Sourdough French Bread

by

A classic French-style baguette with a crispy crust and soft, airy crumb—made with sourdough discard for extra flavor. This easy recipe gives you a delicious homemade loaf that’s perfect for sandwiches, soups, or as a side with butter. The sourdough discard adds a subtle tang, enhancing the depth of flavor while keeping the process simple and beginner-friendly.

If you love the taste of freshly baked bread but don’t want the long fermentation of traditional sourdough, this recipe is for you. Let’s get started.

Why You’ll Love This Sourdough French Bread

  • Uses sourdough discard, reducing waste while adding great flavor

  • Crispy golden crust with a light and airy interior

  • No long fermentation required—ready in just a few hours

  • Versatile and pairs well with sweet or savory dishes

  • Simple ingredients and easy to make at home

What Does This Bread Taste Like?

This bread has the classic crispy crust and soft, chewy crumb you expect from French bread, but with an added depth of flavor from the sourdough discard. The slight tang balances beautifully with the mild sweetness of the dough, making it ideal for both savory and sweet toppings.

Ingredients You’ll Need

  • 1 cup sourdough discard

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour (or bread flour)

  • 1 teaspoon salt

  • 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, for slight sweetness)

  • ½ teaspoon baking powder

  • ¾ cup warm water (adjust as needed)

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Helpful Tools for This Recipe

  • Large mixing bowl

  • Measuring cups and spoons

  • Dough scraper or wooden spoon

  • Baking sheet lined with parchment paper

  • Sharp knife or bread lame for scoring

  • Cooling rack

How to Make Sourdough French Bread

Step 1: Mix the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine the sourdough discard, flour, salt, sugar, baking powder, and warm water. Mix until a shaggy dough forms. Add the olive oil and knead for about 5 minutes, until the dough is smooth and elastic. Adjust with a little more water or flour if needed.

Step 2: Rest the Dough

Cover the dough and let it rest for 30 to 60 minutes. This allows the flour to hydrate and the gluten to develop, making it easier to shape.

Step 3: Shape the Loaf

Lightly flour a surface and shape the dough into a baguette or oval loaf. Try to keep the shape tight so it holds well during baking.

Step 4: Second Rise

Place the shaped dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, cover loosely with a towel, and let it rest for another 30 minutes.

Step 5: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Place a tray of hot water on the bottom rack to create steam. This helps develop a crispier crust.

Step 6: Score and Bake

Make 2-3 diagonal slashes on the top of the dough using a sharp knife or bread lame. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until golden brown and crisp on the outside.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Let the bread cool for at least 10 minutes before slicing. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.

What to Serve with Sourdough French Bread

Tips for Perfect Sourdough French Bread

  • Use bread flour for a slightly chewier texture

  • Let the dough rest for at least 30 minutes to improve hydration

  • Create steam in the oven by placing a pan of hot water on the bottom rack

  • Score the dough right before baking for an even rise

  • Brush with melted butter or olive oil after baking for extra flavor and shine

Storage Instructions

Storing

Keep the bread at room temperature in a bread bag or wrapped in a kitchen towel for up to 3 days. Avoid plastic bags, as they soften the crust.

Freezing

Slice the loaf and store in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use active sourdough starter instead of discard?

Yes, but you may need to adjust the water content since an active starter is more hydrated.

Can I make this bread gluten-free?

You can try a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, but the texture will be different.

How can I make the crust even crispier?

Bake on a preheated pizza stone or add more steam by spraying the oven walls with water during the first 10 minutes of baking.

Can I add toppings like seeds or herbs?

Absolutely. Sprinkle sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or fresh herbs on top before baking for extra flavor.

Final Thoughts

This sourdough French bread is simple, delicious, and a great way to use up sourdough discard. With its golden, crispy crust and soft, airy crumb, it’s perfect for any meal of the day. Whether you enjoy it fresh out of the oven, as a sandwich, or toasted with butter, this bread will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen.

If you try this recipe, let me know how it turned out. Leave a comment, share a photo on Pinterest, or tag me on Instagram. Happy baking!

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