1. Pain de Campagne (French Country Bread)
Formula (1 large round, ~900 g baked weight)
400 g bread flour
100 g whole wheat flour
50 g rye flour
375 g water (75% hydration)
10 g salt
150 g active starter (100% hydration)
Method
Autolyse (6:00 am): Mix flours + 350 g water. Rest 45 min.
Mix (6:45 am): Add starter, salt, and remaining 25 g water. Mix.
Bulk Fermentation (7:00 am–5:30 pm): Stretch & fold every 30–45 min for first 2 hrs. Rest.
Shape (6:00 pm): Shape into a boule or bâtard. Place in banneton.
Cold Proof (overnight): Refrigerate 12–14 hrs.
Bake (next morning): 20 min covered at 230°C (450°F), 25 min uncovered.
2. Sourdough Ciabatta
Formula (2 loaves, ~1.1 kg dough)
500 g bread flour
400 g water (80% hydration)
10 g salt
150 g active starter (100% hydration)
Method
Mix (6:00 am): Combine all ingredients into a shaggy dough.
Bulk Fermentation (6:15 am–2:15 pm): 8 hrs total. Perform 3–4 stretch & folds during first 2 hrs. The dough should be very loose.
Shape (2:30 pm): Gently transfer to a floured surface, cut into 2 rectangles. Avoid deflating.
Proof (2:30–4:30 pm): Cover and let rest at room temp.
Bake (4:30 pm): Bake on preheated stone/steel at 240°C (465°F) for 20–25 min.
3. Sourdough Brioche
Formula (1 loaf, ~900 g baked weight)
350 g bread flour
100 g all-purpose flour
150 g active starter (100% hydration)
50 g sugar
8 g salt
4 eggs (200 g)
150 g unsalted butter (softened, cubed)
Method
Mix (evening, 7:00 pm): Combine flours, starter, sugar, salt, and eggs. Mix until dough forms. Slowly incorporate butter until smooth.
Bulk Fermentation (7:30–11:30 pm): Let rise 4 hrs at room temp, folding occasionally.
Cold Proof (overnight): Refrigerate 12–16 hrs.
Shape (next day, morning): Shape into loaf tin or braid.
Final Proof (2–4 hrs): Until doubled.
Bake (midday): 180°C (355°F) for 30–35 min until golden.