients for Success

To produce this delicious bread, you will need the following key ingredients:

• All-purpose or bread flour: Provides the structure for your loaf.
• Active sourdough starter: Essential for the natural rise of the dough.
• Water: Filtered is best to avoid chlorine that can disrupt yeast activity.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the bread.

Essential Tools

To achieve the best results, certain tools can greatly enhance your baking experience:

• Large mixing bowl: To mix and proof your dough efficiently.
• Cast iron Dutch oven: Provides the perfect environment for even baking.
• Banneton basket or proofing basket: Supports your loaf’s shape during the final rise.
• Lame or sharp knife: For scoring your bread before baking to allow proper expansion.

Step-by-Step Same Day Sourdough Baking

Morning Preparations

Start by feeding your sourdough starter and allowing it to become active. Let it rise and double in size in a warm place, which usually takes around four hours, to ensure a bubbly and flavorful starter.

Mixing the Dough

Combine warm water, the active starter, flour, and salt in a large bowl. Mix well and allow the mixture to rest for about 20 minutes, skipping the traditional autolyse process to save time during your baking day.

Stretch, Fold, and Bulk Fermentation

Execute the first set of stretch and folds, repeating this process two more times at 20-minute intervals. Cover the dough and let it bulk ferment in a warm space until it doubles in size which could take 5-8 hours depending on room temperature and yeast activity.

Shaping and Rising

Once doubled, place the dough on a floured surface. Fold the dough into itself and shape it into a tight ball. Transfer the dough to a banneton or bowl seam side up. Allow it to rise at room temperature, covering it with a damp towel or plastic wrap.

Baking Delight

Preheat a Dutch oven to 500°F (260°C) for one hour while the dough completes its final proof. Carefully transfer the dough into the hot Dutch oven, score it with a lame, and cover with a lid. Bake for 20 minutes before removing the lid to continue baking until golden brown, achieving a loaf with a perfect crust, about another 20 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can sourdough starter be ready in one day?

A new sourdough starter takes about 7 days to mature. For same day sourdough, using an established sourdough starter or purchasing one is recommended.

How do you speed up sourdough proofing?

To accelerate proofing, maintain the dough at a warmer temperature, ideally between 75°F (24°C) to 85°F (29°C), to enhance yeast activity and fermentation.

Can you buy sourdough starter at a grocery store?

Yes, some grocery stores and bakeries sell sourdough starters, especially in the artisan bread section. This can be a convenient option for those starting out.