How to Make Same Day Sourdough Bread: For Beginners

Discover the magic of same day sourdough bread with this easy same day sourdough bread recipe. No proofing box or special tools are required.

Sourdough bread is a beloved staple in many households, known for its tangy flavor and chewy texture. While traditional sourdough recipes require days of fermentation to develop that signature taste, same day sourdough bread offers a quicker alternative for those craving fresh-baked bread without the wait. By using specialized techniques and ingredients, home bakers can enjoy the satisfaction of baking their own sourdough loaves in just a matter of hours. In this article, we will explore the process of making same day sourdough bread and share tips for achieving that perfect balance of flavor and texture in every bite.

Almost every sourdough bread recipe out there is a 18 – 72 hour process. I frankly do not have that kind of time to dedicate to making bread. I love the flavor of sourdough bread but I cannot spend that much time of my day focusing on dough not to mention remembering to get it out of the refrigerator to bake the next morning. I cannot tell you the number of times I have opened my fridge saw that I had forgotten about my sourdough and realized it was over-proofed and wasn’t salvageable.

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Sourdough Sink Method

As you’ll see below in the recipe I like to use what I call the sink method for getting my dough to proof and ready to bake in less than 12 hours. It is simply filling a sink half full with warm water and placing the bowl of dough with a rag overtop in the water. It essentially creates a proofing box. It introduces warmth and humidity which is exactly what a proofing box does. If your house is cold (we like ours 68 year round) then your dough is going to have a hard time proofing. The sourdough sink method as I call it is just a free easy option to help speed the proofing process up without spending hundreds of dollars on a proofing box.

What is An Active Sourdough Starter?

An active sourdough starter is when a sourdough starter has been fed approximately 6 – 8 hours ago and is nice and bubbly. It should be at least doubled in size and used at its peak.

What Is A Bread Proofing Box?

A bread-proofing box, also known as a bread proofer or dough proofer is a special device that creates a warm and humid environment that helps doughs to ferment and rise properly before baking.

Equipment

• Large mixing bowl – It needs to be heavy so it doesn’t float when put in the water later in the process.
• Danish whisk – Also known as a Danish hook
• Kitchen towel – For covering the dough.
• Dutch oven
• Banneton basket
• Sink basin filled with warm water

Ingredients

• 1 cup active sourdough starter or 200 grams
• 1½ cup filtered water (lukewarm) or 320 grams
• ⅛ cup filtered water (lukewarm, keep separate) or 30 grams
• 3¾ cup bread flour or 500 grams 
• 2 tsp salt or 10 grams

How to Make Same Day Sourdough Bread

1. In a heavy weighted mixing bowl add the lukewarm filtered water and active sourdough starter. Using the danish whisk, whisk until the starter is dissolved in the water.

2. Add the flour. Using the Danish whisk mix the flour in the best you can without kneading. It should be a dryish-looking shaggy dough. Cover with a damp kitchen towel and set into your kitchen sink filled about half full with warm water for 30 minutes.

3. Next add the salt and additional 30 grams of water. Using your hands incorporate the salt and water into the dough until it is thoroughly incorporated. Cover with a damp kitchen towel and set into your kitchen sink filled about half full with warm water for 30 minutes.

4. Begin a series of stretches and folds every 30 minutes over 2 hours. Do this by pulling the dough up as far as it will go and then folding the dough back over. Turn the bowl a quarter turn and repeat this process 4 times. Between each stretch and fold cover with a damp kitchen towel and set into your kitchen sink filled about half full with warm water for 30 minutes.

5. After the last stretch and fold set the bowl back in your sink of warm water for 3 hours to allow for bulk fermentation. (refresh with fresh warm water if needed) The dough should double in size. If it didn’t double in size allow to set for an additional 30 minutes or until it doubles in size.

6. Turn the dough out onto a very lightly floured surface. Laminate the dough by gently stretching the on each side until you have a sheet of dough. Fold the dough over itself in thirds and begin rolling the dough up into a ball.

7. Preheat the oven to 480°F. Build tension in the dough by pushing the dough ball up and pulling it back down. When shaping your loaf, be gentle but firm in creating surface tension on the outside of the dough. This will help prevent it from spreading out too much during baking and promote oven spring.

8. Place the dough into a banneton basket and cover. Place into the freezer for 15 – 20 minutes. This will help with the scoring process.

9. Turn the dough out onto a sheet of parchment paper. Using a bread lame score the dough. Pick the dough up using the parchment paper and place into the cast iron Dutch oven with lid. Put in oven and allow to bake at 480°F for 45 minutes. After turn the oven down to 350°F. Remove the dutch oven lid and allow to bake for 20 minutes.

How to Store Same Day Sourdough Bread

Just like any sourdough bread store it in an airtight container or bag. Keep it in a cool dark place and it should last 4 – 7 days if stored properly.

Same Day Sourdough Bread Making Schedule

• 9:00 am – Mix water, sourdough starter, and flour. Mix thoroughly. Set in a water bath for 30 minutes.
• 9:30 am – Add salt and additional water. Mix thoroughly. Set in a water bath for 30 minutes.
• 10:00 am – Stretch and fold. Put back in a warm water bath.
• 10:30 am – Stretch and fold. Put back in a warm water bath.
• 11:00 am – Stretch and fold. Put back in a warm water bath.
• 11:30 am – Stretch and fold. Put back in a warm water bath.
• 2:30 pm – Preheat oven. Remove from warm water bath. Laminate dough. Build tension. Shape.
• 2:45 pm – Place in proofing basket. Put in freezer.
• 3:00 pm – Line Dutch oven with parchment paper. Put dough on parchment paper. Score. Add ice. Put lid on Dutch oven.
• 3:05 pm – Bake at 480°F for 45 minutes.
• 3:50 pm – Turn oven down to 350°F. Remove Dutch oven lid. Bake for 15 minutes.
• 4:05 pm – Remove from oven. Place bread on cooling rack.

How to Make Same Day Sourdough Bread Video

FAQ’s

In conclusion, same day sourdough bread offers a quick and convenient option for those craving the tangy flavor and chewy texture of traditional sourdough without the lengthy fermentation process. With just a few hours of preparation and baking time, you can enjoy delicious homemade bread that rivals any bakery loaf. Whether you’re a seasoned sourdough enthusiast or new to the world of artisanal bread making, same day sourdough is a great way to satisfy your cravings in a fraction of the time.

If you try this recipe I would love for you to share a picture on Instagram and tag me. I love seeing what you create! You can also leave a star rating or written review below. I love hearing your feedback!

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