Homemade Sourdough Bread

1Combine the sourdough starter (1 cup), bread flour (4 cups), warm water (1½ cups), and salt (2 teaspoons) in a large mixing bowl.

2Mix well until a shaggy dough forms. Cover the bowl with a kitchen towel and let it rest at room temperature for 30 minutes.

3After 30 minutes, stretch and fold the dough in the bowl to help develop gluten. Repeat this every 30 minutes for a total of 2 hours.

4Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it ferment at room temperature for 8-12 hours, or until the dough has doubled in size and has a bubbly texture.

5Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C) with a Dutch oven inside.

6Once the oven is hot, place the dough onto a floured surface and shape it into a round loaf. Place the loaf into the preheated Dutch oven, cover with the lid, and bake for 20 minutes.

7Remove the lid and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes until the bread is golden brown and crusty.

8Cool the bread on a wire rack before slicing and serving.