No bread flour? No problem! Learn how to make artisan sourdough bread with all purpose flour instead. This post includes a practical, no-nonsense guide with step-by-step photos, instructions, and baking schedule.
Bakers all over the world insist on using bread flour to create incredible homemade sourdough bread. It’s prized for its high protein and gluten content, which typically gives sourdough bread recipes a lofty, high rise. But what if you don’t have any bread flour? Can you make crusty, artisan sourdough with all purpose flour instead?
The answer is yes, you most certainly can! But in my experience, you’ll have to make additional adjustments as you go along- you can’t just swap one flour for another. In this post, I’ll explain the process step-by-step. You’ll gain the tools and confidence you need to make incredible sourdough bread with all purpose flour (and for my UK & Aussie readers that’s “plain flour” for you!).
All Purpose Flour vs. Bread flour: What’s The Difference?
Generally speaking, it all boils down to protein content.
When compared side by side, bread flour has a higher protein content than all purpose flour.
High protein = better gluten development, which in most cases yields a higher rise.
I typically use King Arthur Flour for bread baking. Their bread flour contains 12.7% protein, and their all purpose flour contains 11.7%.
This recipe was formulated to work with KAF all purpose flour and Trader Joe’s all purpose flour (which in my opinion, is comparable). I talk more about flour in this post.
TIP: Protein content will vary across the board. This means you’ll get different results from brand to brand. I highly recommend sticking with ONE BRAND at first. This way, you’ll get a feel for how that specific flour performs; it will be your reference point for future adjustments.
How to Use All Purpose Flour in Bread Baking
Substituting all purpose flour in a sourdough recipe that specifically calls for bread flour is not always an even swap.
You’ll need to REDUCE the total amount of water first.
All purpose flour absorbs less water than bread flour, which can make the dough too sticky to work with otherwise.
This can lead to flat, dense, and gummy loaves. You don’t want that.
Ok, So Reduce the Water by How Much?
I typically suggest reducing the water by 15-30g to start.
Why the range?
It depends on the recipe, how much starter it calls for, and what brand of flour you’re using etc.
You’ll have to play around with the texture of the dough, adjusting the flour/water until it “feels right,” which can be frustrating if you just don’t have the experience.
It requires practice, patience and persistence.
So, for now, let’s focus on the visual and tactile tools to help guide you instead.
How to Make Artisan Sourdough with All Purpose Flour: A Step By Step Guide
A Few Notes: This recipe makes a small sourdough loaf, perfect for 2-4 people. I prefer smaller loaves for beginners as they are more manageable to handle. Instructions for a larger, standard size are included in the recipe at the end of this post. For baking tools, please visit my shop. You will need a digital kitchen scale to weigh your ingredients (for accuracy and best results) and a Dutch oven for baking (or another oven-safe pot with lid).
Mix the Dough
In a large bowl, whisk the starter and water together. Add the flour and salt. Mix with a fork to combine.
Once it becomes too stiff to continue, finish mixing by hand until a rough and shaggy dough forms.
This is what the dough should look like after you’ve finished mixing it…
Now, cover the bowl with a damp towel or plastic wrap and let rest at room temperature for 30 minutes.
After the dough has rested…
Work the dough into a ball. It will appear smooth on the surface with a few tears.
Heads up: this is your last chance to significantly adjust the texture of the dough. So take note of how it feels!
At this point, the dough should feel soft and stretchy… not wet, overly sticky, or soupy.
TIP: If the dough feels too wet (and this can happen depending on the brand of flour you’re using), add 1 tbsp. of flour after the first 30 minute rest. Mix thoroughly by hand, adding more flour as needed. If you think it’s too dry, add 1 tbsp. of water and see how you go. Not so bad right? Just a little back and forth until it “feels right.” You can’t really mess it up.
Bulk Rise
Cover the bowl and let rise overnight, about 10-12 hrs. at room temperature (68 F). The dough is ready when it has doubled in size.
TIP: If using a standard 8-inch mixing bowl (pictured above), the dough should rise to about 1/2- 2/3’s up the sides when ready (remember, this is a small loaf).
