As the holiday season approaches, the warm, inviting aroma of freshly baked bread fills the air, bringing families together around the table. This Sourdough Christmas Walnut Bread is a festive twist on traditional sourdough, combining the nutty flavor of walnuts with the tangy depth of sourdough starter. It’s perfect for sharing, whether you’re toasting slices for breakfast, serving it with a holiday meal, or gifting it to friends and family. Let’s dive into this delightful recipe!
Ingredients
- For the sourdough starter:
- 100g active sourdough starter
- 100g all-purpose flour
- 100g water (room temperature)
- For the dough:
- 400g all-purpose flour
- 200g water (room temperature)
- 10g salt
- 150g walnuts (roughly chopped)
- 50g honey or maple syrup (optional for sweetness)
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon (optional for a festive touch)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Starter:
- In a bowl, mix 100g of active sourdough starter with 100g of flour and 100g of water. Stir until combined, cover, and let it sit at room temperature for 4-6 hours, or until bubbly and active.
2. Mix the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 400g of flour and 200g of water. Add the bubbly starter, salt, honey or maple syrup, cinnamon, and vanilla. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
3. Autolyse:
- Let the dough rest for about 30 minutes. This allows the flour to hydrate and helps with gluten development.
4. Knead and Incorporate Walnuts:
- After the autolyse, knead the dough for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes smooth. Gently fold in the chopped walnuts.
5. Bulk Fermentation:
- Transfer the dough to a lightly greased bowl. Cover and let it rise at room temperature for 4-6 hours, performing stretch and folds every 30 minutes during the first 2 hours.
6. Shape the Dough:
- Once the dough has doubled in size, turn it out onto a floured surface. Shape it into a round or oval loaf, tucking the edges underneath to create surface tension.
7. Second Rise:
- Place the shaped dough into a floured proofing basket or bowl. Cover with a cloth and let it rise for another 1-2 hours.
8. Preheat the Oven:
- About 30 minutes before baking, preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) with a Dutch oven or baking stone inside.
9. Score and Bake:
- Carefully transfer the dough onto a piece of parchment paper. Score the top with a sharp knife. Use the parchment to lower the dough into the preheated Dutch oven. Cover and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the lid and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until golden brown.
10. Cool:
- Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for at least an hour before slicing.
Enjoy!
This Sourdough Christmas Walnut Bread is not just a treat for the taste buds; it also adds a festive touch to your holiday gatherings. Whether enjoyed plain, toasted with butter, or served alongside cheese and charcuterie, it’s sure to become a beloved tradition in your home. Happy baking!
