Panera Sourdough Recipe
There’s something special about good bread. When I first tried Panera’s sourdough, I immediately knew I needed to recreate that joy at home.
Prep Time: 20 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes minutes
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Panera Sourdough Recipe
Servings: 24 Servings
Calories: 70kcal
Author: Bex Smith
Sourdough Starter Preparation
- ¾ cup warm water 95-105°F
- ¾ teaspoon fresh yeast
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1¼ cups whole wheat flour
- 1½ cups active sourdough starter
- 1 tablespoon fine sea salt
Dough Development
- 1 cup warm water 95-105°F
- ½ teaspoon fresh yeast
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1½ cups plain yogurt
- ⅓ cup semolina flour
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1 cup unwashed medium red grapes
Final Dough Formation
- 2 cups warm water 95-105°F
- 2 cups sourdough starter from Stage 1
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup semolina flour
- ½ teaspoon fresh yeast
Step 1: Prepare the Starter
Start by mixing warm water and fresh yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it’s frothy. In a bowl, combine both flours. Then create a well and pour the yeast mixture inside along with the sourdough starter. Mix it well. Immediately after, add the salt. The dough should be sticky. Cover and let it sit for 8 to 12 hours at room temperature. This step allows the flavors to develop rich complexity.
Step 2: Develop the Dough
After letting the starter work its magic, you’re ready to develop your dough. Combine warm water and fresh yeast in a large bowl. Like before, it should start to foam. Then, mix in the prepared sourdough starter from step one. Add buttermilk, yogurt, and semolina flour. Incorporate flour until the dough feels less sticky. Cover and leave it to ferment for about 4 to 6 hours.
Step 3: Final Dough Formation
This is where the magic happens. Prepare your workspace and add the warm water together with the sourdough starter and all-purpose flour into a large bowl. Stir until mixed. Now, take a moment to knead the dough briefly on a floured surface. You want to work in the flour without making it too dry. Allow it to rest for another 2 hours.
Step 4: Shaping the Loaf
After resting, carefully shape the dough into a loaf or round shape. Place it on a floured surface, cover with a towel, and let it rise for another hour. While it rises, preheat your oven to 450°F.
Step 5: Baking the Bread
Once the dough has risen, transfer it to a hot baking stone or a preheated Dutch oven. For a crusty exterior, spritz the bread with water. Bake for about 30 to 35 minutes until it’s golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped. Remember, a thermometer reading of 200°F – 210°F in the center indicates it’s baked properly.
- Feed your starter regularly. A well-fed starter gives you better results. Once a week is ideal if you store it in the fridge.
- Temperature matters. Keep your kitchen warm while the dough rises for better fermentation.
- Don’t rush the cooling period. Cutting into warm bread releases steam, making it gummy inside.
- Check hydration. Adjust the water based on flour absorbance. You want a tacky, not sticky, dough.
- Experiment with flavors. Try incorporating herbs or olives for a twist.
Calories: 70kcal | Carbohydrates: 14g | Protein: 2.5g | Fat: 0.5g | Fiber: 1g