The Easiest No-Knead Sourdough Bread

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Making homemade sourdough bread doesn’t have to be complicated! If you’re a busy mom who loves real food but doesn’t have time for endless kneading and complicated steps, this no-knead sourdough bread recipe is for you. With just a few minutes of hands-on time, you can have a delicious, gut-friendly loaf ready to enjoy with your family.

Why Sourdough? The Gut-Health Benefits

Sourdough is more than just a delicious bread—it’s a powerhouse for gut health. Because it ferments over time, sourdough is easier to digest than conventional bread. The natural fermentation process breaks down phytic acid, which can inhibit nutrient absorption, making the nutrients in the bread more bioavailable. Plus, it has a lower glycemic index, meaning it won’t spike your blood sugar like traditional bread. If you or your kids struggle with bloating or blood sugar crashes, sourdough is a fantastic option!

Easy No-Knead Sourdough Bread Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup active sourdough starter (fed 1:1:1)
• 1 1/4 cups lukewarm water
• 1.5 tsp salt
• 3 cups flour (I like this flour)

Instructions:

1. Mix: Combine all ingredients in a large bowl. Stir until no dry flour remains and finish combining with your hands. Dont over mix, it’s no knead. Cover and let sit for 30 minutes.
2. Fold: fold the dough 3-4 times to strengthen it and use the push-pull method to shape into a ball.
3. Bulk Ferment: Cover with wet towel or plastic wrap so it doesn’t dry out and let the dough rise at room temperature for 8-12 hours, or until doubled in size. I usually let it rise overnight on the countertop.
4. Shape: Gently dump the dough onto a floured surface. Fold it a few times and shape into a ball with the push pull method. Let it rest for 15 minutes.
5. Second Rise: Shape into a loaf (for a pan) or a round boule (for a parchment-lined bowl). Let rise for 3-4 hours at room temperature. See below for cold ferment for better gut health!
6. Bake: Preheat oven to 425°F. Score the dough and bake:
   • Cover and bake for 20 minutes.
   • Uncover and bake for another 10-15 minutes until golden brown.
7. Cool: Let the bread cool for at least 30 minutes to an hour before slicing.

Optional: 24-Hour Cold Ferment for Better Gut Health

If you want even more gut-friendly benefits, let the shaped dough rise in the fridge for 24 hours. This extended fermentation:

• Further breaks down gluten, making the bread easier to digest.
• Increases beneficial bacteria and prebiotics for a healthier gut.
• Enhances the tangy flavor that sourdough lovers enjoy!

To bake after refrigeration:

• Remove the dough from the fridge while the oven preheats.
• Score and bake as directed above.

Tools you need:

large bowl
2 metal bread pans (1 for cooking 1 for covering)
or dutch oven
bread knife
cooling rack

Check out this post for must have bread making tools for the home baker.

Make Sourdough Work for Your Busy Life

With this no-fuss method, sourdough can fit seamlessly into your daily routine. You can mix the dough in the evening, let it rise overnight, and bake fresh bread the next day with minimal effort or ferment longer for the added gut health benefits. Plus, knowing you’re giving your family a healthier, homemade option makes it all the more rewarding.

Give this easy sourdough a try and enjoy the benefits of nourishing, homemade bread—without the hassle! Let me know if you love it!

This recipe was adapted from Jill Winger! Be sure to visit her blog the prairie homestead for more delicious recipes!