Simplest Sourdough Bread

Bread machine or oven baking option.

Get the benefits of sourdough without a million steps.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup active sourdough starter
• 1 cup water
• 3 1/2 cups flour
• 1 tbsp salt

Steps:

Add all ingredients to a stand mixer. Mix until combined with the paddle attachment. Add tablespoons of flour until the dough pulls away from the bowl and comes together. Add a splash of water if it’s too dry/flakey. Switch to the dough hook attachment, and kneed on low for 8-10 minutes. You could also do this by hand. Remove the hook, and transfer the dough to your pan lined with parchment paper. Let it sit on the counter for 10 hours (overnight is perfect), or up to 20 hours depending on when you need it done. Bake at 350 for 55 minutes. Remove from the pan promptly, and rub butter on the top of the crust. Bread slices smoother when cooled, but warm, rustic slices have never disappointed me.

Bread Machine Option: After kneading the dough (in the mixer or by hand), REMOVE THE MACHINE’S KNEADING PADDLE and place the dough in the machine’s provided pan. Close the lid and forget about it for 10-20 hours! When you’re ready to bake, use the “bake only” setting (usually programmed at 60 minutes) and press start. Remove promptly, rub the crust with butter, and let cool before slicing (again, optional).

Enjoy!