Sourdough Croissant Bread Recipe: Simple and Delicious

Name: Sourdough Croissant Bread Recipe
Prep time: 2 h
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 14 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 500 grams Bread flour; 1/2 cup unsalted cold butter (grated); 350 grams cold water; 60 grams active sourdough starter; 1.5 tsp salt

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If you love sourdough bread and croissants, this Sourdough Croissant Bread recipe is your dream come true! This easy-to-make loaf combines the tangy flavor of sourdough with the rich, flaky layers of a croissant, resulting in a decadent bread that’s perfect for breakfast or as a side dish. With a buttery, soft texture and a golden-brown crust, it’s the ideal bread to enjoy with jam, Nutella, or simply more butter. Let’s dive into the recipe and discover how to create this mouth-watering treat.

Why You’ll Love This Sourdough Croissant Bread

This recipe strikes the perfect balance between the ease of making sourdough and the indulgence of a croissant. It’s an ideal choice for both beginner and experienced bakers, featuring simple ingredients like active sourdough starter, flour, butter, and salt. Unlike traditional croissants, which require complex techniques like layering dough and butter, this recipe simplifies the process without compromising on flavor or texture. The result is a beautifully flaky, soft loaf that you’ll want to make over and over again.

Ingredients

To make this delightful sourdough croissant bread, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• Bread flour: Provides the perfect texture for a soft and chewy crumb.
• Unsalted cold butter: Adds a rich, buttery flavor and flaky texture.
• Cold water: Helps to keep the butter from melting, ensuring a flaky loaf.
• Active sourdough starter: Provides the tangy, fermented flavor that makes sourdough bread so special.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the bread.

Alternative Ingredient Suggestions

If you’re looking to tweak the recipe, here are some suggestions for ingredient substitutions:

• Whole wheat flour: Swap some or all of the bread flour for whole wheat flour for a heartier loaf.
• Vegan butter: For a dairy-free option, use a high-quality plant-based butter in place of the regular butter.
• Instant yeast: If you don’t have a sourdough starter, you can substitute active dry yeast for a quicker rise.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Dough: Begin by mixing the flour, cold water, sourdough starter, and salt in a large bowl. Stir until a soft, pliable dough forms. Let the dough rest for about 45 minutes to one hour.

Stretch and Fold: Perform your first stretch and fold by pulling up one side of the dough, stretching it, and folding it over itself. Repeat for the entire dough, adding half of the grated butter into the dough as you fold.
Second Set of Stretch and Folds: After 30 minutes, perform another stretch and fold, incorporating the remaining grated butter into the dough. Cover and let it rest for 8-9 hours, allowing the dough to double in size.
Shape and Refrigerate: The next morning, gently shape the dough by folding in the corners and creating tension in the dough. Place it in a banneton or large bowl, cover, and refrigerate for 2 hours or up to 24 hours.

Bake: Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). Place the chilled dough in a cold Dutch oven, score the top, and bake for 25 minutes with the lid on. Remove the lid and continue baking for 20-22 minutes until golden brown.

Tips & Tricks

Temperature is Key: Keep the room temperature around 70°F (21°C) to prevent the butter from melting during the fermentation process.
Use Cold Butter: For best results, use cold, grated butter. Freezing the butter before grating helps it incorporate into the dough without melting.

Bulk Fermentation: Let the dough ferment for 8-10 hours to allow it to double in size. Overfermentation can lead to a more open crumb and richer flavor.

Pairing Ideas and Variations

This Sourdough Croissant Bread is incredibly versatile. Here are some ways to enjoy it:

Jam or Nutella: Spread on some strawberry jam or Nutella for an indulgent treat.

Herbs: Add rosemary or thyme for a savory variation.
Chocolate Chips: For a sweet twist, incorporate chocolate chips into the dough.

Storing and Freezing

Store any leftover bread in an airtight container for up to 5 days. This bread stays soft and fresh longer than most homemade loaves due to the butter content. For longer storage, slice the loaf, wrap each piece individually in plastic wrap, and freeze. Thaw slices in the toaster for a quick, delicious breakfast.

Health Benefits of Sourdough

While this Sourdough Croissant Bread is indulgent, sourdough itself has health benefits, such as improved digestion due to its natural fermentation process. The sourdough starter also provides beneficial probiotics, making it a great option for gut health. Just remember, moderation is key when enjoying such a buttery loaf!

Conclusion

This Sourdough Croissant Bread is a perfect fusion of sourdough and croissant textures, combining a buttery, flaky crust with a soft, tender crumb. Whether you’re enjoying it with a spread of your favorite jam or simply savoring it on its own, this loaf will surely impress anyone who tries it. With easy-to-follow instructions, minimal hands-on time, and a delicious end result, it’s the ideal recipe to add to your baking repertoire. So, grab your sourdough starter and make this decadent loaf today — you won’t regret it!

FAQs

Can I use a different type of flour for this Sourdough Croissant Bread?

Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour or other flours in place of bread flour, though it may affect the texture and flavor. Bread flour gives the best results in creating that soft and chewy crumb.

Can I make this Sourdough Croissant Bread without a sourdough starter?

Yes, you can use instant yeast as a substitute for sourdough starter. Just add it directly to the flour mixture, following standard yeast instructions, and reduce the fermentation time slightly.

How do I keep the Sourdough Croissant Bread from being too greasy?

To prevent the dough from becoming too greasy, make sure the butter stays cold throughout the process. Refrigerating or freezing the butter before grating and ensuring the dough remains at a cool temperature during fermentation are key steps.

Can I freeze the Sourdough Croissant Bread for later use?

Absolutely! Once the bread has cooled completely, you can slice it and freeze it. Wrap each slice in plastic wrap and store it in an airtight container. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw in the toaster or oven.

More Relevant Recipes

Here are three relevant recipes closely related to the Sourdough Croissant Bread in terms of flavor and style, perfect for those who enjoy buttery, flaky bread and savory bakes:

Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta: This rich, savory dish brings together the creamy texture of garlic parmesan with tender chicken, making it a perfect companion to the flaky, buttery texture of sourdough croissant bread. It’s an easy recipe for those looking for a comforting, one-pot meal.

Slow Cooker Pumpkin Butter: If you’re craving a spread for your fresh-baked sourdough croissant bread, this pumpkin butter is a delectable choice. It offers a sweet, spiced flavor that pairs beautifully with the rich layers of your sourdough croissant loaf.
Fried Cinnamon Apple Rings: These crispy, cinnamon-dusted apple rings are a sweet and savory treat that would pair wonderfully with the flaky, buttery Sourdough Croissant Bread. The warmth of cinnamon and apple brings out the best in this loaf, making it a perfect autumn-inspired snack.

These recipes offer a delightful variety of ways to enjoy the rich, comforting flavors that pair perfectly with sourdough croissant bread. Whether you’re looking for a savory meal or a sweet spread, these dishes will enhance your baking experience!