Artisan Sourdough Bread with All Purpose Flour {soft, crisp & chewy!}

No bread flour? No problem! Learn how to make artisan sourdough bread with all purpose flour instead, naturally leavened with active sourdough starter. 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.

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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}

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