There’s something truly magical about baking during the holiday season, and my Christmas sourdough bread is a shining star on my festive table. The aroma of warm, freshly baked bread wafting through the house instantly brings a cozy, welcoming atmosphere that makes every gathering feel special. I still remember the first time I made this bread; it was a chilly December afternoon, and my kitchen was filled with the sweet scents of cinnamon and nutmeg. Trust me, there’s nothing quite like breaking bread with family and friends, sharing stories, and savoring the flavors of the season. This recipe is not just about the deliciousness of the bread, but the warmth and joy it brings to your holiday celebrations. So, grab your apron and let’s dive into making this festive treat that will surely impress everyone at your Christmas gatherings!
Ingredients List
- 500g bread flour: This is the backbone of your sourdough, giving it that wonderful structure.
- 350ml water: You’ll want room temperature water to help activate the yeast in your starter.
- 100g sourdough starter: Make sure it’s bubbly and active for the best rise!
- 10g salt: This not only adds flavor but also strengthens the dough.
- 100g dried cranberries: They add a lovely sweetness and festive color.
- 50g walnuts, chopped: For a delightful crunch and nutty flavor!
- 1 tsp cinnamon: A warm spice that brings holiday cheer.
- 1 tsp nutmeg: It adds depth and warmth to the flavor profile.
How to Prepare Christmas Sourdough Bread
Mixing the Ingredients
First things first, let’s get those ingredients in a bowl! In a large mixing bowl, combine the 500g bread flour, 350ml water, and 100g sourdough starter. Use a sturdy spatula or your hands to mix everything until you have a shaggy dough. You want it to be well combined, but don’t worry about getting it perfectly smooth just yet. The consistency should be slightly sticky; if it’s too dry, you can add a splash more water. Trust me, the texture will come together beautifully in the next steps!
Incorporating Add-Ins
Now it’s time to add in the festive flair! Sprinkle in 10g salt, 100g dried cranberries, 50g chopped walnuts, 1 tsp cinnamon, and 1 tsp nutmeg. Gently fold these ingredients into your dough until they’re evenly distributed. The cranberries will give a pop of sweetness, while the walnuts add that delightful crunch. Oh, and don’t even get me started on the warm, cozy aroma from the spices—it’s like Christmas in a bowl!
Kneading the Dough
Time to work that dough! Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes. You’re looking for a smooth, elastic texture. A good way to check if it’s ready is to perform the “windowpane test”: pull a small piece of dough apart gently. If it stretches without tearing, you’re golden! If it breaks, keep kneading a bit longer. Feel free to sprinkle a little flour on your work surface if it’s sticking.
Rising and Folding
Once your dough is kneaded to perfection, place it in a lightly oiled bowl and cover it with a damp cloth or plastic wrap. Let it rise for about 4 hours. Here’s a little secret: every hour, gently fold the dough over itself a couple of times. This helps develop structure and strength, which is crucial for that lovely rise we all want in our bread!
Shaping and Proofing
After the initial rise, gently turn your dough out onto a floured surface. Shape it into a round loaf by tucking the edges into the center. Place it seam-side down in a proofing basket (or bowl lined with a floured towel) and cover it again. Let it proof for about 2 hours. This is where the magic happens, and the dough will puff up beautifully!
Baking the Bread
Now, let’s get that oven preheated! Set it to 220°C (428°F). Once it’s hot, carefully flip your proofed dough onto a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Bake for 30 minutes, then reduce the temperature to 200°C (392°F) and bake for another 15 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the crust is golden brown and it sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. Let it cool on a wire rack before slicing, and oh boy, the aroma will be irresistible!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for a slice of my delicious Christmas sourdough bread: around 180 calories, 5g of fat, 6g of protein, and 30g of carbohydrates. It also contains about 2g of sugar and 150mg of sodium. Keep in mind that these values are approximate and can vary based on your specific ingredients!
FAQ Section
Can I use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour? While you can, using bread flour gives your Christmas sourdough bread that lovely chewy texture. All-purpose flour may work, but the results won’t be quite as delightful.
How do I know if my sourdough starter is active? Your starter should be bubbly and double in size within a few hours of feeding. If it’s not rising, give it a little more time or feed it again!
Can I add other fruits or nuts? Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with other dried fruits like apricots or different nuts. Just keep the overall weight similar to maintain the bread’s balance.
What should I do if my dough is too sticky? If your dough feels overly sticky, sprinkle a little more flour while kneading. Just be careful not to add too much, as it can affect the final texture.
How should I store my Christmas sourdough bread? Store it in a bread bag at room temperature for up to a few days. For longer storage, slice and freeze it—just toast or warm it up when you’re ready to enjoy!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s a quick and straightforward recipe that brings festive cheer to your table.
- The delightful combination of cranberries and walnuts creates a burst of flavor in every bite.
- Homemade sourdough bread fills your home with an irresistible aroma that sets the holiday mood.
- Sharing a loaf with family and friends adds warmth and joy to your gatherings.
- Each slice is a delicious reminder of the love and effort you put into your baking!
Tips for Success
To ensure your Christmas sourdough bread turns out perfectly, here are some pro tips! First, always use a bubbly and active sourdough starter; this is crucial for a good rise. When measuring flour, spoon it into your measuring cup and level it off to avoid packing it down. If your dough feels too wet, a little extra flour during kneading can help, but don’t go overboard! Also, remember that every kitchen is different—factors like humidity can affect your dough. Trust your instincts: if it looks and feels right, you’re on the right track. Happy baking!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your Christmas sourdough bread fresh, store it in a breathable bread bag or wrapped in a clean kitchen towel at room temperature. This helps maintain its crusty exterior while keeping the inside soft. If you have leftovers, you can slice the bread and freeze it in an airtight container for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply toast or warm the slices in the oven for that fresh-baked taste!
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Christmas Sourdough Bread: 5 Steps to Festive Perfection
- Total Time: 5 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 1 large loaf 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A festive sourdough bread perfect for Christmas gatherings.
Ingredients
- 500g bread flour
- 350ml water
- 100g sourdough starter
- 10g salt
- 100g dried cranberries
- 50g walnuts, chopped
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp nutmeg
Instructions
- Mix the flour, water, and sourdough starter in a bowl.
- Add salt, cranberries, walnuts, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Knead the dough until smooth.
- Let the dough rise for 4 hours, folding it every hour.
- Shape the dough and place it in a proofing basket.
- Let it proof for 2 hours.
- Preheat the oven to 220°C (428°F).
- Bake for 30 minutes, then lower the temperature to 200°C (392°F) for another 15 minutes.
- Cool on a wire rack before slicing.
Notes
- Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor.
- Store in a bread bag to keep it fresh.
- Experiment with different nuts or spices if desired.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Christmas sourdough bread, holiday bread, festive bread
