Thanksgiving Sourdough Bread: 5 Reasons You’ll Adore It

Name: Thanksgiving Sourdough Bread: 5 Reasons You'll Adore It
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 5 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 500g bread flour; 300g water; 100g sourdough starter; 10g salt; 5g sugar

novembre 19, 2025

By:

Julia marin

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Thanksgiving wouldn’t feel quite the same without a warm, crusty loaf of *thanksgiving sourdough bread* gracing the table. There’s something incredibly special about the way the tangy aroma fills the kitchen as it bakes, evoking memories of family gatherings and shared meals. I remember the first time I baked this bread; it was a chilly November afternoon, and I was determined to impress my family. The dough came alive under my hands, and when I pulled that golden-brown beauty from the oven, it felt like I had captured the essence of the holiday in a loaf. Trust me, the combination of homemade sourdough and all those festive flavors is a match made in heaven. Whether you’re slathering it with butter or using it to mop up gravy, this bread is a must-have for your Thanksgiving feast!

Ingredients List

(Tip: Make sure to measure everything accurately for the best results!)

500g bread flour – This is the backbone of your sourdough bread. It gives it the perfect structure and chewiness.
300g water – You want this to be at room temperature; it helps activate the sourdough starter and brings everything together.
100g sourdough starter – Make sure your starter is bubbly and active! This is what gives your bread that lovely tangy flavor.
10g salt – This is crucial for flavor and controlling fermentation. Don’t skip it!
5g sugar – Just a pinch to help feed the yeast and enhance the browning of the crust.

How to Prepare Thanksgiving Sourdough Bread

Making your own *thanksgiving sourdough bread* is a rewarding experience, and I’m here to walk you through it step by step. Let’s dive into the magic of sourdough!

Mixing the Dough

Start by combining the 500g of bread flour and 300g of water in a large mixing bowl. Then, add in 100g of your bubbly sourdough starter. Use a wooden spoon or your hands to mix everything together until it forms a shaggy dough. You want it to be slightly sticky but not overly wet. If it feels too dry, just add a splash more water!

Kneading the Dough

Once you’ve mixed your dough, sprinkle in the 10g of salt and 5g of sugar. Now, it’s time to knead! Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes. You’re looking for a smooth and elastic texture; it should spring back when you poke it. Don’t rush this step; the more you knead, the better your bread will be!

First Rise

Now, place your dough back in the bowl and cover it with a damp cloth or plastic wrap. Let it rise for about 4 hours at room temperature. This is where the magic happens! Every hour, give it a gentle fold—just stretch one side of the dough and fold it over itself. By the end of the rise, the dough should have doubled in size and feel airy and light. So satisfying!

Shaping and Proofing

After the first rise, it’s time to shape your dough. Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and gently shape it into a round loaf. Place it seam-side up in a proofing basket (or a bowl lined with a floured towel). Cover it loosely and let it proof for about 2 hours. You’ll know it’s ready when it springs back slowly when you poke it—a beautiful sight!

Baking the Bread

Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C) about 30 minutes before you’re ready to bake. This ensures it’s nice and hot! Carefully score the top of your dough with a sharp knife or razor—this helps it expand as it bakes. Place it in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes until it’s golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. Oh, the smell that fills your kitchen will be heavenly! Let it cool on a wire rack before slicing to maintain that crusty exterior.

Tips for Success

Now that you’re well on your way to baking the perfect *thanksgiving sourdough bread*, here are some of my personal tips to ensure it turns out beautifully every time!

Use a digital scale: Trust me, weighing your ingredients makes a world of difference. It ensures accuracy and consistency, which is key for sourdough success!
Be patient: Sourdough is all about time. Don’t rush the rising or proofing stages; give your dough the love and time it needs to develop flavor and texture.
Temperature matters: Keep an eye on the room temperature. If it’s cooler, your dough will rise more slowly, and if it’s warmer, it might rise too quickly. Adjust your timings accordingly for the best results.
Experiment: Every starter is unique, so don’t hesitate to tweak the hydration levels or fermentation times to suit your taste. It’s all part of the fun!
Enjoy the process: Baking should be joyful! Embrace the little quirks and surprises along the way; it’s what makes each loaf special.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick look at the typical nutritional values for one slice of *thanksgiving sourdough bread*. Keep in mind, these are estimates, but they give you a good idea of what to expect!

Calories: 150
Fat: 1g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Unsaturated Fat: 0g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 5g
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 200mg
Cholesterol: 0mg

This bread is not only delicious but also a great addition to your Thanksgiving meal, providing a wholesome and comforting option for everyone at the table!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

After you’ve enjoyed your delicious *thanksgiving sourdough bread*, you might find yourself with some leftovers (though I can’t blame you if you eat the whole loaf!). Here’s how to keep it fresh and tasty for days to come.

First off, store your bread in a paper bag at room temperature. This allows it to breathe while keeping the crust nice and crisp. Avoid plastic bags, as they can trap moisture and make your crust soft—nobody wants that!

If you want to keep it for a longer period, consider freezing it. Slice the bread first, then wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. This way, you can pull out just one or two slices whenever you fancy a taste of the holiday!

When it comes to reheating, the best method is to pop your slices in the toaster for a quick refresh. If you’re warming up a whole loaf, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), wrap the loaf in aluminum foil to retain moisture, and heat for about 10-15 minutes. You’ll be amazed at how quickly it comes back to life, filling your kitchen with that irresistible aroma once again!

FAQ Section

Can I use all-purpose flour?

Absolutely! While bread flour is ideal for *thanksgiving sourdough bread* because it has a higher protein content, you can substitute all-purpose flour if that’s what you have on hand. Just keep in mind that the texture might be a bit softer, and the bread may not rise quite as high. If you’re feeling adventurous, try a mix of both flours for a lovely balance!

How long does sourdough bread last?

When stored properly, your *thanksgiving sourdough bread* can last about 3-5 days at room temperature. Just make sure to keep it in a paper bag or a bread box to maintain that crusty exterior. If you notice it starting to go stale, don’t worry! You can always revive it by toasting or warming it up in the oven. And of course, if you want to keep it longer, freezing is always an option!

Can I freeze sourdough bread?

You bet! Freezing sourdough bread is a great way to extend its shelf life. Just slice the loaf first, wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap, and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to enjoy, just take out the slices you need and let them thaw in the fridge or pop them straight in the toaster for a quick warm-up. Trust me, it’ll taste just as delicious as when it was fresh!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Making your own *thanksgiving sourdough bread* is not just about baking; it’s about creating a centerpiece for your holiday table that brings everyone together. Here’s why you’re going to absolutely adore this recipe:

Incredible Flavor: The tangy, complex flavor of sourdough is simply unbeatable. It elevates any meal and adds that special touch to your Thanksgiving feast.
Artisan Texture: With a crusty exterior and a soft, chewy interior, every bite is a delightful experience. You’ll be amazed at how professional this bread looks and tastes!
Easy to Make: Trust me, once you get the hang of it, this process is straightforward and rewarding. No fancy equipment required—just your hands and some time!
Perfect for Sharing: This bread is ideal for breaking and sharing around the table. It’s not just food; it’s a conversation starter that brings people together.
Versatile: Whether you’re serving it alongside your turkey, using it for sandwiches, or enjoying it with a spread of butter, this bread complements all your favorite Thanksgiving dishes.
Homemade Touch: There’s something so heartwarming about serving homemade bread. It shows love and effort, making your meal feel even more special.

Trust me, once you bake this *thanksgiving sourdough bread*, you’ll wonder how you ever celebrated the holiday without it!

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