Rustic Rye Sourdough Bread Recipe
Last updated: December 3, 2021
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Homemade rye sourdough bread is a glorious choice for sandwiches, or eating on its own. Made with a blend of whole wheat, bread flour, and rye flour, this naturally fermented loaf holds its shape and has a moist, chewy crumb. The rustic crust is deeply colored and boasts beautiful blisters!
New to sourdough baking? You’ll need an active sourdough starter! I ship my well-maintened 13+ year old starter to anyone in the U.S! You can ORDER it here.
A great deli has a great rye bread for sandwiches, am I right?
I certainly love my Everyday Sourdough recipe for toast and dipping in really good olive oil, but I had my heart set on creating a loaf that was the perfect vehicle for my recent craving of EGG SALAD. I’m fully aware how strange this craving is, but let me tell you, when I piled it on this rye sourdough with crisp lettuce and pickled red onions – it was a joyful moment.
This rustic rye sourdough is called such because of its crisp, deeply browned crust and artisan sourdough shape, rather than baking it in a pullman loaf pan to get perfectly square slices for sandwiches. I might invest in one of those in the future, but for now, I wanted to share a sandwich bread recipe that you could make with your regular sourdough baking tools.
It’s hearty. Has substance. A pleasant tang. And freezes like a charm.
What is rye?
Rye is a type of grain, different than wheat, that contains a low amount of gluten. This means it will not create the same gas trapping air pockets that a bread made entirely of bread flour does.
The dough will also feel wetter and stickier compared to working with all purpose and bread flours, known as high gluten flours. Don’t be alarmed – the dough will become less sticky by the end of your stretch and folds. Knowing this before making this recipe is important.
For these reasons, I like to use rye in combination with bread flour, for a balance of high/low gluten percentages. This allows for excellent structure in the loaf, while the rye contributes a complex flavor and wonderful softness.
Why I love using rye flour in sourdough bread
- Complex flavor!
- Rye flour bodes particularly well to sourdough as it’s unique fruity, subtle sourness compliments the traditional notes of fermented bread.
- Less dense than traditional rye bread.
- Because of the chemical reaction that takes places in rye flour during fermentation, your loaf will be airier and fluffier than if you were to use rye flour in a bread made with commercial yeast.
- Bread has a moist, chewy texture that you can’t achieve with whole wheat.
- Because of rye’s ability to absorb and keep much of it’s moisture, the inside of a sourdough loaf made with rye flour will have a more moist texture.
- Your loaf will stay soft for several days after baking!
- Higher nutritional profile that whole wheat.
- Rye contains more nutrition than wheat flour does, and this is especially true when rye flour is added to sourdough bread. The slow fermentation increases the nutrient availability of the flour.
How to make rye sourdough bread that holds its shape
Because rye flour has little to no gluten content, it’s difficult to make a loaf of 100% rye bread. It can be done, but I wanted this to be a hybrid loaf, that would hold it’s shape for you, and still achieve a nice rise.
That’s why I used bread flour in combination with the rye and whole wheat, because it’s higher protein percentage is the key to the loaf holding its shape.
You’ll also notice this is a slightly smaller loaf, which makes the slightly wetter dough more manageable. Yes, you’ll notice the dough is slightly wetter than other sourdough bread you’ve made, and that’s okay! Just keep going with it. It will bake up with great structure if properly fermented.
WATCH this short video to see all the steps of making rye sourdough, so you know what to expect from your dough.
What should I bake an oval loaf in?
I tried using my round dutch oven for baking oval loaves in the past, but without fail the edges of the dough with hit the side of the pot, creating wonky, bulged shapes. I’m newly in love with the Challenger Bread Pan, which has a unique shape that allows you to bake any shape of bread in it! Bâtards, boules, demi-baguettes, and other loaves of almost any size. Because of how it’s made, the perfect amount of steam is created inside the pan. I’ve never had better oven spring or thinner crusts.
This pan is magical. If you love baking sourdough, it is 100% worth having in your kitchen. You can learn more and purchase here.
