An easy, step-by-step whole wheat sourdough bread recipe and video that’s light and flavorful (not heavy and dense). Made with 20% whole wheat flour. Naturally leavened with active sourdough starter. Excellent for sandwiches, toast and soup.
Whole grain flours are prized for their toasty, earthy flavors. Packed with plenty of fiber and nutrients, their natural complexity is a perfect match for slow-fermented sourdough bread. However, in bread baking there are rules…
You can’t just swap white flour for whole wheat flour and expect the same results (unless you like dry and dense bread). Adjustments need to be made. In this post, you’ll learn how to make exceptional whole wheat sourdough bread that’s not only light and delicious, but good for you too.
How to Make Whole Wheat Sourdough Bread
Mix The Dough
Mix the starter and water together in a large bowl. Add the flour and salt. Stir to combine and then squish by hand to fully incorporate the ingredients. This dough is very sticky, around 75% hydration. It’s like playing with wet mud (and it’s very satisfying). Cover the bowl and let rest for a 1 hour.
TIP: Whole wheat flour is incredibly thirsty. Because it absorbs more water than regular white flour, extending the “autolyse” or first rest period gives this dough ample time to hydrate. You’ll notice a huge difference after the full hour. The dough will be incredibly soft, and easy to stretch and fold later on.
Bulk Rise with Stretch & Folds
Now, the dough needs to rise.
During this time period, you’ll stretch and fold the dough to boost the height of the bread. I like to do 4 sets spaced 30 minutes apart, resting the dough in a warm spot in between each set. The dough will become soft, pillowy and a bit stiffer by the 4th set which is what you want (don’t forget to watch my video above!).
When finished with the folds…
Cover the bowl and continue the bulk rise, untouched at 75-78 F for about for 2-3 hours. The dough is ready when it has almost doubled in size. Cover the bowl with lightly oiled wrap and chill overnight.
Shape The Dough
The following morning, you’re going to shape the dough twice to build extra strength. The first shaping is called a “preshape,” and the second one is the “final shape.”
Preshape
Remove the cold dough onto a floured surface. Rest for 10-15 minutes to take the chill off. Shape the dough into a loose ball; cover and rest for 20-30 minutes.
Final Shape
Flip the dough over and shape it again (a little bit tighter this time). Place into the lined bowl, seam side up. Cover the dough with the cloth overhang.
Preshaping Bread Dough: Not every dough needs a preshape. However, wet doughs like this one benefit from the extra support to holds its shape. Otherwise it might spread out a bit.
Second Rise
The dough needs to rise again.
Rest the dough in the warm spot you used earlier for about 30 minutes to 1 hour. The dough is ready when it has puffed up and looks plump. It should not be super cold prior to baking.
Preheat the oven to 450 F towards the tail end of the second rise.
Score The Dough
Using a bread lame or a small serrated knife score the dough at 12, 3, 6 and 9 o’clock, turning the parchment paper as you go. Alternatively, you can make one long slash down the center. Do whatever you feel comfortable with.
Bake The Dough
Bake the dough with the lid on for 20 minutes. Remove the lid and bake for an additional 40 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from the pot. For best texture, cool on a wire rack for 1 hour before slicing
How good does this look?!
How Does it Taste?
Because this dough is made with 20% whole wheat flour, the flavor is mild and nutty with a beautifully light texture. It’s perfect for those who want the taste of whole wheat without the heaviness.
For a heartier loaf, you can increase the whole wheat up to 30% with additional water (see recipe below). However, I think this particular recipe and method is the perfect starting point. Try it and see for yourself!
Sample Baking Schedule
TIP: Whole wheat doughs tend to rise faster than white doughs, especially in warm weather. To avoid over proofed dough, I like to make this recipe in the afternoon (usually between 2-3 PM) when I know I’ll be home to incorporate the stretch and fold technique. The dough is shaped and baked the following morning.
- 2:00 PM: Mix the dough/Rest for 1 hour
- 3:00 PM: 1st Stretch and Fold
- 3:30 PM: 2nd Stretch and Fold
- 4:00 PM: 3rd Stretch and Fold
- 4:30 PM: 4th Stretch and Fold
- 5:00 PM: Bulk rise for 2-3 hrs @ 75- 78 F
- 7:00 or 8:00 PM: Cover and chill the bowl overnight
- 6:00-8:00 AM (the following morning): Shape & Bake the dough
More Sourdough Bread Recipes to Try!
