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 sandwiches, toast, or simply enjoying with butter, this quick sourdough method makes fresh bread accessible for any occasion.

Jump to:
- Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Tools and Preparation
- Essential Tools and Equipment
- Importance of Each Tool
- Ingredients
- For the Bread
- 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
- Classic Toast
- Sandwiches
- Dips
- How to Perfect Speedy Same Day Sourdough Bread
- Best Side Dishes for Speedy Same Day Sourdough Bread
- Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Storage & Reheating Instructions
- 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 of all-purpose flour?
- What should I do if my dough isn’t rising?
- How can I customize my Speedy Same Day Sourdough Bread?
- Final Thoughts
- 📖 Recipe Card
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: No need for an overnight rise; you can enjoy homemade sourdough in just a few hours.
- Delicious Flavor: This same-day recipe produces a flavorful loaf with the characteristic tang of traditional sourdough.
- Versatile Uses: Ideal for sandwiches, toasts, or serving alongside soups and salads.
- Simple Ingredients: Made from basic pantry staples that you likely already have on hand.
- Great Texture: Achieves a perfect balance of crispy crust and soft, airy interior.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the recipe, make sure you have the right tools on hand to ensure your baking experience goes smoothly.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- 1 dutch oven
- 1 bread lame or sharp knife
Importance of Each Tool
- Dutch Oven: Creates steam during baking, resulting in a crusty exterior.
- Bread Lame or Sharp Knife: Allows for precise scoring of the dough, which helps control how the bread expands while baking.
Ingredients
For the Bread
- 410 grams all-purpose flour
- 290 grams water
- 160 grams sourdough starter
- 8 grams salt

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 an edge of the dough, stretch it upward, and fold it under the opposite side.
2. Rotate the bowl 90° and repeat until you complete 4 folds in total.
3. Cover the dough and let it rest for 20 minutes before repeating this process.
4. Perform a total of four sets of stretch and folds over one hour, covering between sets to prevent drying.
Step 3: Bulk Fermentation
Once complete with stretch and folds, cover the dough again. Let it rise for 3–4 hours at room temperature or until it nearly doubles in size.
Step 4: Shape the Dough
Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface. Shape it by grabbing opposite ends of the dough and pinching them together at the top. Repeat with the other two ends to form a tight, smooth ball.
Step 5: Final Proof
Prepare your bread or banneton basket by lining it with a lightly floured tea towel. Place your shaped dough ball into the basket seam-side up. Cover with a plastic bag or cloth and let it rise for an additional 2 hours at room temperature.
Step 6: Preheat the Oven
During the final hour of proofing, preheat your oven to 460°F (238°C), placing your dutch oven inside to ensure it’s hot when ready to bake.
Step 7: Score and Bake
Once proofed:
1. Transfer dough onto parchment paper—flipped so that floured bottom is now on top.
2. Score your dough using a bread lame or sharp knife in a crisscross pattern.
3. Carefully place both parchment paper and dough 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 achieve a golden-brown crust.
Step 8: Cool
Remove your bread from the oven and transfer it to a cooling rack. Cover it with a damp kitchen towel for at least one hour before slicing.
Enjoy your delicious Speedy Same Day Sourdough Bread, perfect for any meal!
How to Serve Speedy Same Day Sourdough Bread
Serving your Speedy Same Day Sourdough Bread can enhance its delightful flavor and texture. Here are some suggestions that pair perfectly with this fresh loaf.
Classic Toast
- Butter and Jam: Spread a generous layer of butter and your favorite fruit jam for a sweet breakfast treat.
- Avocado Toast: Mash ripe avocados on toasted slices, topped with salt, pepper, and chili flakes for a savory option.
Sandwiches
- Grilled Cheese: Use the sourdough to create a gooey grilled cheese sandwich, perfect for lunch or dinner.
- Turkey and Cranberry: Stack slices of turkey with cranberry sauce and greens for a festive meal any time of year.
Dips
- Hummus: Serve slices alongside creamy hummus for a light snack or appetizer.
- Spinach Artichoke Dip: Offer warm spinach-artichoke dip as a delicious complement to the bread.
How to Perfect Speedy Same Day Sourdough Bread
Perfecting your Speedy Same Day Sourdough Bread is all about technique and timing. Here are some tips to help you achieve the best results.
- Bold Starter Quality: Ensure your sourdough starter is active and bubbly. This will give your bread the best rise and flavor.
- Bold Flour Type: Use high-quality all-purpose flour or even bread flour for better structure and chewiness in the bread.
- Bold Temperature Control: Monitor room temperature during proofing. Warmer environments speed up fermentation, while cooler ones slow it down.
- Bold Steam Creation: Always add water when baking in a dutch oven. This creates steam, resulting in a crusty exterior.
- Bold Cooling Time: Allow the baked bread to cool on a rack before slicing. This helps improve texture and avoids gummy interiors.

