Sourdough Boule
Scott Heimendinger
September 21, 2021
Steam does magic things to bread. It delays the crust formation so the bread can expand with an open, airy crumb, and it delivers heat to the loaf more quickly.
With the Anova Precision Oven, you don't have to go to great lengths to get steam into your baking process. With constant steam during baking, you'll finally get the oven spring and rich, dark brown crust you've been chasing. Start with your favorite high-hydration sourdough or no-knead recipe with these oven settings for the best bread you've ever baked at home.
Notes: Timing for this recipe may vary according to your bread recipe. Proceed to the dry baking stage when the crust is set and the loaf has stopped expanding. Let the bread cook in dry heat until it has browned and crisped to your liking.
Serves
4
Prep Time
36:00
Cook Time
00:30
4.82 (11)
19871
Ingredients
1 (700 to 800g; 1 1/2- to 2-pound) batch
sourdough bread dough, proofed, shaped, and ready to score and bake
Steps
1. Preheat Oven and Baking Surface
Rack
Place a cast iron griddle, large cast iron skillet, baking steel, or baking stone on the lowest wire rack position and turn on the oven.
Sous Vide Mode: Off
Steam: 100%
Temp: 482°F
Heat: Rear
2. Turn Loaf Onto Parchment
Carefully flip the proofed dough out onto a sheet of parchment paper.
3. Score
Use a lame or sharp knife to score the loaf in your preferred pattern.
4. Steam Bake
Rack
Immediately after scoring, use a peel to carefully move the loaf and parchment onto the griddle inside the oven. Use care to keep hands away from the hot steam and oven walls during transfer. Bake at full steam until the crust is set and the loaf has stopped expanding, about 20 minutes (see note).
Sous Vide Mode: Off
Steam: 100%
Temp: 482°F
Heat: Rear
00:20 Timer
5. Let Oven Adjust for Browning Stage
Rack
Continue to bake the bread without steam until browned and crusty, about 10 minutes (see note). If you’d like, you can crack the oven door for 5 to 10 seconds to release steam at the beginning of this stage.
Sous Vide Mode: Off
Steam: Off
Temp: 401°F
Heat: Rear
00:10 Timer
6. Remove and Rest
Use a peel to carefully remove the baked loaf from the oven. Let the bread sit at least 30 minutes before slicing.
7. Slice
Use a sharp bread knife to slice the bread, taking care not to crush its top.
8. Serve
Spread the bread slices with butter and finishing salt. Enjoy!
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