Want fresh sourdough bread without waiting overnight? This Speedy Same Day Sourdough Bread recipe gives you a beautifully crusty loaf with a soft, tangy interior in just a few hours. Perfect for any occasion, whether it’s breakfast, lunch, or dinner. You’ll love how quickly you can enjoy homemade bread without sacrificing flavor and texture.

Jump to:
- Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Tools and Preparation
- Essential Tools and Equipment
- Importance of Each Tool
- Ingredients
- For the Dough
- For Garnish
- How to Make Speedy Same Day Sourdough Bread
- Step 1: Mix Ingredients
- Step 2: Stretch and Folds
- Step 3: Bulk Fermentation
- Step 4: Shape the Dough
- Step 5: Final Proof
- Step 6: Preheat the Oven
- Step 7: Score and Bake
- Step 8: Cool
- How to Serve Speedy Same Day Sourdough Bread
- Toasted with Toppings
- As Sandwiches
- Served with Soups
- How to Perfect Speedy Same Day Sourdough Bread
- Best Side Dishes for Speedy Same Day Sourdough Bread
- Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Refrigerator Storage
- Freezing Speedy Same Day Sourdough Bread
- Reheating Speedy Same Day Sourdough Bread
- Frequently Asked Questions
- How long does it take to make Speedy Same Day Sourdough Bread?
- Can I use whole wheat flour instead?
- What should I do if my dough doesn’t rise?
- How do I know when my bread is done baking?
- Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
- Final Thoughts
- 📖 Recipe Card
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: No need to wait overnight; enjoy fresh bread in just a few hours.
- Delicious Flavor: The sourdough starter provides a delightful tanginess that elevates the taste.
- Versatile Uses: Perfect for sandwiches, toast, or simply enjoyed with butter.
- Easy Techniques: Simple stretch and fold method makes it accessible for all skill levels.
- Stunning Appearance: The beautiful crust and airy crumb make it visually appealing.
Tools and Preparation
To make the best Speedy Same Day Sourdough Bread, you’ll need some essential tools to ensure success in your baking.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Dutch oven
- Bread lame or sharp knife
Importance of Each Tool
- Dutch oven: Creates a steam environment for better crust formation.
- Bread lame: Allows for precise scoring of the dough, enhancing appearance and oven spring.
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 410 grams all-purpose flour
- 290 grams water
- 160 grams sourdough starter
- 8 grams salt
For Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

How to Make Speedy Same Day Sourdough Bread
Step 1: Mix Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the water, sourdough starter, and salt. Stir well to disperse the starter and salt evenly. Add the flour and mix until combined. Finish mixing with your hands to ensure all the flour is incorporated. Cover with an airtight material (plastic wrap, foil, or even a shower cap) and let the dough rest for 30 minutes.
Step 2: Stretch and Folds
After 30 minutes, perform the first set of stretch and folds:
1. Grab the edge of the dough, stretch it upward, and fold it under the opposite side.
2. Rotate the bowl 90° and repeat this process until you’ve completed four folds in total.
3. Cover the dough again and let it rest for 20 minutes before repeating this process.
4. Perform four total sets of stretch and folds over one hour while covering the dough between sets to prevent drying out.
Step 3: Bulk Fermentation
Once stretching is complete, cover the dough again. Let it rise at room temperature for about 3–4 hours or until it nearly doubles in size.
Step 4: Shape the Dough
Transfer your risen dough to a lightly floured surface. Shape it by grabbing opposite ends of the dough and pinching them together at the top. Repeat this with the other two ends to form a tight ball.
Step 5: Final Proof
Prepare a bread or banneton basket by lining it with a lightly floured tea towel. Place your shaped dough ball seam-side up into this basket. Cover with a plastic bag or cloth and let it rise for another 2 hours at room temperature.
Step 6: Preheat the Oven
During the final hour of proofing, preheat your oven to 460°F (238°C) while keeping your dutch oven inside to ensure it’s hot when you’re ready to bake.
Step 7: Score and Bake
Once proofed:
1. Transfer your dough onto parchment paper, flipping it so that the floured bottom becomes the top.
2. Score your dough with a bread lame or sharp knife in a crisscross pattern.
3. Carefully place your dough (with parchment) into your preheated dutch oven.
4. Add a splash of water between parchment paper and dutch oven to create steam.
5. Cover with lid and bake for 30 minutes at 460°F (238°C).
6. Remove lid; bake for an additional 10 minutes at 440°F (227°C) until you see a golden-brown crust.
Step 8: Cool
Remove your bread from the oven carefully using pot holders, transferring it onto a cooling rack. Cover with a damp kitchen towel and allow to cool for at least one hour before slicing.
Enjoy your freshly baked Speedy Same Day Sourdough Bread!
How to Serve Speedy Same Day Sourdough Bread
Speedy Same Day Sourdough Bread is versatile and delicious, making it a perfect addition to many meals. Whether you enjoy it as part of a hearty breakfast or paired with dinner, there are plenty of ways to serve this delightful loaf.
Toasted with Toppings
- Avocado Smash: Spread ripe avocado on toasted slices for a creamy and nutritious breakfast.
- Classic Butter and Jam: A simple spread of butter and your favorite jam elevates the bread’s flavor.
- Nut Butter Delight: Slather on almond or peanut butter for a filling snack or breakfast option.
As Sandwiches
- Turkey Club: Layer turkey, bacon, lettuce, and tomato between two slices for a satisfying lunch.
- Caprese Style: Use fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, basil, and balsamic glaze for a refreshing sandwich.
- Egg Salad: A classic egg salad makes for a hearty sandwich option that pairs well with sourdough.
Served with Soups
- Tomato Basil Soup: Enjoy slices of sourdough alongside a warm bowl of tomato soup for comfort food perfection.
- Chicken Noodle Soup: The crusty exterior of the bread complements the warmth of chicken noodle soup beautifully.
How to Perfect Speedy Same Day Sourdough Bread
To achieve the best results with your Speedy Same Day Sourdough Bread, keep these tips in mind. Each step contributes to a deliciously crusty loaf with a soft interior.
- Bold Ingredients: Use high-quality flour and fresh ingredients for the best flavor.
- Bold Hydration Level: Ensure your dough is properly hydrated; this helps achieve an airy crumb structure.
- Bold Temperature Control: Maintain room temperature during fermentation; cooler temperatures can slow down the process.
- Bold Stretching Technique: Perform stretch and folds gently but decisively to develop gluten without overworking the dough.
- Bold Scoring Method: Score your loaf just before baking to control how it expands in the oven, enhancing presentation.