Best Side Dishes for Speedy Same Day Sourdough Bread
Pairing side dishes with your freshly baked Speedy Same Day Sourdough Bread can elevate any meal. Here are some fantastic options that complement its taste.
- Garden Salad: A fresh mix of greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, and vinaigrette adds crunch and brightness.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal veggies tossed in olive oil make for a hearty side dish that pairs well with sourdough.
- Creamy Tomato Soup: Serve alongside a warm bowl of tomato soup; it’s the perfect dipper!
- Charcuterie Board: Create an assortment of meats, cheeses, nuts, and fruits for an elegant touch at gatherings.
- Bruschetta Topping: Top toasted slices with diced tomatoes, basil, garlic, and olive oil for an Italian twist.
- Egg Salad: A creamy egg salad can be piled high on thick slices of sourdough for a delicious lunch option.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Speedy Same Day Sourdough Bread, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:
- Ignoring the starter’s readiness: Always check if your sourdough starter is bubbly and active before using it. An inactive starter won’t give you the rise you need.
- Skipping the stretch and folds: These folds help develop gluten. If you skip this step, your bread may turn out dense instead of airy.
- Not measuring ingredients accurately: Use a kitchen scale for precise measurements. Incorrect ratios can affect the dough’s texture and flavor.
- Over-proofing the dough: Keep an eye on the dough while it rises. Over-proofed dough can collapse in the oven, resulting in a flat loaf.
- Neglecting oven temperature: Preheat your oven properly. Baking in a cold oven can lead to poor crust development and uneven baking.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in a paper bag or wrapped loosely in a cloth.
- It will stay fresh for about 2 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Speedy Same Day Sourdough Bread
- Wrap slices or whole loaves tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil.
- Properly stored, it can last up to 3 months in the freezer.
Reheating Speedy Same Day Sourdough Bread
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm for about 10-15 minutes.
- Microwave: Place a slice on a plate with a damp paper towel and heat for 10-15 seconds.
- Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over low heat for 2-3 minutes on each side until warm.

Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to make Speedy Same Day Sourdough Bread?
The total time is approximately 8 hours and 15 minutes, including prep, proofing, and baking times.
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can substitute part of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. Just remember this may affect texture and rise.
What should I do if my dough isn’t rising?
Ensure your sourdough starter is active. A cool kitchen may slow down fermentation; consider placing it near warmth to encourage rising.
How can I customize my Speedy Same Day Sourdough Bread?
Feel free to add herbs, cheese, or seeds into your dough for extra flavor! Experimenting with mix-ins is part of the fun.
Final Thoughts
This Speedy Same Day Sourdough Bread recipe offers an easy way to enjoy homemade bread without long waits. Its versatility allows you to add various flavors or toppings based on your preferences. Try it today and impress your family or guests!
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Speedy Same Day Sourdough Bread
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: About 12 servings 1x
Description
Experience the joy of baking with this Speedy Same Day Sourdough Bread recipe, designed for those who crave fresh, homemade bread without the lengthy wait. This easy-to-follow method yields a beautifully crusty loaf with a soft, tangy interior in just a few hours. Perfect for sandwiches, toast, or served alongside your favorite meals, this quick sourdough bread is a delightful addition to any occasion. With simple pantry ingredients and minimal equipment required, you can impress family and friends with your baking skills—even on short notice!
Ingredients
- 410 grams all-purpose flour
- 290 grams water
- 160 grams sourdough starter
- 8 grams salt
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix water, sourdough starter, and salt until well combined. Gradually add flour and mix until fully incorporated. Cover the bowl and let it rest for 30 minutes.
- Perform four sets of stretch and folds every 20 minutes to develop gluten.
- Allow the dough to rise at room temperature for 3–4 hours until it nearly doubles in size.
- Shape the dough into a smooth ball and place it seam-side up in a floured banneton basket. Let it proof for an additional 2 hours.
- Preheat the oven to 460°F (238°C) during the last hour of proofing.
- Score the dough and bake in a preheated Dutch oven for 30 minutes covered, then an additional 10 minutes uncovered until golden brown.
- Cool on a rack before slicing.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 60g)
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 0.5g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg