Sourdough French Bread
Enjoy warm, crusty sourdough French bread with a tangy flavor and chewy crumb, perfect for sandwiches or as an accompaniment for any meal. Suitable for bread lovers and bakers alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Pour warm water into a large bowl; stir in yeast.
- Add sourdough starter, 4 cups of flour, salt, and sugar.
- Stir vigorously about 3 minutes with a wooden spoon.
- Turn into a large greased bowl; cover with a towel and let rise in a warm place until double in bulk.
- Mix baking soda with 1 cup of extra flour and stir in.
- Turn dough out onto a floured board and begin kneading.
- Add 1 cup of extra flour to control the stickiness.
- Knead until satiny, about 5 to 8 minutes.
- Shape into two oblong loaves or one large loaf.
- Place on a lightly greased cookie sheet.
- Cover and place in a warm place to rise until nearly double in size.
- Just before baking, brush outside with water and make slashes on the top with a sharp knife.
- Bake at 400°F (200°C) until crust is medium dark brown, about 45 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a better rise, use active sourdough starter that has been fed recently. If you prefer a tangier flavor, let the dough rise longer. You can substitute part of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier loaf. Ensure your workspace is well-floured to prevent sticking during kneading.
Serving Suggestions
Sourdough French bread is perfect served warm with butter, or as a base for bruschetta topped with fresh tomatoes and basil. It pairs beautifully with Cider Treat for a refreshing meal. Consider serving alongside a simple soup or salad, like 48 Hour Slaw, for a delightful contrast.
Storage & Reheating
Once cooled, store leftover bread in a paper bag at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to three months. To reheat, thaw completely and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes to restore the crustiness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sourdough French Bread contains roughly 481 calories, with 14g protein, 103g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (33% of the Daily Value) and protein (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1128mg per serving (49% 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
How can I achieve a crustier bread?
To achieve a crustier loaf, place a pan of hot water in the oven while baking. This creates steam, which helps develop a crunchy crust. Additionally, bake the bread on a preheated baking stone for even better results.
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).