The Ultimate Bread Machine Sourdough Guide

Sourdough Without the Fuss: Let the Machine Do the Work

I still remember the first time I baked sourdough in a bread machine. A neighbor, skeptical as all get-out, told me, “Drew, sourdough’s meant for hands-on bakers, not buttons and beeps!” Well, challenge accepted.

Turns out, the right blend of quality flour, a lively starter, and a few smart tweaks can turn a bread machine into a mini bakery.

If you love the taste of real sourdough but don’t have time to knead and babysit a dough ball all day, this is for you. This guide will walk you through making a rustic, tangy sourdough loaf—no kneading, no fuss, just a perfect crust and chewy crumb at the press of a button.

We’ll be using Early Bird Farm & Mill’s Sourdough Bread Blend for that authentic texture and depth of flavor. The natural fermentation in this recipe enhances digestibility and brings out a complex, slightly nutty taste—something you won’t get from store-bought loaves.

As Peter Reinhart, master baker and author, once said:
“Time and fermentation do what no amount of kneading can achieve.”

And thanks to a bread machine, time is the only thing you need to wait on.

Ready to get started? Let’s bake.

Classic Artisan Bread Machine Sourdough – Ingredients

Dough Ingredients

• 3 cups Early Bird Farm & Mill Sourdough Bread Blend – This custom blend delivers a crisp crust and chewy interior.
• 1 1/4 cups lukewarm water – Warmed to 110°F for optimal yeast activation.
• 1/4 cup active sourdough starter – Should be bubbly and ready to go.
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt – Enhances flavor and dough structure.

Equipment

• Bread machine
• Mixing bowl (for starter prep, if needed)
• Baking sheet (if you choose to finish in the oven)
• Wire rack for cooling

Classic Artisan Bread Machine Sourdough – Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep Your Starter (If Needed)

If your sourdough starter isn’t bubbly and active, feed it at least 4-6 hours before baking:

• Mix ½ cup flour, ¼ cup water, and ½ cup starter.
• Let it sit at room temperature until doubled in size with visible bubbles.

Step 2: Load the Bread Machine

Each bread machine is a little different, so follow the order recommended by your manufacturer. Typically, the best order is:

• Lukewarm water goes in first.
• Sourdough starter is added next.
• Early Bird Farm & Mill Sourdough Bread Blend goes on top.
• Salt is the final addition (keep it away from the starter to avoid interfering with fermentation).

Step 3: Start the Dough Cycle

• Select the “Dough” cycle on your bread machine.
• Let the machine mix, knead, and proof the dough.
• This step usually takes 1.5 to 2 hours.
• When finished, check if the dough has doubled in size.

Step 4: Shape and Final Rise

• Gently remove the dough and shape it into a round or oval loaf.
• Place it on a parchment-lined surface and cover loosely.
• Let it rise at room temperature for 1-2 hours until it looks puffy.

Step 5: Choose Your Baking Method

Bread Machine Baking (Fully Hands-Off)

• Return the dough to the bread pan.
• Select the “Bake” setting on your machine.
• Let it bake until golden brown (about 1 hour).

Oven Baking (For a Crisper Crust)

• Preheat the oven to 450°F (232°C).
• Place the risen dough on a baking sheet or in a Dutch oven.
• Score the top with a sharp knife for that classic sourdough look.
• Bake for 25-30 minutes until the crust is deep golden brown.

Step 6: Cool and Enjoy

• Remove the bread from the pan and place it on a wire rack.
• Let it cool for at least 1 hour before slicing—this helps the crumb set properly.
• Slice, slather with butter, and enjoy every bite!

Bringing Your Bread to Life: Texture, Tips & Serving Ideas

What to Expect from Your Loaf

• Crust – Deep golden brown with a crisp, crackling sound when you tap it.
• Crumb – Soft, slightly chewy, and full of tiny, irregular air pockets.
• Flavor – Mildly tangy with a rich, nutty depth, thanks to natural fermentation.

How to Store & Enjoy Your Sourdough

• Best the first day with butter or drizzled in olive oil.
• Store in a bread box or paper bag to keep the crust crisp (avoid plastic bags—they make the crust chewy).
• Refresh slices by toasting or warming in the oven at 325°F for 5-7 minutes.

The Joy of Effortless Sourdough Baking

Baking sourdough in a bread machine gives you the best of both worlds—the depth of flavor from natural fermentation and the convenience of modern technology. With the right ingredients, a little patience, and a few simple tweaks, you can create an artisan-quality loaf without spending hours kneading and tending to dough.

By using Early Bird Farm & Mill’s Sourdough Bread Blend, you get the perfect balance of structure, chew, and crust—all with the push of a button.

Now, it’s your turn! Give this recipe a try and share your masterpiece with us on Instagram. Tag #EarlyBirdFarm so we can celebrate your sourdough success together.

Happy baking, and may your bread always rise!

FAQs

Classic Artisan Sourdough Loaf (Bread Machine Version)

This beginner-friendly sourdough recipe is adapted for a bread machine, making it even easier to achieve a rustic, flavorful loaf with minimal hands-on effort. Using Early Bird Farm & Mill’s Sourdough Bread Blend, this recipe delivers a crisp crust and chewy crumb with the convenience of automatic mixing and baking.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 2 hours hrs

Total Time 4 hours hrs

Course Bread

Cuisine Baking

Servings 1 loaf

Equipment

• Bread Machine
• Mixing Bowl
• Baking Sheet (if baking in the oven)
• Wire Rack

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

Dough Ingredients

• 3 cups Early Bird Farm & Mill Sourdough Bread Blend Feature ingredient
• 1 1/4 cups lukewarm water Warm to 110°F for best yeast activation
• 1/4 cup active sourdough starter Should be bubbly and active
• 1 1/2 tsp salt

Instructions

 

• If your starter is not active, feed it by combining 1/2 cup flour, 1/4 cup water, and 1/2 cup starter. Mix and let sit at room temperature for 4-6 hours until bubbly.
• In the order recommended by your bread machine manufacturer, add the lukewarm water, sourdough starter, Sourdough Bread Blend, and salt into the bread pan.
• Set your bread machine to the “Dough” cycle. Let the machine mix and knead the dough. Once the cycle is complete (typically 1.5 to 2 hours), check if the dough has doubled in size.
• Remove the dough from the bread machine, shape it into a round or oval loaf, and place it on a parchment-lined surface. Cover and let rise for 1-2 hours until puffy.
• For a fully machine-baked loaf, return the dough to the bread pan and select the “Bake” setting, allowing the machine to bake the bread.
• For a crispier crust, preheat the oven to 450°F (232°C). Place the risen dough on a baking sheet or in a Dutch oven. Score the top and bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
• Remove the bread from the pan and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 1 hour before slicing.

Notes

For a more robust sourdough flavor, extend the second rise time before baking. Store the bread in a paper bag or bread box for the best texture.

Keyword Beginner-friendly, Bread Machine, sourdough

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