San Francisco Sourdough French Bread
A crusty, tangy sourdough French bread with a chewy interior, perfect for sandwiches or as an accompaniment to meals, appealing to bread enthusiasts and home bakers alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine sourdough starter, warm water, sugar, and 3 cups of flour in a large nonmetal mixing bowl.
- Cover with plastic wrap or a towel; let stand at room temperature for 12 hours or overnight.
- Combine salt, baking soda, and 1 cup of flour.
- Stir into the dough; beat until smooth.
- Stir in enough remaining flour to make a soft dough.
Tips & Substitutions
To achieve the best flavor, use a well-fed sourdough starter. If you need a quicker rise, consider adding a bit of commercial yeast along with the starter. For a richer taste, substitute some of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. Ensure your water is warm but not hot to protect the starter's natural yeast.
Serving Suggestions
This sourdough French bread is perfect for sandwiches or served alongside soups and salads. Try it with a spread of herb-infused butter or garlic oil. It pairs beautifully with Nasu No Karashizuke for a delightful Japanese-inspired meal. For a simple appetizer, slice and serve with a selection of cheeses and charcuterie.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover sourdough French bread in a paper bag at room temperature for up to 2 days for optimal freshness. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, place the bread in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes until warm and crusty.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of San Francisco Sourdough French Bread contains roughly 84 calories, with 2g protein, 20g carbohydrates, and 0g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1481mg per serving (64% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of flour?
Yes, you can substitute some of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor. Just be mindful that the texture may be denser. You might also consider using bread flour for a chewier crust.
How can I tell if my sourdough starter is active?
An active sourdough starter should be bubbly and have doubled in size within a few hours of feeding. It should have a pleasant tangy aroma. If your starter isn’t rising, it may need more frequent feedings or warmer temperatures.
What can I do with leftover sourdough bread?
Leftover sourdough bread can be transformed into croutons or bread crumbs for use in various dishes. You can also make French toast or use it in a savory bread pudding. For a quick snack, top slices with avocado or make an Easy Bird Feeders treat.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).