Best Side Dishes for Speedy Same Day Sourdough Bread
Speedy Same Day Sourdough Bread pairs wonderfully with various side dishes that complement its texture and flavor. Here are some ideas to consider:
- Garden Salad: A light garden salad adds freshness and crunch, balancing the richness of the bread.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables provide a savory contrast that enhances any meal.
- Cheese Platter: Pair with an assortment of cheeses for a delightful appetizer or snack option.
- Hummus Dip: Serve slices alongside creamy hummus for an easy and healthy pairing.
- Pasta Primavera: The bread acts as an excellent side to vibrant pasta dishes filled with vegetables.
- Bruschetta Topping: Top slices with diced tomatoes, garlic, basil, and olive oil for an Italian-inspired treat.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making sourdough bread can be tricky, but avoiding common mistakes will help you achieve the best results. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:
- Ignoring Dough Temperature: Not monitoring the dough’s temperature can lead to poor fermentation. Make sure your kitchen is warm enough for optimal rising.
- Overworking the Dough: Kneading too much can create a tough loaf. Mix until just combined and use stretch and folds instead to develop gluten.
- Using Inactive Starter: An inactive sourdough starter won’t raise your bread properly. Always feed your starter in advance and make sure it’s bubbly before using.
- Not Measuring Ingredients Accurately: Using the wrong measurements can ruin your bread. Invest in a kitchen scale for precise measuring of flour and water.
- Skipping the Poke Test: Neglecting this test could result in under-proofed dough. Always perform the poke test to check if your dough is ready before baking.
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag.
- Keep in the fridge for up to 3 days for best freshness.
Freezing Speedy Same Day Sourdough Bread
- Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then place in a freezer bag.
- Can be frozen for up to 3 months; defrost at room temperature.
Reheating Speedy Same Day Sourdough Bread
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 10 minutes to restore crustiness.
- Microwave: Place on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat for 10-15 seconds, but this may soften the crust.
- Stovetop: Heat slices in a skillet over medium heat for about 1 minute per side for a crispy finish.

Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to make Speedy Same Day Sourdough Bread?
The total time from start to finish is around 8 hours and 15 minutes, including prep, proofing, and baking.
Can I use whole wheat flour instead?
Yes, you can substitute part of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added flavor and nutrition. Just keep an eye on hydration levels.
What should I do if my dough doesn’t rise?
If your dough isn’t rising, it might be due to an inactive starter or low temperatures. Make sure your starter is bubbly and try placing the dough in a warmer spot.
How do I know when my bread is done baking?
A good indicator is that it will have a golden-brown crust, and tapping on the bottom should sound hollow when fully baked.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
While this specific recipe uses all-purpose flour, you can experiment with gluten-free blends but may need to adjust water content and rise times.
Final Thoughts
This Speedy Same Day Sourdough Bread recipe offers an incredible way to enjoy homemade bread without waiting overnight. Its versatility allows you to customize flavors by adding herbs or spices. Don’t hesitate to try this recipe—you’ll love how easy it is to create delicious, crusty loaves right at home!
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Speedy Same Day Sourdough Bread
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
Description
Experience the joy of homemade bread with this Speedy Same Day Sourdough Bread recipe. In just a few hours, you can enjoy a beautifully crusty loaf with a soft, tangy interior—perfect for any meal of the day. This quick and easy recipe eliminates the need for overnight fermentation while still delivering that signature sourdough flavor and texture. With its versatile uses—from toast to sandwiches—you’ll find endless ways to savor this delightful bread.
Ingredients
- 410 grams all-purpose flour
- 290 grams water
- 160 grams sourdough starter
- 8 grams salt
- Optional: 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Mix the water, sourdough starter, and salt in a large bowl. Stir well, then add flour and mix until combined.
- Let the dough rest for 30 minutes, then perform four stretch and folds every 20 minutes for an hour.
- Allow the dough to rise at room temperature for about 3–4 hours or until it nearly doubles in size.
- Shape the dough into a ball and place it seam-side up in a floured banneton basket. Let it rise for another 2 hours.
- Preheat the oven to 460°F (238°C) during the final proofing hour.
- Score the dough and bake it in a preheated Dutch oven for 30 minutes covered, then an additional 10 minutes uncovered until golden brown.
- Cool on a rack for at least one hour before slicing.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (60g)
- Calories: 155
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 0.5g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg