San Francisco Sourdough Bread Loaf

Follow our step-by-step guide on how to make San Francisco Sourdough Bread Loaf.

1. Step 1

   To start your baking adventure, grab a large bowl and mix together 1 cup of bread flour, sugar, salt, and yeast until everything is well combined.

2. Step 2

   Next, gently warm some milk and soften your margarine, then pour them into the dry ingredients, stirring until you have a cohesive mixture.

3. Step 3

   Now, it’s time to introduce your sourdough starter into the blend, giving it a good mix to incorporate all those delightful flavors.

4. Step 4

   Gradually add in the remaining 3 3/4 cups of flour, adjusting the amount based on the humidity in your kitchen—this will help you achieve the perfect dough consistency.

5. Step 5

   Once your dough is ready, turn it out onto a floured surface and knead it for about 8 to 10 minutes.

6. Step 6

   You want it to become smooth and elastic, which is key for that lovely texture.

7. Step 7

   After kneading, place your dough in a greased bowl, turning it once to coat the surface with oil.

8. Step 8

   Cover the bowl with a clean cloth and let it rise in a warm spot until it doubles in size, which should take around an hour.

9. Step 9

   When the dough has risen beautifully, give it a gentle punch to release the air, then cover it again and let it rest for 15 minutes.

10. Step 10

    Now, divide the dough in half and shape each piece into a loaf.

11. Step 11

    Place these loaves onto a greased baking pan, and cover them once more, allowing them to rise until they double in size again—this will take about another hour.

12. Step 12

    While your loaves are rising, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

13. Step 13

    In a small bowl, whisk together an egg and a splash of water to create a lovely wash.

14. Step 14

    Brush this mixture over the tops of your loaves and sprinkle with some chopped onion for an extra burst of flavor.

15. Step 15

    Now it’s time for the magic! Bake your loaves in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, or until they turn a gorgeous golden brown and sound hollow when tapped.

16. Step 16

    For that perfect finish, an instant-read thermometer should read 190°F (88°C) when inserted into the center of a loaf.

17. Step 17

    Once they’re done, let them cool slightly before slicing into your homemade bread.

18. Step 18

    Enjoy the delightful aroma and the satisfaction of creating something truly special!.