Quick sourdough bread recipe for a crisp crust and chewy crumb, ready in hours, perfect for busy days.

Scale

1/2 cup active sourdough starter

3/4 cup warm water

2 1/2 cups bread flour or all-purpose flour

1 1/2 tsp salt

Optional: 1 tbsp honey or olive oil

1. Combine starter and warm water in a bowl.

2. Add flour and salt, mixing until combined.

3. Rest for 30 minutes, then perform 2–3 stretch-and-fold sets.

4. Cover and bulk ferment in a warm spot for 3–4 hours.

5. Shape into a round, rest while oven preheats.

6. Preheat Dutch oven to 450°F.

7. Score dough, place in Dutch oven, bake 20 minutes covered.

8. Uncover and bake another 20–25 minutes until golden.

9. Cool before slicing.

Use a warm environment to speed fermentation.

Freeze slices for easy toasting later.

Add seeds, herbs, or cheese for variation.

Keywords: quick sourdough bread recipe, sourdough bread, easy sourdough