Stretch And Fold The Dough
This technique is optional and is done during the bulk rise.
It will strengthen the gluten, incorporate air into the dough and add height to the finished loaf.
To begin, about 30 minutes to 1 hour into the bulk rise, start your first stretch and fold.
Grab a portion of the dough and stretch it upwards. Then fold it over towards the center of the dough. Give the bowl a one-quarter turn and repeat (stretching the dough upwards and then folding it over) until you have come full circle to complete 4 folds or 1 set. Do another set about 30 minutes to 1 hour later.
Here’s a video!
Shape the Dough
The following morning, line a small bowl with a cotton or linen cloth. Sprinkle with flour.
You’re going to shape the dough twice to build extra strength.
Preshape
Remove the dough onto a floured surface. To shape the dough into a round, starting at the top, gently fold the dough over toward the center. Give it a turn and fold over the next section. Repeat until you have come full circle.
Using a bench knife, scoop up the dough and flip it over (the smooth side should be facing up). Cover and rest for 20-30 minutes.
Final Shape
After the dough has rested, flip it over again (the smooth side should be facing down now). Shape it again following the steps above. Flip it back over.
With floured hands, gently cup the dough and pull it toward you in a circular motion to tighten its shape.
Place the dough into the lined bowl, seam side up. Cover the dough with the cloth overhang.
Second Rise
Now the dough needs to rise again.
Rest at room temperature for 30 minutes to 1 hour; the dough is ready when it has puffed up and looks plump. It does not double in size.
Preheat the oven to 450 F.
Score the Dough
Invert the bowl of dough onto a sheet of parchment paper. Remove the bowl and cloth.
Sprinkle the dough with flour and smooth the surface with your hands.
Using a bread lame or a small serrated knife (I used my UFO lame), score the dough at 12, 3, 6 and 9 o’clock, turning the parchment paper as you go. Make quick, decisive cuts using the tip of the blade.
Here’s a video!
Lift up the dough while still on the parchment paper, and place it into a Dutch oven. Pop the lid on top.
Bake the Dough
Place the pot into the preheated oven, center rack. Reduce the heat to 425 F.
Bake the dough, with the lid on for 20 minutes. Then, remove the lid and bake for an additional 30-35 minutes or until golden brown.
Here’s what the dough will look like after you take off the lid (please ignore my sparkling oven…).
Let it Cool
Check out that oven spring!
Don’t you just want to rip off a chunk?
Unfortunately, you’ll have to wait at least an hour my friends. The texture might be gummy and wet if you jump the gun.
Storage
Sourdough is best enjoyed on the same day it’s baked.
To maximize freshness, cool completely and store at room temperature wrapped in plastic, reusable beeswax wrap or a bread bag for 1-2 days.
Sourdough can also be frozen, for up to 2-3 months. Defrost at room temperature and warm @ 300 F before serving.
Taste Test
This artisan sourdough with all purpose flour produces a crusty loaf with a smooth interior crumb.
We love it for sandwiches, french toast and crostini. It’s a versatile everyday option.
And in comparison to a bread flour loaf, none of us could really tell the difference!
My Baking Schedule
All bakers need somewhat of a game plan before diving in.
Here’s what I do: I’ll make the dough in the evening to rise overnight (start the night before). It will be ready to bake the following morning. If it’s warmer than 68 F, I’ll start later in the evening to avoid over proofed dough. The timing is flexible.
In the evening…
- 7:00 PM: Make the dough/ Rest for 30 minutes to 1 hr.
- 8:00 PM: 1st Stretch & Fold (optional)
- 9:00 PM: 2nd Stretch & Fold (optional)
- Cover bowl with plastic wrap and let rise overnight on the kitchen counter, for 10-12 hrs @ 68 F.
The following morning…
- 7:00 AM (or earlier): Check the dough. Give it more time to rise, if needed.
