Artisan Sourdough French Loaves

Name: Artisan Sourdough French Loaves
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: 1 package active dry yeast, (1/4 ounce); 1 ¾ cups warm water, 110° to 115°F; ¼ cup Sourdough Starter; 2 tbsp canola oil; 2 tbsp sugar; 2 tsp salt; 4 ¼ cups all-purpose flour; ½ cup water; 1 ½ tsp cornstarch

This easy-to-follow recipe yields two crusty, airy French loaves with a tangy sourdough flavor, perfect for sandwiches or toast.

Prep15 min
Cook20 min
Total35 min
DifficultyEasy
Servings4

If you've been intimidated by sourdough, this recipe is your gentle introduction. It uses a simple sourdough starter and a straightforward method that guarantees success, even for beginners.

The result is a beautiful loaf with a crisp crust and a soft, chewy interior. The cornstarch wash gives it that classic French bread shine, while the diagonal slashes create an artisan look.

Ingredients

Servings 4

1 package active dry yeast, (1/4 ounce)
1 ¾ cups warm water, 110° to 115°F
¼ cup Sourdough Starter
2 tbsp canola oil
2 tbsp sugar
2 tsp salt
4 ½ cups all-purpose flour

CORNSTARCH WASH:

½ cup water
1 ½ tsp cornstarch

Converted amounts are rounded.

Method

In a large mixing bowl (ideally from a stand mixer), dissolve the yeast in the warm water. Add the sourdough starter, oil, sugar, salt, and 3 cups of flour. Beat until smooth, then gradually stir in enough of the remaining flour to form a soft dough.
Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead gently 20 to 30 times—it will be slightly sticky. Place the dough in a greased bowl, turning once to coat the top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 to 1½ hours.
Preheat the oven to 400°F. Punch down the dough, then turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and divide in half. Roll each portion into a 12x8-inch rectangle. Starting from a long side, roll up jelly-roll style and pinch the ends to seal. Place the loaves seam-side down on two greased baking sheets, tucking the ends under. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise until doubled, about 30 minutes.
With a sharp knife, make four shallow diagonal slashes across the top of each loaf. In a small saucepan, combine the water and cornstarch; cook and stir over medium heat until thickened. Brush some of the wash over the loaves.
Bake for 15 minutes, then brush with the remaining wash. Continue baking until lightly browned, 5 to 10 minutes more. Transfer to wire racks to cool completely.

💡 Tips

For a shinier crust, you can brush the loaves with the cornstarch wash twice more during baking.
If you don't have a sourdough starter, you can substitute with an equal amount of active sourdough discard.
Store the bread in a paper bag at room temperature for up to 2 days, or freeze for longer storage.

#French #Easy #Make ahead

Inspired by a recipe from Taste of Home

Artisan Sourdough French Loaves

Ingredients

CORNSTARCH WASH:

Method

💡 Tips

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