This Honey Walnut Sourdough Bread Recipe comes together in about 60 minutes and is all about the hands-on mixing and kneading method for a quick and easy weeknight dinner that your family will love! Switch up the nuts or even add dried fruit to suit your taste or use this as a clean-out-the-fridge meal; it’s such a great way to get rid of those bits and bobs lying around!
Ingredients Breakdown
- 100 grams sourdough starter (1/2 cup)
- 100 grams honey (scant 1/3 cup)
- 330 grams water (1 1/4 cups + 2 Tablespoons)
- 500 grams bread flour (3 1/2 cups)
- 12 grams salt (2 teaspoons)
- 90 grams walnuts (3/4 cup)
- 4 grams cinnamon (2 teaspoons)
How to Make Honey Walnut Sourdough Bread
Step 1: Make the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine the sourdough starter, honey, and water. Stir until well mixed, the honey can be a little sticky, but that’s part of the charm! Then, slowly add in the bread flour and salt, mixing until there are no dry bits left. The dough will feel sticky, but don’t worry; that’s the sign you’re on the right track!
Step 2: Stretch and Folds
After about 30 minutes of rest, you’ll need to do a series of “stretch and folds.” This means pulling the dough up and folding it over itself, turning the bowl a quarter turn each time, for a total of 4 times. You’ll start to notice the texture changing, it should feel a little more elastic!
Step 3: Bulk Fermentation
Cover your bowl with a clean kitchen towel and let it rest at room temperature for about 2-3 hours, or until it has doubled in size. Depending on your kitchen’s warmth, this might take a little more or less time. Don’t rush it! You want that lovely fermentation to really develop flavor.
Step 4: Pre-Shape
Once your dough has doubled, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently form it into a round shape without knocking out all that precious air we’ve built up. Just a few folds will do the trick! Leave it to rest for about 20 minutes to relax.
Step 5: Final Shape
Now it’s time to shape it properly! You can shape it like a round loaf or a batard (that’s an oval-shaped loaf, in case you didn’t know). If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even do a fancy braid! Whatever shape you choose, make sure the seams are tucked underneath for a smooth top.
Step 6: Cold Proof
Place your shaped loaf in a lightly floured proofing basket (or a bowl lined with a floured towel) and cover it. Let it cold-proof in your fridge for about 12-24 hours. This long, slow fermentation will develop a deeper flavor, and trust me, you’ll be glad you took the time.
Step 7: Score
When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C) with a baking stone or a Dutch oven inside. While it’s heating up, take your loaf out of the fridge and gently flip it onto parchment paper. Using a sharp knife or lame, score the top of your bread; this helps it expand as it bakes. Plus, it gives it that signature sourdough look!
Step 8: Bake
If you’re using a Dutch oven, carefully remove it from the oven and place your loaf (on the parchment) inside be careful, it’s HOT! Cover it with the lid and bake for 30 minutes. After that, remove the lid and bake for another 15-20 minutes until the crust is deeply golden brown. Your kitchen will soon smell like a bakery!
Why I Love This Recipe
This is my go-to recipe when I want to impress my family without spending the whole day in the kitchen. I love how comforting and versatile it is, not to mention how it fills the house with such an amazing aroma! I’m a real sucker for that crunchy crust contrasted with the fluffy, flavorful interior. The best part? You can use whatever you’ve got on hand. One time I even threw in some dried cranberries boom, holiday vibes!
If you loved this recipe, be sure to check out my S’mores Sourdough Bread, my Sourdough Blueberry Buckle, or my Chocolate chip sourdough scones!
Why This Recipe Works
Quick & Easy
The beauty of this Honey Walnut Sourdough Bread Recipe is that even though it has several steps, the actual hands-on time is relatively minimal. You can prep it, stick it in the fridge, and go about your day!
Customizable
One of the best features of sourdough bread is its versatility. Feel free to swap out the walnuts for whatever nuts or seeds you have lying around. Throw in some dried fruits, or even fresh herbs for a totally different flavor profile!
Budget-Friendly
With just a handful of ordinary ingredients, you’re creating lavish bread that tastes like it came from a fancy bakery. You’ll be surprised how easy it is to make this stunning bread right at home without breaking the bank.
Crowd-Pleaser
I can’t tell you the number of times I’ve made this treat, and every single time, it disappears FAST! It’s the perfect companion to soups, salads, or even just toasted with a bit of butter. Your entire family will love it!
Comfort Food
Let’s face it, there’s something about the smell of freshly baked bread that just warms your soul. This recipe is loaded with tons of flavor and will feel like a warm hug from someone you love. Plus, nothing says “I love you” quite like homemade bread!
Serving and Storage Tips
Serving Suggestions
This Honey Walnut Sourdough Bread is fantastic on its own, but if you want to jazz things up, try pairing it with herbed butter, a cheese platter, or even use it for some killer sandwiches!
Storage
Once it’s cooled completely, you can store your bread wrapped in a cloth or in a paper bag at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer freshness, slice it and store it in an airtight container in the fridge.
Reheating Instructions
To revive the crustiness, simply pop slices in a toaster or warm the whole loaf in your oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. You’ll get that crunchy crust back, and you can enjoy it like it’s fresh out of the oven!
Freezer Friendly
Yes! You can freeze this sourdough bread easily. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil, and it’ll be good for up to 3 months. Just remember to slice it first, so you can grab pieces whenever you want!
This Honey Walnut Sourdough Bread is more than just a recipe; it’s an invitation to slow down, enjoy, and connect with those around you. So go ahead, give it a try, and watch how it transforms your next meal into something special! Happy baking! Follow us on Pinterest for daily baking inspiration that brings warmth to your table!
Honey Walnut Sourdough Bread
Ingredients
Method
- Combine the sourdough starter, honey, and water in a large mixing bowl and stir until well mixed.
- Slowly add the bread flour and salt, mixing until there are no dry bits left.
- Let the dough rest for about 30 minutes, then perform a series of stretch and folds.
- Cover the bowl and let it rest at room temperature for 2-3 hours or until doubled in size.
- Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and gently form it into a round shape.
- Allow it to rest for about 20 minutes.
- Shape the dough into a loaf, ensuring seams are tucked underneath.
- Place the shaped loaf in a proofing basket and cover it. Let it cold-proof in the fridge for 12-24 hours.
- Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). Score the top of your bread.
- Place in the Dutch oven and bake for 30 minutes covered, then 15-20 minutes uncovered until golden brown.