The BEST Sourdough Boule Recipe

We’ve recently made the switch to eating sourdough almost exclusively. We use the discard for many different things we cook but people have been asking for a simple sourdough boule recipe so here it is!

The basic dourdough boule is the easiest and simplest form of making sourdough. Once you’ve mastered the boule you can include fancy designs and all sorts of ingredients to spice up your bread. But getting started you’ll need to master the boule. This recipe and more are a part of our new eBook: Mama Niki’s Sameday Sourdough where we explore all things sourdough and what to do with discard and how to turn it into delicous treats and good eats for your entire family! If you’re starting out on your sourdough journey or just want to learn more be sure to pick up a copy, you won’t be disappointed!

Let’s get started!

Ingredients:

3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 cup active sourdough starter
1 1/4 cups water
1.5 teaspoons salt

Instructions:

In a large bowl, combine 1 1/4 cups warm water, 1/2 cup active starter, 1.5 teaspoons salt, and 3 1/2 cups flour. Mix well and let it rest covered for 20 minutes.
Perform a set of stretch and folds by grabbing the dough's edge, pulling it up, stretching it out, and placing it back in the center. Turn the bowl a quarter turn and repeat two more times.
Cover the dough and let it rest for 20 minutes, completing two more rounds 20 minutes apart.
Allow the dough to bulk ferment in a warm place until it doubles in size, typically 5-8 hours (or longer).
Place the dough on a lightly floured surface, fold the sides onto itself, and shape it into a tight smooth ball.
Put the dough upside down on the counter, fold the sides over to meet in the middle, pinch together, and repeat on the other two sides.
Transfer the shaped dough to a floured banneton or bowl, seam side up.
Let the dough rise at room temperature for 1-2 hours, covered with a plastic bag, plastic wrap, or a damp kitchen towel. Preheat the dutch oven during the final proof.
Preheat a dutch oven to 450°F for 1 hour.
Place the dough on parchment paper, dust the top with flour, if desired, and score with a lame or razor blade.
Carefully transfer the parchment paper with the dough into the hot dutch oven.
Cover with the lid and bake for 20 minutes.
Carefully remove the lid, turn the oven temperature down to 400°F, and bake for an additional 15-25 minutes or until golden brown.

Congrats!
You can now make a sourdough boule!
Now let’s explore a few more recipes for you to try.