Sourdough Discard Bread Recipe
Delicious and easy Sourdough Discard Bread recipe that transforms leftover sourdough starter into a soft, crusty homemade loaf. This bread is made using simple ingredients and a Dutch oven for a perfect artisan-style crust and tender crumb, ideal for sandwiches or toast.
- Author: Maya
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Dry Ingredients
- 2½ cups bread flour or all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon instant yeast (or active dry yeast, proofed)
Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup sourdough discard (unfed)
- 1 cup warm water (90-95°F)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Mix the dough: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and instant yeast. Add the sourdough discard and warm water. Mix with a wooden spoon or dough hook until a shaggy dough forms. Use your hands to finish combining it until soft and slightly sticky. Lightly rub olive oil on the dough to prevent sticking and turn it until fully coated in oil. If using active dry yeast, dissolve it in warm water with ½ teaspoon sugar and let it sit for 5-10 minutes before adding the other ingredients.
- First rise: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a towel and let the dough rise in a warm spot for 1 to 2 hours until it doubles in size.
- Shape the dough: Lightly flour your counter and hands. Turn the dough out gently, fold the sides towards the center, then flip it seam side down. Pull and rotate the dough to create surface tension. Place the shaped dough on parchment paper and score the top with a lame or sharp knife about ¼ inch deep.
- Second rise: Preheat your oven to 425°F. Place the loaf on the parchment into a Dutch oven, cover it, and let it rise for 30 minutes while the oven heats.
- Bake the bread: Bake the covered dough for 40 minutes, then remove the lid and bake for an additional 5 to 10 minutes until the crust is golden and crispy. The internal temperature should reach 200°F.
- Cool before serving: Transfer the bread to a wire rack and let it cool for at least 30 minutes before slicing. Enjoy fresh homemade sourdough discard bread!
Notes
- Using instant yeast skips the proofing step, but if using active dry yeast, be sure to proof it properly before mixing.
- Coating the dough with olive oil helps prevent sticking and adds flavor.
- Scoring the dough helps control expansion during baking and creates a beautiful crust.
- Baking in a covered Dutch oven traps steam, essential for a crispy crust and soft inside.
- Let the bread cool completely to finish baking and set the crumb structure for better slicing.
Keywords: sourdough discard bread, homemade bread, easy sourdough recipe, Dutch oven bread, artisan bread, leftover starter recipe