- 7:05-ish AM: Preshape
- 7:30 AM: Shape
- 7:35 AM: Second Rise/ Preheat Oven
- 8:05-ish AM: Bake
Additional Resources
- How to Stretch and Fold Sourdough {Video}
- How to Shape a Round Sourdough Boule {Video}
- Artisan Sourdough Made Simple {Book}
- Sourdough Bread: a Beginner’s Guide {Recipe}
- Light Whole Wheat Sourdough Bread {Recipe}
Artisan Sourdough with All Purpose Flour
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 1 small loaf (2-4 ppl)
- Category: Sourdough Bread
- Method: Oven-Baked
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
No bread flour? No problem! My artisan sourdough with all purpose flour is an excellent substitute. This recipe yields a smaller sized loaf (perfect for up to 4 people) with a crisp crust and a smooth, interior crumb.
Notes & Substitutions
This recipe was formulated to work with King Arthur & Trader Joe’s all purpose flour, which contains 11.7% protein. If using another brand, please see my tip in the recipe below for adjusting the texture of the dough, if needed.
For accuracy and best results: please weigh your ingredients using a kitchen scale.
Ingredients
For a small loaf:
- 50 g (1/4 cup) bubbly, active starter
- 165 g (1/2 cup + 3 tbsp) water
- 5 g (1 tsp) fine sea salt
- 250 g (2 cups + 1 tbsp) all purpose flour (Trader Joe or King Arthur)
For a larger, standard size loaf:
- 50 g (1/4 cup) bubbly, active starter*
- 330 g (1 1/3 cup + 1 tbsp) water
- 9 g (1 1/2 tsp) fine sea salt
- 500 g (4 1/4 cups) all purpose flour (Trader Joe or King Arthur)
*Note: I use 50 g of starter for both the small AND standard size loaf. Using a smaller amount of starter with an long, overnight rise will help to prevent over proofed dough in the morning.
Instructions
Make the Dough
In the evening, whisk the starter and water together in a large bowl. Add the flour and salt. Mix with a fork until a stiff dough forms, then finish by hand to fully incorporate the flour. It will feel rough and shaggy, and slightly sticky. Cover with a damp towel or plastic wrap and let rest at room temperature (68 F) for 30 minutes.
After the dough has rested, work the dough into a ball. To do this, grab a portion of the dough and fold it over, pressing your fingertips into the center. Repeat, working your way around the dough until it begins to tighten.
TIP: If the dough feels too wet (and this can happen depending on the brand of flour you’re using), add 1 tbsp. of flour. Mix thoroughly by hand, adding more flour as needed. If you think it’s too dry, add 1 tbsp. of water and see how you go.
Bulk Rise
Cover the bowl (damp towel or plastic wrap) and let rise overnight at room temperature. This will take about 10 to 12 hours at 68 F. The dough is ready when it no longer looks dense and has doubled in size. If using a standard 8-inch bowl, the dough will rise about 1/2 way up the sides.
Optional Step: about 1 hour into the bulk rise, do 1 set of stretch and folds. Repeat 1 hour later. This will increase the overall volume of the bread.
Shape the Dough
The following morning, line a small bowl with a cotton or linen cloth. Sprinkle with flour.
Important: You’re going to shape the dough twice to build extra strength.
Preshape
Remove the dough onto a floured surface. To shape the dough into a round, starting at the top, gently fold the dough over toward the center. Give it a turn and fold over the next section. Repeat until you have come full circle. Using a bench knife, scoop up the dough and flip it over (the smooth side should be facing up). Cover and rest for 20-30 minutes.
Final Shape
After the dough has rested, flip it over again (the smooth side should be facing down now). Shape it again following the steps above. Flip it back over. With floured hands, gently cup the dough and pull it toward you in a circular motion to tighten its shape.
Place the dough into the lined bowl, seam side up. Cover the dough with the cloth overhang.
Second Rise
The dough needs to rise again. Rest for 30 minutes to 1 hour. The dough is ready when it looks puffy and has risen slightly, but has not yet doubled in size.
Preheat your oven to 450. Cut a sheet of non-stick parchment paper to fit the size of your baking pot, leaving enough excess around the sides to remove the bread.
Score the Dough
Place the parchment over the dough and invert the bowl to release. Sprinkle the dough with flour and gently rub the surface with your hands. Using the tip of a bread lame, small, serrated knife or a razor blade, make four shallow 4-inch long cuts at 3, 6, 9, and 12 o’clock around the dough. Use the parchment paper to transfer the dough to the baking pot.
Bake the Dough
Reduce the heat to 425 F. Bake the dough on the center rack for 20 minutes, covered. Remove the lid, and continue to bake for 30-35 minutes and golden brown (40 minutes uncovered for the larger, standard loaf).
When finished, transfer to a wire rack. Cool for 1 hour before slicing, for best texture.
Notes
Sourdough is best consumed on the same day it is baked. To maximize freshness, cool completely and store at room temperature wrapped in plastic, reusable beeswax wrap or bread bag for 1-2 days.
Keywords: artisan sourdough, all purpose flour, sourdough bread, sourdough, homemade, sourdough bread recipe
Comments
Ann says
Thank you so much. 🌹
If I choose to start in the morning, after final shaping can I place in refrigerator and bake it the next day?
If so can it go directly into oven or does it need to sit out a bit before baking?
Tia.
★★★★★
Katie says
This makes the best sourdough bread I’ve ever tasted and it was pretty simple! Thank you
Sharon says
Can you send me the nutrition value and and how many grams. I need to know carbs in the calories. I made this recipe yesterday in my Dutch oven and it turned out fabulous thank you.
★★★★★
Dani says
What if you don’t have a dutch oven pot? Can you use another pot instead?
Jamie says
I made this using cups to measure the ingredients and then using a scale and weighted measurement. The weight measurement is highly superior, fluffier and a lighter crispy crust! Wonderful recipe.
Emilie Raffa says
Hi Jamie! Agreed. In bread baking, you’ll get better results when the ingredients are weighed, rather than measured. It’s more accurate. The flour to water ratio is incredibly important for best texture!
Erin says
Hello! Is the large loaf recipe easily doubled to make two large loaves at once? Would separate the dough into 2 loaves just before forming the dough in the morning. Wondering especially about the amount of starter that would be used for this.
★★★★★
Jackie says
My first time making sourdough. I thought it was going to be a disaster as my dough was sooo sticky in the morning after letting it rest, but i sprinkled rice flour on the surface. Then my toddler pulled the dough out of the tea towel and it looked deflated. I baked it anyway and it actually came our really good!! Very crunchy crust and the inside had nice air pockets, was moist ans delicious. I couldn’t slice much on the top as it was still extremely sticky. It’s a miracle it turned out. This is an excellent recipe and I can’t wait to play around with it abit next time.
★★★★★
Ed says
This is a wonderful recipe along with your instructions for making a sourdough starter. My first loaf was so so, the second pretty good and the third excellent. In between making bread I studied your YouTube along with that from proofbread an all sourdough bakery in Mesa, Az. Each time you watch you pick up a little more information. Little things like tips or techniques. This recipe produces great bread and I’m anxious to try and expand my use of sourdough. Thank you.
Ashley says
This is a great recipe. I have never made sourdough bread before, but it turned out great, and my family loved it. I will use it again.
★★★★★
Beth Rice says
I love this recipe and the simplicity of it. BUT, the bottom of my bread ALWAYS burns…how can I keep that from happening?
★★★★
Tyler says
Hi Beth! I have had this problem as well. Someone previously asked this and Emilie replied with some tips:
This is actually extremely common. Could be your oven, could be the type of pot you’re using, could be the placement of the pot etc. To remedy this, first use an oven thermometer to determine the exact temp of your oven. Then, place a cookie sheet on the rack below your baking pot (not underneath it); this will shield the heat from the bottom up which should prevent a burnt crust.
★★★★★
LarV says
I put my Instant Pot wire trivet in the bottom of the Dutch oven and put the parchment and dough on top of that. Worked great! No more too-dark bottoms!
Hannah says
I’ve tried this recipe once already with moderate success, so I’m excited to try again and make it even better. I just got a starter a month ago so I’m still learning how to make a good sourdough.
What I like about this recipe is how comprehensive it is, as the step-by-step combined with the pictures make for a clear recipe. I like that a schedule is included, and there is a “long” recipe version and a “short” recipe version. I will be remaking today.
