Really proud of my first loaf. GREAT flavor and crust and hope someone can suggest ways to make a less tight crumb.

Process notes:
Two month old starter (super active)
100 grams starter
70% hydration bread flour
Four stretch and folds @30 minutes ea.
Rise at room temperature four hours.
Overnight in the fridge.
Baked in the Dutch oven covered for 25 and uncovered for 15.

YOU are the experts! Thanks for any suggestions you may have.

by Professional_Fix_223

15 Comments

  1. spiced_tader_tot

    Honestly it looks better then my first loaf mine was gummy

  2. No-Chemistry1816

    My only suggestion is to eat as much of it as you can before anybody else catches on! Congratulations.

  3. Velociraptor1489

    My main suggestion on your FIRST LOAF is to pat yourself on the back because you absolutely crushed it.

  4. HighwayEffective6865

    Whip some salted butter and honey together. Toast a slice, spread it on and sprinkle with a little sea salt and lemon zest.

  5. Puzzleheaded-Visit-9

    Suggestions? Replicate exactly that and you keep doing that haha. Amazing work OP!

  6. BiAceBookworm

    I think the best thing you can do for yourself right now is try to make at least a couple more loaves that turn out as well as your first loaf did so you can establish some consistency with your bakes first before you start worrying about making any significant changes.

  7. Confident-Patient976

    My first loaf looked like yours and I heard that’s way better than others! I didn’t fold and stretch mine enough, or let it bulk rise long enough. 

    I’m trying that on my second loaf and it seems to be better. 

    Also I used my sour dough starter (the first time) after I rose and fell & this time I used it at the perfect rise.

    I would google “what should my sour dough look like before I bake it?” And keep playing with it until it looks like that – slow recoil, wiggly, etc

    Good luck! 

  8. That looks perfect, I guess you want the look of a more hydrated crumb?

  9. Original_Clerk3947

    Suggestion: eat this entire loaf right now.

    Well done!

  10. Classic_Ad_7733

    Excellent work! Looks absolutely delicious!

  11. VictoryComplete4690

    Everybody always post their loaf and they look like a work of art.
    My first was horrible

  12. NepalesePasta

    Do you think anything about it requires improvement?

  13. royalfarris

    That looks like perfection. Work on replicating that and you’re fine.