Description
This cozy sourdough loaf combines tangy sourdough starter with bright orange zest and tart cranberries for a festive fall or holiday treat. With a crisp golden crust and tender crumb, it’s perfect for Thanksgiving or Christmas gatherings. Simple ingredients and basic tools bring out the best flavors, while step-by-step instructions guide you from mixing to baking. Whether you choose a room temperature or cold proof, this recipe delivers a fragrant, colorful bread that pairs beautifully with butter, soups, and cheese boards.
Ingredients
Instructions
1. Feed your sourdough starter the night before and let it become active and bubbly.
2. In a large bowl, combine flours, water, and starter, then stir until no dry flour remains. Cover and rest 30 minutes.
3. Add salt, sugar or honey, and orange zest. Mix to combine, then gently fold in cranberries and nuts without crushing.
4. Perform stretch-and-fold sessions every 30 minutes for 2–3 hours, keeping dough at about 75°F (24°C).
5. After bulk fermentation, turn out dough onto a floured surface, pre-shape into a round, and rest 15 minutes.
6. Shape the dough into a tight round, place seam side up in a floured proofing basket, and proof 1–2 hours at room temperature or refrigerate overnight.
7. Preheat oven to 450°F (232°C) with a Dutch oven inside for 30 minutes.
8. Invert dough onto parchment, score the top, and place into the hot Dutch oven. Cover and bake 20–25 minutes.
9. Remove lid and bake another 20 minutes until deep amber. The loaf should sound hollow when tapped.
10. Cool completely on a wire rack before slicing to maintain a tender crumb.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: bread
- Method: baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 10 slices
Keywords: cranberry orange sourdough, fall bread, holiday baking, thanksgiving bread, seasonal baking, christmas bread, cranberry recipes, orange recipes