This sourdough bread recipe utilizes a KitchenAid mixer for easy kneading and mixing. The result is a crusty, flavorful loaf with a chewy interior, perfect for sandwiches or toasting.
The process involves creating a sourdough starter, mixing the dough, and allowing it to rise, making it accessible even for beginners.
Creating the Perfect Sourdough Starter
Starting with a robust sourdough starter is essential for achieving that signature tangy flavor.
To prepare your starter, ensure it is active and bubbly. Combine one cup of the starter with one and a half cups of warm water in your KitchenAid bowl. This mixture will kick off the fermentation process, setting the stage for your bread.
Mixing and Kneading the Dough
Once your starter is ready, it’s time to mix the dough.
Add four cups of all-purpose flour and one and a half teaspoons of salt to the bowl. Using the dough hook attachment, mix on low speed until a shaggy dough forms. This initial mixing helps to incorporate the ingredients without overworking the dough.
Next, increase the speed to medium and knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes. The goal is to achieve a smooth and elastic texture, which is crucial for the bread’s structure.
Allowing the Dough to Rise
After kneading, transfer the dough to a lightly greased bowl.
Cover it with a damp cloth and let it rise at room temperature for approximately 4-6 hours, or until it has doubled in size. This first rise is vital for developing the bread’s flavor and texture.
Shaping the Loaf
Once the dough has risen, it’s time to shape it.
Gently deflate the dough and shape it into a round loaf. Place the loaf seam side down in a floured proofing basket. This step helps maintain the shape of the bread as it undergoes its second rise.
Second Rise and Baking
Cover the loaf with a cloth and allow it to rise for another 2-3 hours at room temperature, or you can refrigerate it overnight for a slower fermentation process.
About 30 minutes before baking, preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) with a Dutch oven inside. This method creates a steamy environment, which is key to achieving that perfect crust.
Carefully transfer the loaf to the preheated Dutch oven, cover it with the lid, and bake for 30 minutes. After that, remove the lid and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the crust turns a beautiful golden brown.
Cooling and Enjoying Your Bread
Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack.
Cooling is an important step, as it allows the interior to set properly. After cooling, you can slice into your freshly baked sourdough and enjoy it with a spread of butter or your favorite toppings.
This homemade sourdough bread, with its rustic appearance and delightful aroma, is sure to impress anyone who takes a bite.
Easy KitchenAid Sourdough Bread Recipe
This recipe yields a delicious sourdough bread with a crispy crust and soft crumb. The total time from start to finish is approximately 24 hours, including fermentation, and it makes one large loaf.
Ingredients
- 1 cup active sourdough starter
- 1 1/2 cups warm water
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
Instructions
- Prepare the Starter: Ensure your sourdough starter is active and bubbly. Mix 1 cup of starter with 1 1/2 cups of warm water in the KitchenAid bowl.
- Mix the Dough: Add 4 cups of flour and 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt to the bowl. Using the dough hook attachment, mix on low speed until a shaggy dough forms.
- Knead: Increase the speed to medium and knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- First Rise: Transfer the dough to a lightly greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise at room temperature for about 4-6 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Shape the Dough: After the first rise, gently deflate the dough and shape it into a round loaf. Place it seam side down in a floured proofing basket.
- Second Rise: Cover the loaf with a cloth and let it rise for another 2-3 hours at room temperature or overnight in the refrigerator.
- Preheat the Oven: About 30 minutes before baking, preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) with a Dutch oven inside.
- Bake: Carefully transfer the loaf to the preheated Dutch oven, cover with the lid, and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the lid and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until golden brown.
- Cool: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack before slicing.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 24 hours
- Servings: 1 large loaf
- Calories: 150kcal per slice
- Fat: 0.5g
- Protein: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 30g