- Sourdough Bread: A Beginner’s Guide
- Sourdough Focaccia Bread (soft & fluffy!)
- Easy Sourdough Sandwich Bread
- Soft Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls
Light Whole Wheat Sourdough Bread
- Yield: 1 loaf
- Category: Sourdough Bread Recipes
- Method: Oven-Baked
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Description
An easy recipe for whole wheat sourdough bread that’s light and flavorful (not heavy and dense). Made with 20% whole wheat flour. The dough can be made in advance and baked the following day. Fantastic for sandwiches, crostini, and morning toast with jam.
Ingredients
- 50g bubbly, active sourdough starter (100% hydration)
- 350g – 375g warm water (80–85 F)* See note below
- 400g bread flour
- 100g whole wheat flour
- 9g fine sea salt
Notes & Substitutions
* Flour is like a sponge. Depending on the brand you’re using, it might not absorb all of the water. Start with 350g of water if you’re using a low protein bread flour, less than 12.7%.
For best results, use a scale to weigh your ingredients. If using measuring cups, please aerate the flour first, lightly spoon it into the cup, and then level off the excess with the back of a knife.
Instructions
Baking Schedule
Whole whether doughs tend to rise faster than white doughs, especially in warm weather. To avoid over proofed dough, I like to start mixing in the afternoon (usually between 2-3 PM) when I know I’ll be home to stretch and fold the dough. Please adjust your rise times based on temperature.
Make the Dough
Combine the sourdough starter and water in a large bowl. Add the flour and salt. Mix with a fork and then finish by hand to fully incorporate the flour. It will feel very wet and sticky. Cover with a damp towel or wrap and let rest for 1 hour on your countertop, returning to the bowl after the first 30 minutes to work the dough into a rough ball.
Bulk Rise with Stretch and Folds
After the dough has rested for 1 hour, do your first fold.
Gather a portion of the dough, stretch it upward, and fold it over toward the center of the bowl. Give the bowl a 1/4 turn and repeat 3 more times, stretch and folding the dough to come full circle around the bowl (4 folds = 1 set). If the dough still feels slack after the 1st set, do an additional 4 folds around the bowl to tighten the dough.
For best results, do 4 sets total spaced 30 minutes apart resting the covered dough in a warm spot in between each set (see tip below). Notice how the dough will tighten after the 4th set. See video for technique.
When finished with the folds, cover the bowl and continue the bulk rise (untouched) at 75-78 F for about for 2-3 hours. The dough is ready when it has almost doubled in size. Wrap and chill the whole bowl overnight; the dough will continue to rise only slightly in the fridge when the dough is warm.
How to Create Warm Spot for Bread Dough: Preheat your home oven to the lowest setting for 30- 45 seconds and then shut it off. Place the covered bowl of dough inside to bulk up. The temperature should be 75-78 F and no higher than 80 F. Use an oven thermometer (and common sense) to keep track of the temperature. Dough that is too warm will become wet, sticky, and a tricky to work with. Alternatively, use a proofing box.
Shape the Dough
The following morning, make sure the dough has doubled in size. If not, give it more time to bulk up, if needed. This is important to build strength.
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 cold dough onto a floured surface. Let rest for 10-15 minutes to take some of the chill off. Shape the dough into a loose ball using the envelope technique. Starting at the top of the dough, stretch and fold it over toward the center. Then stretch and fold the bottom of the dough toward the center. Repeat on the left side…and then the right side. Using a bench knife, scoop up the dough and flip it over so the smooth side is 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 with the cloth overhang.
Second Rise
Rest in the warm spot you used earlier 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. The dough should not be very cold prior to baking.
Preheat your oven to 450 towards the tail end of the second rise.
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
Bake the dough on the center rack for 20 minutes, covered. Remove the lid, and continue to bake for 40 minutes and golden brown.
When finished, transfer to a wire rack. Cool for 1 hour before slicing, for best texture.