StellarJay says
This recipe was handed down along with the starter from a kind neighbor & Sourdough enthusiast. It turned out amazing on the first try. The internet is saturated with recipes. I am as thankful for receiving this recipe as I am for the gifted starter. No kneading, simple & delicious recipe. IMO Perfect!!! Thank You Clever Carrot
★★★★★
Kristine says
I’m a newbie at baking sourdough bread- this recipe resulted in a fluffy loaf! I was elated to finally achieve the texture I was hoping for!
★★★★★
Railya says
I made my first perfect sourdough following your recipe. Thank you. The bread turned out amazing!
★★★★★
Emilie Raffa says
Excellent, Railya! So great to hear. Enjoy and happy baking :)
Bhagya Hettiarachchi says
Instead of using all-purpose flour, can I swap it for bread flour?
Emilie Raffa says
Sure, bread flour will work. Depending on the brand, you might want to increase the overall amount of water in the dough so it’s not too dry.
Lars Jeppesen says
Perfect on my first try; I tagged you in my IG and FB posts with photos. Thanks for sharing with kindness https://www.instagram.com/larsjeppesen/
★★★★★
ken says
In other recipes the dutch oven is preheated, but not here. Would that cause problems if it was preheated?
Emilie Raffa says
Not at all. If you prefer to preheat, you’re more than welcome to do so for this recipe.
Adam Hetherington says
I have a feeling I overproofed the dough. I let the bulk go around 14 hours because I was waiting for the dough to double in volume. I stopped the bulk short of doubling. When I dumped out the dough on the counter is was very sticky and slack. I’m going to keep going but do you have any suggestions for why this is happening and what I should change. Overnight temp was around 70F. Thanks!
Pamela F. says
Hi! I have made numerous batards using your beginner’s sourdough recipe. They have come out perfectly. Why do you not use olive oil in the AP flour recipe? (I’m out of bread flour.)
★★★★★
Swati says
Hi. I have many questions.
There is no oil in this recipe. Any reason? Also can I leave the dough to rise in an oiled bowl. Since It becomes very warm here during summers, if I start the process early morning, can I bake the same day. Do I need to increase the amount of starter. I have a very active starter🙂
Emilie Raffa says
Hi there! Oil is optional; my ap flour sourdough is a different recipe for variety. Oil changes the texture of the crumb and crust (see which one you like best!). Totally fine re: oiled bowl to rise the dough. And yes: bulk rise during the morning/day and chill the whole bowl overnight, or when you’re ready to bake later in the day. You do not need to increase the quantity of starter for a same day bake in hot weather.
Gary says
Use 20-30g less water… Don’t let it quite double in size during bulk rise.
Dagmar's Dough says
This came out perfect. Thank you so much for the All Purpose flour recipe.
★★★★★
Trish Chalmers, Trish’s Dish’s says
Hey first time making sour dough so did the small loaf. Had fun with some ups and downs. Thought my starter was non active, yet stuck with it and rising happened!!! Can’t lose faith! Starter is growing to as I am now feeding it to tackle a big loaf!! In Mexico and had no cast iron, so used Pyrex with lid and it worked. Will use cast iron for large loaf and reg oven!!
Proud maker!!! Trish of Trish’s Dish’s. Here’s a pick!!
Katherine says
Hello there, thank you for sharing this recipe, I love how simple it is to follow. I tried to search through the comments to see if I can find answers, but I’m not sure if the feature is available.
I’m on my 3rd round of trying this recipe and my dough has been really sticky each time. I use King Arthur flour and there is a good rise at about 10 hours at about 68 degrees fahrenheit, but the dough will flatten before it’s bake time. Do you have any suggestions? Please and thank you =)
★★★★★
Rowan Skinner says
hi there,
i was wondering if i can use whole wheat instead of all purpose flour?
Emilie Raffa says
Hi there! I wouldn’t do an even swap; whole wheat flour absorbs more water than reg. white flour, and in some cases, the dough will become more dry. It will change the entire texture of the finished bread. You can read more here.
As an alternative to this recipe, I would try my Light Whole Wheat Sourdough. Enjoy!