How Long To Let Sourdough Rise

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Last Updated on February 18, 2023

Sourdough is one of the most popular types of bread to make, but you will want to know how long to let sourdough rise before getting started. Whether you are an avid baker or are new to bread making, sourdough is a great option to make. It may be tricky to get the process right, however, the results are worth the work.

Making sourdough takes lots of time and patience. However, it is a great project you can do at home that will give you bakery-quality bread. Before you start making it, there are many things you should know including how long it needs to rise.

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What Is Sourdough Bread?

Sourdough is a type of bread that is naturally leavened. Unlike most bread, it does not use commercial yeast and it does not always need to be kneaded. It has a chewy, tangy inside and a crunchy, crisp outside.

Instead of commercial yeast, sourdough uses a starter kit. The starter kit consists of fermented flour and a water mixture that has wild yeast and good bacteria. The starter kit of sourdough bread is what allows it to rise.

Compared to commercial yeast, natural yeast has more flavor and doesn’t contain any additives. The natural yeast is what helps give the bread its unique tangy flavor that sets it apart.

Basic sourdough only contains three ingredients: flour, water, and salt. Many different kinds of flour can be used, with bread flour being a popular choice.

Sourdough is also generally healthier than other types of bread. It contains higher levels of folate and antioxidants compared to other types of bread. In addition, it also has lower phytate levels, which allows your body to absorb the nutrients it has more easily.

How to make a sourdough starter

To make your own sourdough starter at home, all you need is flour and water. It is a several-day process to get your starter ready to use, but it will only take up a few minutes of your time each day.

A starter starts off by combining flour and water in a glass, plastic, or stainless steel container. Then, leave the mixture loosely covered for 24 hours at room temperature.

Each day after, you will begin feeding your starter with more water and flour. In some cases, you will even remove some of the starter each day as you add to it. The method for a sourdough starter can vary and though it can seem complicated, it is rather quite simple to do once you get the hang of it.

It will take around six to seven days for your starter to be complete. Once it is ready, it will have doubled in size and you will see lots of bubbles. It will have a spongy, fluffy texture and the smell should be pleasant.

Sourdough Rise Time

When making sourdough, you will combine your flour, water, salt, and starter. After mixing your ingredients, you will let it rest and then shape it into a ball.

At this point, your sourdough will likely be ready to rise. The rising step is an important process in the development of the rise.

Typically, your sourdough bread will have two rises, one before you shape it and one after. Generally, the first rise, sometimes called the bulk rise, will take between 3-12 hours. During this, it should double in size and have a dense appearance.

The sourdough second rise will happen after you shape your dough. Typically, the second rise will last around 30 minutes to one hour. After your second rise, your bread is ready to bake.

Temperature and time

For your first rise, you will want to have your dough in a bowl covered with a kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Your dough will proof faster at a temperature between 70-85 degrees Fahrenheit, taking around three to six hours. In a cooler environment, around 65-68 degrees Fahrenheit, your dough will take between six to 12 hours to proof.

For your second rise, you can place your dough in a pot with a lid. In some cases, the recipes may call for the second rise to take place in the fridge.

Depending on the recipe, you may only have one rise, but two is more common. In certain cases, you can do one 12-24 hour rise, but your bread will have a stronger sour flavor. If this is the case, your dough will rise in the fridge.

Proofing sourdough overnight

If desired, you can proof your sourdough overnight. Whether you are wanting to do one or two rises, you can do the process overnight.

If your house is cooler, around 65-68 degrees Fahrenheit, you can leave your dough to proof overnight for eight to 12 hours at room temperature on your counter. Then, in the morning, you can continue on with shaping it before its second rise.

You can also let your sourdough rise overnight for around 12 hours in your fridge. Then, after proofing for 12 hours or so, you can shape it and bake it.

A Delicious And Tangy Bread

At first, making your very own sourdough bread at home can be very overwhelming. However, once you get the hang of it, you can master making this delicious, tangy bread. You can serve it as a side with your meal or use it for making sandwiches.

To make sourdough, you will need to have a starter. With just flour, water, and a jar, you can create a starter in just a few days’ time, with only a few minutes of work each day. This is used in place of commercial yeast that most bread recipes call for.

One of the most important steps of making sourdough bread is letting it rise. Most recipes call for two rises, with the first one lasting 3-12 hours at room temperature and the second one lasting 30 minutes to one hour. In some cases, you may just have one rise that can last for 12-24 hours in the fridge.

Do you have any questions regarding how long to let sourdough rise? If so, please ask any questions regarding the process of making sourdough in the comment section below.

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