Keywords: Whole wheat flour, King Arthur Flour, Dutch oven, whole wheat sourdough, easy sourdough recipe, simple sourdough, beginner sourdough bread
Comments
Jessica Knight says
I have played around with this recipe for a while now. I do preheat to 450 and bake at 400. 20 minutes with the lid on, and about 30-35 with the lid off. I also personally like the water around 330 grams. I had been adding whole wheat to the regular sour dough recipe but love the result of this much more. Thanks!!
★★★★★
Lil says
This was the first time I’ve ever made sourdough bread. Let me start by saying that the recipe was well written and easy to follow so thanks for that. My husband is the bread maker in the family and getting a compliment from him on my baking is no small thing. He LOVED this bread. This recipe is a keeper. Thanks for sharing it!
★★★★★
Laura says
This is currently my go to recipe. It’s a really nice tasty bread, the schedule is idea for my lifestyle, it’s super easy but yet covers all the bases for a good sourdough bread, stretch & folds, overnight CR, etc. Perfect loaf for seed additions, too.
★★★★★
Michelle says
Great recipe!! So delicious
★★★★★
Mary Lou Itel says
Can I use a standard bread pan instead and skip the Dutch oven method?
Charlie says
Hi – I have made this recipe a few times and it comes out great, except that the bottom of the loaf burns a bit. I have used the oven and also the grill (since it’s too hot to use the oven). It’s obviously harder to control the heat using the grill, but the same thing happened in the oven. Should I try a lower heat and bake longer?
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Candice says
My loaf also had a burned bottom. I noticed the white sourdough recipe said to drop the oven temp to 400 after the first 20 minutes. I’m going to try that next time.
Renee says
The pan is too close to the heat source. Move your top oven rack up as high as you can and still be able to fit your Dutch oven (with lid).
Also place a cookie sheet on the lower rack between the heat source and Dutch oven. These will help you not burn the bottom of your bread.
Gitts says
I made this and it came out perfect! Awesome recipe from the site that taught me about sourdough
LeahP says
Hi Emilie,
Thank you for your sourdough starter and light sourdough bread recipes. I love the nutty note and the open crumb. I’m still working on the oven spring (which I dont get always and It’s my fan forced oven’s issue). I have to do some work arounds like oven temperature and best vessel to cover the dough while baking to have a perfect loaf however, your recipe is the best and the easiest ive tried and I am thankful I’ve came across your website and yes I will try Shannon’s tip too. Again, many thanks to you.
★★★★★
Nick says
Hello. I often find great advice online, but shamefully I rarely take time to comment and leave feedback.
On this occasion, however, I really felt compelled to say thanks and make a recommendation.
I baked my first sourdough loaf today (well, started yesterday, finished today!) and followed your recipe ‘to the letter’. The result, is nothing short of fantastic.
Whilst no part of the process is particularly complex, there are lots if steps and plenty of potential ‘banana skin’ moments for the novice throughout.
So, thank you, your recipe helped this beginner bake like an expert, and the video helped remove anxiety associated with traslating instruction into practice.
Highly recommended. Thank you :)
★★★★★
Farhaana says
Hi! Could you give me the measurements to increase the whole wheat to 30% ?
By the way, I’ve tried the recipe as is with great success :)
★★★★★
Michael Gallagher says
Hi there,
I followed your steps to the T, but my bread looks like a big cookie in the oven.
During the stretch and folds I could see the dough rising, but after the bulk rise of 3.5 hours it didn’t seem to double after that. So I threw it in the fridge. The house temperature as 72-75°F.
12 hours later I took the bread out of the fridge it was firm and naturally cold. Almost like a someone’s cheek on a winter’s day. In your video yours seemed very light and bouncy. What do you think happened?
Emilie Raffa says
Hi Michael! The dough needed more time to rise. Rise times can vary based on environmental temperature (the warmer it is the faster the dough will rise) and sourdough starter strength. Given that the dough didn’t double before you chilled it was the indicator. Next time, give it more time to rise at your current room temp Or use the tip (in the recipe) for creating a warm spot for the dough to rise. Both will help.
In comparison to my dough, it was bouncy because it was properly fermented and not cold- probably about 78 F or so.
