Baking sourdough bread without a dutch oven is not only possible, but it can also result in delicious bread with a crispy crust and soft interior. While a dutch oven is a common tool used for baking sourdough bread, there are alternative methods that can be just as effective. In this article, we will explore various techniques and tools that you can use to achieve the perfect loaf without a dutch oven.
1. Baking Stone or Pizza Stone
A baking stone or pizza stone is a versatile tool that can help you achieve a superb crust on your sourdough bread. Here’s how to use it:
- Preheat your oven along with the baking stone inside to the desired temperature.
- Place your proofed sourdough bread dough onto a parchment paper.
- Transfer the dough onto the preheated baking stone in the oven.
- Bake the bread according to your recipe’s instructions, and enjoy!
2. Cast Iron Skillet or Pan
If you don’t have a dutch oven, a cast iron skillet or pan can be a great alternative. Here’s how to use it:
- Preheat your oven to the desired temperature along with the cast iron skillet or pan inside.
- Transfer your proofed sourdough bread dough onto a parchment paper.
- Using oven mitts, carefully remove the hot cast iron skillet or pan from the oven.
- Place the dough onto the skillet or pan and make a few slashes on top.
- Return the skillet or pan to the oven and bake according to your recipe’s instructions.
- Once baked, remove the bread from the skillet or pan and let it cool before slicing.
3. Covered Roasting Pan
A covered roasting pan can mimic the steamy environment provided by a dutch oven, resulting in a beautifully baked sourdough bread. Here’s how to use it:
- Preheat your oven with the covered roasting pan inside to the desired temperature.
- Place your proofed sourdough bread dough onto a parchment paper.
- Transfer the dough into the preheated roasting pan and cover with the lid.
- Bake the bread according to your recipe’s instructions.
- Remove the lid for the last 10-15 minutes to allow the crust to brown.
- Carefully remove the bread from the pan and let it cool before serving.
4. Cloche or Glass Bowl
A cloche or a glass bowl can create a similar steamy environment to a dutch oven, resulting in an excellent crust. Here’s how to use it:
- Preheat your oven along with the cloche or inverted glass bowl inside to the desired temperature.
- Transfer your proofed sourdough bread dough onto a parchment paper.
- Place the dough inside the preheated cloche/glass bowl and cover with the lid.
- Bake the bread according to your recipe’s instructions.
- Remove the lid for the last few minutes to achieve a darker crust if desired.
- Remove the bread from the cloche or bowl and let it cool before slicing.
5. Baking Sheet with Steam
If you don’t have any of the above tools, you can still bake sourdough bread on a regular baking sheet with the help of steam. Here’s how:
- Preheat your oven to the desired temperature, placing a shallow baking dish filled with water at the bottom.
- Transfer your proofed sourdough bread dough onto a parchment paper.
- Place the dough on the baking sheet and make a few slashes on top.
- Immediately place the baking sheet in the preheated oven.
- Bake the bread according to your recipe’s instructions, replenishing the water in the baking dish with more as needed.
- Allow the bread to cool before slicing.
With these alternatives in mind, you can bake sourdough bread without a dutch oven and still achieve excellent results. Experiment with different methods and find the one that works best for you. Happy baking!