Simple Sourdough Bread Machine Recipe

If you’re like me, you’ve looked through dozens of bread machine recipes in search of that perfect sourdough bread machine recipe. In my own experience, most bread machine recipes have been great, except when it comes to sourdough. Why’s it so challenging to find just one fantastic sourdough bread machine recipe? Come here, lean in close, and I’ll tell you a little secret. They’re not all bad, I have found a fantastic recipe for sourdough using a bread machine, and I’ll share it with you, under one condition.

That condition is that you have to promise to share this sourdough bread machine recipe with your friends, or at the very least make it for them whenever they ask (As long as they ask nicely!) I love crusty breads to dip into a warm, hearty bowl of soup. I have heard of people who swear by dipping their crusty breads into water, milk, and even wine. However you choose to enjoy it is up to you.

Sourdough Starter

• 1 1/2 tsp of bread machine yeast, or quick active dry yeast.
• 4 cups of water (Warm, but not hot.)
• 3 cups of flour
• 4 tsp of sugar

Bread

• 1/2 a cup of water
• 3 cups of all-purpose flour (You can also find flour specially meant for baking bread.)
• 2 tbsp of sugar
• 1 1/2 tsp of sale
• 1 tsp of bread machine yeast, or quick active dry yeast.

Preparation Instructions

1. As mentioned, you will need to prepare the starter a week ahead of time. Start by dissolving the yeast in the warm water, and then add the rest of the ingredients for the sourdough starter. Mix everything together very thoroughly until evenly blended. Cover with a towel and allow it to sit on the counter at room temperature undisturbed for a week. Once it has a sour smell and many little bubbles, it’s ready to be refrigerated, where it can wait until you’re ready to make the bread.
2. Measure 1 cup of your sourdough starter and place it in the bread machine, then add the rest of the ingredients from the “Bread” section above. Some machines will offer you a particular order to put in the ingredients. I have found that it doesn’t make a huge difference but it may be worth looking into for your partcular model of bread machine.
3. Use “Basic” or “Normal” setting (Will vary by machine.) and set the crust to light. Cooking time will vary depending on your machine, but your work is all done.

Allow a few minutes for the bread to cool, this gives you time to throw together your favourite spinich dip or just to enjoy the amazing aromas that are filling your home.