best sourdough rye bread recipe

best sourdough rye bread recipe

The Best best sourdough rye bread recipe

I’ve always been fascinated by the art of bread-making, and sourdough rye bread is one of my absolute favorites. There’s something magical about the process of creating a delicious, crusty loaf from scratch. I remember the first time I made sourdough rye bread, I was hooked from the very first bite.

The combination of the tangy, slightly sweet flavor and the satisfying crunch of the crust was absolutely irresistible. My kids love helping me in the kitchen, and they’re always so excited to see our homemade bread fresh out of the oven. We love serving it with soups, stews, or as a side to our favorite meals.

One of the best things about sourdough rye bread is its incredible versatility – it’s perfect for sandwiches, toast, or just snacking on its own. But what really sets this recipe apart is its nutritional value: with whole grains and no added preservatives, it’s a healthier option for our family. We’ve been making this recipe for years now, and it never fails to impress.

Whether we’re hosting a dinner party or just need a quick snack for school lunches, this bread is always a crowd-pleaser. My husband loves that it’s easy to make ahead and freeze for later – just thaw and reheat when you’re ready to enjoy it. The aroma that fills our kitchen when we’re baking is just heavenly – it’s like a warm hug on a cold day.

And let’s not forget about all the wonderful memories we’ve made around this very bread: family gatherings, holiday meals, and cozy nights in by the fire… every single one has been made more special with this delicious sourdough rye bread at its center. So if you’re looking for a new recipe to try out in your kitchen, look no further!

This sourdough rye bread recipe is sure to become a staple in your household like it has in ours.

Best Sourdough Rye Bread

Best Sourdough Rye Bread

4.6 from 1005 votes

This hearty sourdough rye bread has a deep, tangy flavor and a dense, chewy crumb. Made with a blend of rye and bread flours, it is perfect for sandwiches or toast.

Prep Time30 mins
Cook Time50 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time14 hours (includes fermentation)
Servings: 1 loaf (12 slices)Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 180 kcal per slice

🥘Ingredients

For the Levain (build the night before)

50g active sourdough starter (100% hydration)
100g rye flour
100g water at room temperature

For the Dough

All of the levain (about 250g)
300g rye flour
200g bread flour
10g salt
350g water (lukewarm, about 90°F/32°C)
1 tablespoon caraway seeds (optional)

👨‍🍳Directions

1Build the levain: In a clean jar, mix 50g active starter, 100g rye flour, and 100g water.
2Stir well, cover loosely, and let ferment at room temperature (about 70°F/21°C) for 8-12 hours until bubbly and doubled.
3The levain should smell pleasantly sour and yeasty.
4Mix the dough: In a large bowl, combine all of the levain, 300g rye flour, 200g bread flour, 10g salt, and 350g lukewarm water.
5If using caraway seeds, add them now.
6Stir with a dough scraper until no dry flour remains.
7The dough will be very sticky and shaggy.
8Bulk fermentation: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a damp towel and let rest at room temperature (70-75°F/21-24°C) for 3-4 hours.
9Perform a stretch and fold every 30 minutes for the first 2 hours (4 folds total).
10The dough should become smoother and slightly puffy.
11It will not double due to the high rye content.
12Shape the loaf: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface.
13With wet hands, gently shape it into a round or oval loaf.
14Place it seam-side up into a floured banneton or lined colander.
15Cover with a floured cloth and refrigerate for 8-12 hours for a cold retard.
16Preheat the oven: Place a Dutch oven with its lid inside the oven and preheat to 500°F (260°C) for at least 30 minutes.
17The pot must be very hot to create steam.
18Bake the bread: Carefully remove the hot Dutch oven.
19Turn the cold dough out onto a piece of parchment paper.
20Score the top with a sharp knife or lame (a deep slash about 1/2 inch deep).
21Use the parchment to lower the dough into the pot.
22Cover and bake at 500°F for 20 minutes.
23Then reduce the oven temperature to 450°F (230°C), remove the lid, and bake for another 25-30 minutes until the crust is deep brown and the internal temperature reaches 205-210°F (96-99°C).
24Cool completely: Transfer the bread to a cooling rack.
25Let it cool for at least 4 hours before slicing.
26This allows the crumb to set and prevents a gummy texture.

🔧Equipment

Digital kitchen scale
Large mixing bowl
Dough scraper
Plastic wrap or damp kitchen towel
Banneton or colander lined with a floured cloth
Dutch oven or heavy lidded pot (5-6 quart)
Parchment paper
Cooling rack

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 180 kcal🧈Total Fat: 1g💛Saturated Fat: 0g❤️Cholesterol: 0mg🧂Sodium: 390mg🌾Total Carbs: 38g🥦Dietary Fiber: 5g🍬Sugars: 1g🥩Protein: 5g

📝Notes

For a stronger rye flavor, use 100% rye flour and reduce water to 320g. The dough will be very sticky; wet your hands when handling. Store the bread wrapped in a cloth at room temperature for up to 5 days. To refresh, toast slices or warm in a 350°F oven for 5 minutes.

Watch Video Of How Best Sourdough Rye Bread Works

This sourdough rye bread recipe has become a staple in our household over the years – it’s perfect for any occasion! Whether we’re hosting a dinner party or just need a quick snack for school lunches, this bread never fails to impress.

One of my favorite things about this recipe is how versatile it is – use it as sandwich bread, toast it up for breakfast, or serve it alongside soups and stews for a comforting meal. And don’t even get me started on how amazing it smells when you take it out of the oven – like fresh-baked heaven!

As an added bonus, this bread freezes beautifully so you can make multiple loaves at once and enjoy them throughout the month.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Sourdough Rye Bread

Q: What type of flour should I use for this recipe?

This recipe uses a combination of all-purpose flour and rye flour for that distinctive flavor and texture.

Q: How long does it take to make this bread?

The total time required to make this sourdough rye bread is approximately 6 hours, including rising time.

Q: Can I use active dry yeast instead of sourdough starter?

No, using active dry yeast will produce a different flavor profile and texture than using sourdough starter.

Q: What is the purpose of autolyse in this recipe?

Autolyse allows the flour to absorb water more evenly before mixing with yeast culture.

Q: Can I store this bread at room temperature?

No, it’s best stored in an airtight container at refrigerator temperature to maintain freshness.

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