Michael says
Thank you Emilie,
I’ll keep at it and give it a go. Thank you for the time to reach back out :)
★★★★★
Jessi says
Hi wonderful recipe . I ended up adding olives to one of the loaves during the first fold. I followed your sourdough add in recipes to add the olives in. Should I still rise for 2 hours then overnight in fridge ? I was guessing it was ok to continue to follow this recipe the same and just add in. Thanks so much I’ll let you know how it turns out
★★★★★
Emilie Raffa says
Hi Jessi! Yes, you are correct. For add ins, continue to follow the recipe here as written, adding more time as needed to the bulk rise (sometimes olives can weigh down the dough). Always watch the dough and not the clock!
Sondra says
Hi Emilie,
I’m wondering when the best time is for adding additional ingredients into the dough, such as seeds or herbs. Please advise and thank you!
Sondra
Emilie Raffa says
Hi Sonda! You can add them after the first 1 hour rest or during the 1 fold. Either one will work.
Nina Sarah says
Hi, I would like to ask if I still have to use unbleached bread flour or can I use regular bread flour? Thank you.
★★★★★
Emilie Raffa says
Hi Nina! Both unbleached or regular flour will work for this specific recipe, and bread baking in general (we tend to stay away from bleached flour when feeding a sourdough starter).
Shanon R. says
This was the first attempt at true sourdough bread that has ever worked for me. Thank you!
Tweaks:
1. I do not have a dutch oven or any oven proof container with a lid so I baked mine in two bread loaf pans stacked on top of each other and wrapped in foil. Worked beautifully!
2. I did not have whole wheat flour so instead of the 100g of whole wheat flour, I did a 80:20 mixture of rye flour to white flour instead. It worked and tastes great!
★★★★★
Emilie Raffa says
Shanon, this is excellent feedback. I love these tips, especially the bread pan hack. Thank you!
Lauren says
Made this for the first time today and was blown away! I was sure that it wouldn’t turn out because I hit a few snafus along the way… 1 – My dough seemed super, super wet early in the process so I used flour on my hands, instead of water to do the envelope folds, so I was a little nervous. 2 – My dough developed a little bit of a skin on it during the second day steps, so I kinda folded them in, but there were definite hard spots. Despite my issues, the bread was perfect! So so tasty, with a great texture. Thank you!
★★★★★
Emilie Raffa says
You’re welcome, Lauren! I’m so glad it worked out for you!
Cindy says
This was my very first sourdough bread. The directions were just what I needed as I had so many questions. Oh so good!!
★★★★★
Emilie Raffa says
Thanks so much Cindy!
Bernie Scott says
Are we supposed to preheat Dutch oven too? The video looks like we don’t!? Most recent pies I see say to preheat pan also. Thanks!
Emilie Raffa says
Bernie, it’s up to you. I used to preheat my Dutch oven in the past. But as I continued to bake, I stopped doing so (too many burnt wrists!). The results were comparable.
Liane Liora says
Hi Emilie! I have a whole wheat bread flour – should I purchase a white bread flour, and a regular whole wheat flour, to make this recipe rather than use the whole wheat bread flour in place of the whole wheat? Or just adjust the water? Thanks so much for your thoughts!
Melissa Abehsera says
I find this to be a excellent recipe and the steps are easy to follow.
Could you kindly gibe me the measurements in ounces and cups.
Would be extremely helpful.
Thank you
David Martin says
20% Whole Wheat does not make 80% White Flour “healthy”. Try making your bread with 100% Sprouted White Berry Whole Wheat or Sprouted Spelt flour. Now you have something truly healthy!
Natalie says
Hi! Do you have to put it in the fridge, or could you leave it out longer on the counter and bake it that night? Thanks!
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Emilie Raffa says
Hi Natalie! Yes, you most certainly can. Leave the dough to rise at room temperature and bake it later, when you’re ready.
Stacey Komarek says
This is a great recipe as all of your recipes are! Your book is my sourdough Bible!
★★★★★
Emilie Raffa says
Thank you Stacey! You are so very kind! If you’re feeling inspired, do join our live baking classes. Tons of fun!
Is says
Hi Emilie,
I have made this recipe quite a few times now and I love it! Thank you! I started with your beginner recipe and then went onto this which seems to work more consistently for me! I assume I am doing it all correctly as I love the texture but just wondered if it is supposed to be slightly sticky inside though not bad sticky? Either way it is good!