Bake the first twenty minutes lid-on in a preheated Dutch oven so the loaf's own steam sets a supple skin that can spring, then pull the lid to crisp and color the crust.
By Vince Gonzalez · Published July 2026 · Sourcing verified 5 Jul 2026
Prep45 min plus 18 hr ferment
Cook45 min
MakesOne boule
CuisineAmerican
Cost$
Vegan
Contains gluten
Make it gluten-free: swap in a gluten-free flour blend (check the other labels too).
The Ingredients — and where to get them
Cook for4servings
Bread flour
450g
3.5 cups
Local / market
Whole wheat flour
50g
1/3 cup
Local / market
Water
375g
1.5 cups
Local / market
Active sourdough starter
100g
1/2 cup
Local / market
Fine salt
10g
1.75 tsp
Local / market
The Rundown
Greedometer●●●●●Squeaky clean
About as virtuous as dinner gets. · plan ahead — needs marinating, soaking, or resting time
EffortA project
Cook it with
Air fryerOne-potSheet pan
The Method
Mix flours and water and rest 45 minutes, then add starter and salt and squeeze together.1 hr
Over the next four hours, stretch and fold the dough every 30 minutes until it holds shape.4 hr
Preshape, bench rest 20 minutes, then shape into a taut boule and refrigerate overnight in a floured banneton.12 hr
Preheat a Dutch oven at 500F. Score the cold loaf, drop it in, cover, and bake 20 minutes.20 min
Uncover, drop to 460F, and bake until the crust is deep brown. Cool fully before slicing.25 min
Can you make Sourdough Boule in an air fryer? — Yes
Yes — bake it in a small pan or dish that fits the basket, at about 25°F below the recipe temperature. Air fryers run hot and fast, so check it early; no flipping needed.
Can you freeze Sourdough Boule? — Yes
Yes — freeze it well-wrapped, then reheat or toast straight from frozen. Frost or glaze after thawing.
Can you make Sourdough Boule ahead of time? — Yes
Yes — bake it a day or two ahead; it keeps well-wrapped at room temperature and freezes cleanly. Add any frosting or glaze close to serving.
Is Sourdough Boule gluten-free? — Not as written
Not as written — it contains gluten. Make it gluten-free: swap in a gluten-free flour blend (check the other labels too).
Is Sourdough Boule vegan? — Yes
Yes — no meat, seafood, dairy, egg, or honey in it as written.
Community Notes
Cooked it? Changed something that worked? Leave a note for the next person — first-name basis, no account.