Go Back
–+ servings
Print Recipe

Light Whole Wheat Sourdough Bread

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.
Course: Bread
Cuisine: American
Keyword: bread, sourdough, wheat
Servings: 1 Loaf
Author: asclavijo

Ingredients

  • 75 g bubbly active sourdough starter (100% hydration)
  • 350 g – 375g warm water 80–85 F* See note below
  • 400 g bread flour
  • 100 g whole wheat flour
  • 9 g fine sea salt

Instructions

Baking Schedule

  • Whole wheat 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.
  • 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.
    NOTE: I started leaving the bowl in the fridge for 2 nights - baking on the 3rd day. This has yielded a deeper 'sourdough' flavor.
  • 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 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 25 minutes, covered. Remove the lid, reduce heat to 400 degrees, and continue to bake for 20 minutes. The loaf should reach 204 degrees internal temp and appear golden brown.
  • When finished, transfer to a wire rack. Cool for 1 hour before slicing, for best texture.

Notes

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