My favorite things to eat on rye bread:
- egg salad
- smashed avocado + lemon + smoked paprika
- ricotta + rhubarb jam
- salted butter
More sourdough recipes:
Yield: 1 loaf
SCALE:
Ingredients
- 55 grams active sourdough starter
- 280 grams slightly warmer than room temperature water (about 80-85 degrees F)
- 15 grams honey
- 100 grams fine rye flour (also known as light rye)
- 260 grams bread flour
- 40 grams whole wheat flour
- 7 grams fine sea salt
Equipment
- oval banneton (can also use round)
Instructions
- Before beginning, it will be helpful to watch this SHORT VIDEO to see me make this bread, noticing that the dough will be stickier than normal because of the rye flour, but it will come together – you just have to trust!
- Add starter, water, and honey to a bowl. Whisk thoroughly until combined, with a fork. Add flours, and mix together first with the fork to start to incorporate, then with your hands until a shaggy dough is formed, and the bits of flour left just disappear. Sprinkle the salt on top and do not mix in, just leave it on top. Cover with a damp cloth.
- Autolyse: let dough sit for one hour, covered and undisturbed.
- Bulk ferment: Now you will knead the salt that is sitting on top, into the dough for about 1 min 15 seconds. There is no precise way to do this, just think of working the dough through your hands and up against the bowl, push and pull. You will start to feel the dough relax a bit around 1 minute. Continue for about 15 or 30 seconds more. Then leave the dough alone, covered, for 30 minutes. This counts as what would be your first set of stretch and folds.
- After those 30 minutes pass, perform a set of stretch and folds. Repeat 2 more times.
- Now you will let sit, undisturbed and covered with a damp cloth, for about 7ish hours at 70 degrees F. If the temperature in your home is above 70, this will take less time, vice versa. You will know it is finished with its bulk ferment when the dough has risen about double, is smooth and puffy on top, with a few bubbles. It will not be as jiggly as some sourdough you’ve made before.
- At this point, lightly dust your work surface with flour. Put dough onto the work surface, and pre-shape. Then let sit for 15 minutes on your work surface.
- Then shape your dough, using this method as a guide.
- Place dough into your flour dusted banneton, (or flour dusted linen lined banneton) seam side up. (Optional, you can wait 15 minutes after placing it in banneton, and pinch the perimeters of the dough into the center to hold the shape even more, called stitching.) The dough will now go through its final rise. You can do this on the counter, which will take about 2 hours at 70 degrees F for the dough to puff up and be jiggly. It will not double. OR you can do the final rise overnight in the refrigerator, with the banneton covered in a plastic bag or with a very damp cloth. You need this for holding moisture in.
- Time to bake. Preheat your oven to 475 degrees F, with your dutch oven preheating inside the oven. When the oven is preheated, flip your dough out gently onto parchment paper and score your dough. If you did the final rise in the refrigerator, take it straight from fridge to scoring. You should score it cold, and DO NOT need to let it come to room temp.
- Then put scored dough into the dutch oven on the parchment, and put cover on. Turn oven down to 450 degrees F and slide dutch oven in. Bake for 20 minutes, then remove cover.
- Turn heat down to 430 degrees F, and bake for 25 more minutes, until crust is golden brown and crackly. Remove from oven, and remove bread from dutch oven and place onto a cooling rack.
- Wait AT LEAST one hour to cool otherwise, the interior will be gummy.
Did you make this?
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June 12, 2020
SO good! And I don’t even like rye bread 😜 this is such a beautiful loaf. The flavor and texture are perfect and the step by step instructions were easy to follow.
Yay! Your photo of the bake on Instagram was beautiful.
Hi I’ve been baking bread for a year now. It took me six months to finaly get the perfect sourdough loaf bahaaa, Really it did. Your recipe is awesome. I use a enamel coated cast iron pan I got on Amazon for just under $50 but I have since found two better pans one for $60 and the other for $65 great price and the one is just like the challenger. here is the other one that is enamel coated it’s really nice. Thanks for the recipe. My family loves the breads I have learned to make. Have a beautiful day!!
I’m so glad you like this rye sourdough recipe! And thanks for the notes on the baking vessels.
I just made this for St Patricks Day. Nice ratios. The dough behaved perfectly.
I’m so glad you liked it, James!
Question about the two bulk ferments, can they both be done in the refrigerator overnight?
Hello! The bulk fermentation should be done on the countertop, the final rise (fermentation) in the refrigerator overnight.
Very good!
This is our favorite loaf. Perfect for sandwiches. I love the texture and taste of the rye flour. Will be making again.
I’m so glad you like it, Kari!
