Artisan Sourdough Bread in a Bread Machine
Experience the rich, tangy flavor of homemade Artisan Sourdough Bread made effortlessly in your bread machine. This recipe combines a robust sourdough starter with high-quality bread flour, resulting in a crusty exterior and a soft, chewy interior that is perfect for sandwiches or enjoyed with butter. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a beginner, this recipe simplifies the process while delivering delicious results. Share this loaf with family and friends, or savor it all to yourself!
12
Servings
N/A
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
Water
3/4 cup (warm)
Sourdough Starter
1 cup (active and bubbly)
Salt
1 1/2 teaspoons (none)
Bread Flour
2 2/3 cups (none)
Yeast
1 1/2 teaspoons (dry, active)
Instructions
1
Start by preparing your bread machine and ensure the baking pan is correctly installed.
2
Pour in the warm water, followed by the active sourdough starter. This will help to foster the sour flavor profile.
3
Add the salt directly to the water and starter mixture, making sure it does not touch the yeast directly at this point, to prevent deactivation.
4
Sift or gently spoon the bread flour into the pan, covering the liquid ingredients. This creates a protective layer.
5
Finally, sprinkle the dry yeast over the flour. It should be the last ingredient added to ensure proper activation during the mixing process.
6
Close the lid of the bread machine and select the 'Basic' bread setting. Set the size to 1.5 pounds and the crust preference to your liking.
7
Start the machine and allow it to mix, knead, rise, and bake your bread. Once the cycle is complete, carefully remove the pan and let it cool on a wire rack before slicing.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Artisan Sourdough Bread in a Bread Machine?
It is a recipe for making tangy, artisan-style sourdough bread effortlessly using a bread machine for mixing, kneading, and baking.
How much water is required for this recipe?
The recipe requires 3/4 cup of warm water.
What type of sourdough starter should I use?
Use 1 cup of active and bubbly sourdough starter to ensure a robust flavor and proper rise.
How much salt is needed?
The recipe calls for 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt.
What type of flour is best for this sourdough bread?
2 2/3 cups of bread flour are recommended for a high-quality, chewy interior.
What kind of yeast is used in this recipe?
1 1/2 teaspoons of dry active yeast should be used.
Which bread machine setting is recommended?
Select the 'Basic' bread setting on your machine.
What loaf size should I select on the bread machine?
Set the machine for a 1.5-pound loaf size.
Can I adjust the crust setting?
Yes, you can set the crust preference to your personal liking.
What is the recommended order for adding ingredients?
Add warm water first, followed by the sourdough starter, salt, bread flour, and finally the yeast.
Why shouldn't the salt touch the yeast directly?
Adding salt to the liquid first prevents it from touching the yeast directly, which could otherwise deactivate the yeast.
How should the bread flour be added to the pan?
Sift or gently spoon the flour into the pan so it covers the liquid ingredients and creates a protective layer for the yeast.
When should the yeast be added?
The yeast should be the last ingredient added to ensure proper activation during the mixing process.
How many servings does one loaf yield?
One loaf provides approximately 12 servings.
What is the final texture of the bread?
The bread features a crusty exterior and a soft, chewy interior.
Is this recipe suitable for beginners?
Yes, it is designed to simplify the sourdough process while delivering delicious, professional-looking results.
How should I cool the bread after baking?
Carefully remove the pan and let the loaf cool on a wire rack before slicing.
Can I use this bread for sandwiches?
Yes, the soft and chewy interior makes it perfect for sandwiches or simply enjoyed with butter.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 5 main ingredients: water, sourdough starter, salt, bread flour, and yeast.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Sourdough, bread machine, yeast bread, artisan bread, homemade, easy recipe, baking, and quick bread.
Does the machine handle the kneading process?
Yes, the bread machine will mix, knead, rise, and bake the bread for you.
What temperature should the water be?
The water should be warm to help foster the sourdough flavor and activate the yeast.
Why is sourdough starter included if there is also yeast?
The sourdough starter provides the characteristic tangy flavor and artisan texture, while the dry yeast ensures a consistent rise.
Is there any sugar or oil in this recipe?
No, this specific artisan recipe relies on flour, water, salt, starter, and yeast without added fats or sweeteners.
What happens if the starter is not bubbly?
An inactive starter may result in a less flavorful bread with a denser texture.
How do I prevent the yeast from activating too early?
By adding the yeast last on top of the flour, it stays dry until the machine begins the mixing cycle.
What is the benefit of using bread flour over all-purpose flour?
Bread flour has a higher protein content, which creates more gluten and results in the chewy texture desired in artisan bread.
How do I know when the bread is done?
The bread is done when the machine completes its 'Basic' cycle and the crust is golden brown.
Can this recipe be doubled?
This recipe is specifically scaled for a 1.5-pound capacity bread machine; doubling it may overflow the pan.
What is the best way to serve this bread?
It is delicious served fresh with butter, used for gourmet sandwiches, or toasted.