Easy Sourdough Bread Recipe for Beginners

This post is all about my tried and true easy sourdough bread recipe for beginners.

When I first started my sourdough journey, I felt so overwhelmed.

All the talk about hydration levels, autolyse, and stretch-and-folds had me thinking I’d signed up for a science experiment instead of baking bread!

But over time, I learned that sourdough doesn’t have to be complicated. In fact, it can be one of the most satisfying and simple things you make.

So if you’re feeling intimidated, take a deep breath—I’m here to simplify sourdough for you.

I promise, I’m going to make this as easy as possible!

This beginner-friendly recipe uses just FOUR ingredients: sourdough starter, sea salt, bread flour, and olive oil. Try buying bread at the store with just those ingredients.. nearly impossible.

Let’s get right to it!

Why This Easy Sourdough Bread Recipe for Beginners Works

This easy sourdough recipe is perfect for anyone that’s just starting out. The olive oil makes the dough easier to handle and adds a slight richness to the bread. It’s forgiving, flexible, and will give you a beautiful loaf without hours of fussing.

If you need help creating your sourdough starter check out my DIY Sourdough Starter Guide for Beginners post here.

Ingredients

• 240g active sourdough starter (bubbly and ready to go)
• 450g bread flour
• 7g or 1 ¼ tsp sea salt
• 30g or 2 tbsp olive oil
• 240g or 1 cup warm water

Instructions

1. Activate Your Starter
   Make sure your sourdough starter is active and bubbly. Feed it 4-8 hours before you begin, depending on its usual rise time.
2. Mix the Dough
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the starter, warm water, olive oil, and sea salt. Mix until the salt dissolves. Add the bread flour a little at a time and mix until it forms a shaggy dough.
3. Knead and Rest
   Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. If you’re not up for kneading, let the dough rest for 30 minutes after mixing, then give it a few gentle folds to build structure.
4. First Rise
   Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp towel, and let it rise at room temperature for 4-6 hours, or until it doubles in size.
5. Shape the Dough
   Turn the dough out onto a floured surface, gently shape it into a round or oval, and place it in a floured proofing basket or bowl lined with a clean towel.
6. Second Rise
   Cover the dough and let it rise again for 1-2 hours, or until it puffs up. If you prefer, you can refrigerate it overnight and bake it in the morning.
7. Bake
   Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) with a Dutch oven inside. Carefully transfer the dough to the hot Dutch oven, score the top with a sharp knife, and cover with the lid. Bake for 20 minutes, then remove the lid and bake for another 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
8. Cool
   Let your sourdough loaf cool completely on a wire rack before slicing. (I know it’s hard to wait, but it’s worth it!)

My Best Tips

• Don’t stress about perfection. Your first loaf might not look like bakery bread, and that’s okay. It’ll still taste delicious.
• Skip the fancy tools. A bowl, spoon, and your hands are all you need.
• Make it part of your routine. Sourdough is easier when you think of it as a process, not a one-day project.

FAQs

1. How do I know if my starter is ready to bake with?
Your starter is ready when it’s doubled in size, bubbly, and passes the “float test” (a small spoonful floats in water).

2. Can I use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour?
Yes, but bread flour gives a better structure and chew to your loaf.

3. What if my dough is too sticky?
Add a little more flour, a tablespoon at a time, until it’s easier to handle.

4. Can I skip the olive oil?
Yes, but it adds flavor and makes the dough easier to work with, especially for beginners.

5. How do I store my sourdough bread?
Once completely cooled, store it in a paper bag or wrapped in a clean kitchen towel. Avoid plastic, as it can make the crust soft.

There you have it—a simple sourdough recipe that even a beginner can master.

I wish someone had told me this when I started, but now you can skip the confusion and go straight to the fun part: baking!

If you try this recipe, let me know how it goes—I’d love to hear about your first sourdough adventure.

And if you’re up for adding a little kick to your bread, try my Jalapeno Cheddar Sourdough Bread recipe here!