Description

This simple sourdough recipe creates delicious, artisan-quality bread with a crispy crust and chewy crumb, designed for busy home bakers and families, perfect for weeknight baking.

Ingredients

Scale

3.5 oz active sourdough starter (fed and bubbly)
1.5 cups filtered water, plus 2 tablespoons, lukewarm
4 cups strong bread flour (or high-protein all-purpose)
2 teaspoons fine sea salt (or kosher salt)
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
3 tablespoons za’atar spice blend
1 tablespoon black sesame seeds

Instructions

Mix Dough (Autolyse): Combine filtered water and strong bread flour in a large bowl until no dry spots remain, feeling shaggy. Cover and rest for 30 minutes to hydrate.
Incorporate Salt and Starter: Add active starter, gently mixing with wet hands until slightly sticky. Sprinkle in sea salt and knead gently for 5-7 minutes until cohesive.
Perform Stretch and Folds: Perform 4-5 sets of stretch and folds every 30-45 minutes. The dough will become noticeably stronger and gassier.
Prepare Za’atar Paste: In a small bowl, combine 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil and 3 tablespoons za’atar, mixing until a thick paste forms.
Pre-Shape and Infuse: Lightly flour your surface. Gently turn out dough, stretch into a rectangle. Spread za’atar paste over two-thirds. Fold, then roll into a loose ball, creating a swirl. Rest, covered, for 20 minutes.
Final Shape and Cold Proof: Lightly flour hands. Shape dough into a tight boule. Mist with water, then press black sesame seeds onto the top. Transfer, seam-side up, into a well-floured banneton. Cover and refrigerate for 12-18 hours.
Preheat Oven and Dutch Oven: Preheat oven to 450F (230C) with a lidded Dutch oven inside for at least 30 minutes until piping hot.
Score and Bake Loaf: Carefully invert cold dough into the hot Dutch oven. Score the top. Bake covered for 30 minutes. Remove lid, bake another 20-25 minutes until deep golden brown, reaching 205-210F (96-99C).
Cool Loaf Completely: Remove loaf to a wire rack. Cool completely for at least 2-3 hours before slicing. This is crucial for the crumb structure and flavor.

Notes

The overnight cold proofing makes this a fantastic make-ahead option for busy weeknights. For a crisper crust, ensure your oven and Dutch oven are fully preheated (recommended 45 minutes). Sourdough can be easier to digest for some but is not truly gluten-free. If dough isn’t holding its shape, try a firmer pre-shape next time. Optional: Use unbleached bread flour for a cleaner bake or add 1 tablespoon of rye flour for deeper flavor.

Prep Time: 35 minutes
Cook Time: 55 minutes
Category: Bread
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice (80 g)
Calories: 230 calories
Sugar: 1 g
Sodium: 400 mg
Fat: 4 g
Saturated Fat: 0.5 g
Unsaturated Fat: 3.3 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 43 g
Fiber: 2 g
Protein: 7 g
Cholesterol: 0 mg

Keywords: simple sourdough, artisan bread, meal prep, healthy, weeknight baking, zaatar, black sesame, easy bread, Dutch oven