Why You’ll Love This Rustic Country Sourdough Bread Recipe
When you take your first bite of this Rustic Country Sourdough Bread, you’ll understand why it’s a favorite in my kitchen.
The crust is perfectly golden, giving way to a soft, chewy interior that just begs for butter or your favorite spread. It’s the kind of bread that makes any meal feel special, whether it’s a simple breakfast or an elaborate dinner.
I love how the tangy flavor from the sourdough starter adds depth, making it irresistible. Plus, the aroma that fills my home while it bakes is simply heavenly.
Trust me, you’ll want to make this again and again!
Ingredients of Rustic Country Sourdough Bread
If you’re ready to set out on a delicious baking adventure, then gather around because we’re diving into the ingredients for Rustic Country Sourdough Bread. This bread isn’t just any loaf; it’s a warm hug from the oven that brings comfort and joy to the table.
With a few simple yet essential ingredients, you’ll be well on your way to creating a masterpiece that will have your family and friends asking for seconds—and maybe even thirds. So, let’s check out what you’ll need to whip up this delightful bread.
Ingredients:
- 4 1/2 teaspoons dry active yeast (that’s 2 packages)
- 1 1/4 cups warm water (aim for 105-110 degrees F)
- 1 cup sourdough starter (make sure it’s at room temperature)
- 1/4 cup Splenda granular (for a touch of sweetness)
- 3/4 tablespoon kosher salt
- 2 eggs, beaten (give them a warm bath first)
- 1/4 cup sunflower oil (because we like a little richness)
- 4 to 5 cups unbleached flour, divided (let’s hope you have some left in the pantry)
- Sunflower oil (for greasing)
- Melted butter (for brushing on top after baking)
Now, before you rush off to the store, let’s chat a bit about these ingredients.
First off, using a sourdough starter is key to achieving that delightful tang and texture that makes this bread so special. If you don’t have one yet, well, it might be time to start your sourdough journey—trust me, it’s worth it.
Also, while I love Splenda for a little sweetness without the calories, feel free to swap it out for sugar if that’s your jam. Just remember, baking is all about balance, so don’t forget the salt; it really enhances all those lovely flavors.
And those eggs? They add moisture and richness, really elevating the final product.
How to Make Rustic Country Sourdough Bread
Alright, let’s roll up our sleeves and plunge into the wonderful world of making Rustic Country Sourdough Bread.
First things first, grab your 4 1/2 teaspoons of dry active yeast and dissolve it in 1 1/4 cups of warm water, ideally between 105-110 degrees F. If you don’t have a thermometer, just make sure it feels warm to the touch. Let that sit for about 5 minutes. You’re basically giving the yeast a little wake-up call—think of it as a bubbly breakfast.
While that yeast is getting cozy, it’s time to warm up your mixing bowl. Fill it with hot water, let it sit for a bit, and then dump it out and dry it. This little trick helps keep the dough at an ideal temperature for rising.
Now, back to that yeast mixture. It’s showtime! Add in 1 cup of your room-temperature sourdough starter, 1/4 cup of Splenda granular (or sugar, if you prefer), 3/4 tablespoon of kosher salt, 2 beaten eggs, and 1/4 cup of sunflower oil. Mix it all together on speed 1, and once it’s blended, start adding 3 cups of unbleached flour. You’ll want to gradually add more flour until the dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl. This process usually takes around 8 minutes. It’s a bit of a workout, but you’ll be rewarded with a soft, sticky dough that’s ready to rise.
Now, here comes the fun part. Transfer that beautiful dough into a well-greased bowl, giving it a gentle turn to coat the top with oil. Cover it up and let it rise in a warm, draft-free spot for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size. I like to imagine it growing like a happy little bread monster.
After it’s risen, punch it down (yes, you heard that right—give it a gentle punch) and divide it in half. Shape each half into a loaf and place them in greased 9x5x3 inch loaf pans. Brush the tops with a little sunflower oil—this will help them get that lovely golden color. Cover them again and let them rise for another hour. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F during this time.
Finally, bake those beauties for 30 to 35 minutes until they sound hollow when tapped. Don’t forget to brush the tops with melted butter when they come out. Trust me, your kitchen will smell heavenly, and your taste buds will thank you later. Enjoy your rustic creation!
Rustic Country Sourdough Bread Substitutions & Variations
After crafting that delightful Rustic Country Sourdough Bread, you might want to explore some substitutions and variations to make the recipe your own.
For a different flavor, try using whole wheat flour or spelt flour instead of all-purpose. You can swap sunflower oil with olive oil for a richer taste.
If you’re looking for sweetness, honey or maple syrup can replace Splenda. To add texture, throw in seeds like flax or pumpkin.
For a savory twist, consider incorporating herbs like rosemary or thyme. Each change adds a unique touch, letting you personalize your sourdough experience!
Additional Tips & Notes
While making Rustic Country Sourdough Bread, I’ve found a few additional tips that can enhance your baking experience. First, always use fresh ingredients; they make a noticeable difference.
For a crustier loaf, place a pan of water in the oven while baking to create steam. I love to experiment with different flours, like whole wheat or rye, for added flavor.
Make sure to let your bread cool completely before slicing; this helps maintain its structure.
Finally, if you have any leftover bread, toast it the next day for a delicious treat. Happy baking!