I live in Colorado Springs and I know the high altitude can affect baking. I substituted the whole wheat flour for more Rye because I don’t have whole wheat. Idk if that is why my dough seems so dry. I have added a little more water as I knead. But my bread doesn’t stretch and melt like your dough does in the video. It just stretches a bit then tares. Any ideas?
Hello! Whole wheat flour and rye are not interchangeable, which is why your outcome will be different than the recipe as written.
Hi! Looking to complete this bread. Was just wondering if the honey was necessary for the formation of the bread. I’d rather do without it, if possible. Any tweaks that I will need to do if I omit it? Looking forward to making this tonight. Thanks!
Hello! The honey serves the purpose of balancing the bitterness of the rye grain. In testing, I thought this was the best representation of the bread. You can omit if you prefer.
Really glad I stumbled upon this website on my search for sourdough recipes. Amanda has a way of explaining the recipes that often feel daunting or intimidating for beginners so that they feel approachable and user friendly. When it comes to working with sourdough, I am very much still a novice and for this reason I really appreciated all of the additional tips and resources. My first time with this recipe was a huge success. I loved the long fermentation process. It truly adds a whole new level of that rustic sour flavor I adore. I can’t wait to check out more of her recipes!!
I’m so glad you’re enjoying the sourdough journey! The rye loaf you baked was beautiful, thank you for sharing a picture of it on Instagram!
Quick question for you before I start this recipe … I have tons of flour types on hand. Which could I try without buying more. My choices I have are white wheat pastry flour, spelt berries I can grind with my mill or spring red wheat I have to also grind. Keep in mind I already will be using bread flour and the rye. Which would be the best do you think as my third choice here? I have to use up what’s in hand and would love your input
Hello! If you do not have whole wheat, use the spring red wheat you have on hand that you can grind. It will turn out lovely!
This recipe is amazing. So well written and turns out great every time!
I like to add a tbsp of caraway seed when mixing in the salt. I often add a ice cube to the Dutch oven when baking to give a little lift and crust.
Your photos of your bake on Instagram was so beautiful! I’m glad you are enjoying this rye sourdough.
Really delicious loaf with bold flavor. I added caraway seeds after reading some comments and put them into the 3rd stretch and fold. It’s a tad smaller than other loaves I’ve made (400 grams instead of 500) also had less starter, other recipes I’ve used had around 100 grams of starter but it definitely works well so I can’t argue with that. Perhaps I’d double the recipe if I made this for more than me and my husband. We polished off the whole thing pretty quickly.
I appreciate the step by step clear instructions. I’ll definitely make this again.
Hi Debra! So glad you enjoyed the recipe. Yes, the smaller amount of starter extends fermentation time to give it a deeper flavor. Using more starter results in a dough that ferments faster therefore less time for flavor to develop in the bread.
I made this and I’m very happy with how it turned out. It’s a beautiful looking loaf as well it’s delicious. Thank you for sharing. I have shared with two friends as well.
So glad you are enjoyed the Rye Sourdough, Mark! And lovely that you have shared with friends.
Hello,
Can I use my stand mixer to knead the dough?
I haven’t tested this with a stand mixer, sorry!
This bread is delicious, I have memorized the measurements and make it weekly. Sometimes I make 1.5 times the amount and split it into 2 loaves, one for us and another one for my mom. I have found that cold proofing for 2 days make it even more delicious. Thank you for a great recipe.
So great, Natalia! I’m glad you are enjoying the rye sourdough.
absolutely amazing! thank you for this recipe
So glad you enjoyed it, Gabriela!
Help please! I accidently put some chia seeds in my starter. I weighed out by discard, and then added some seeds to them. Crazy distracted me. Any suggestions if I should throw the discard out or should I continue to feed the starter?
Are the chia seeds sitting on top, or stirred in? If on top scoop chia seeds off, and just keep 2 tablespoons starter and feed as normal.
Thank you Amanda for responding to my pleas for help. I was only able to save 16 g of starter that didn’t have chia seeds mixed into it. What do you suggest I do next?
Many thanks,
andrea
16 grams is great! That’s all you need. Start feeding 35 g flour and 35 g water, and increase feeding amounts as needed.
Thanks so much! I very much appreciate your support.
Absolutely love this recipe! Made it twice now and it turned out PERFECT every time!!!
Your video of your bake on Instagram was beautiful!
Hi. Can I sub white whole wheat flour for the whole wheat flour?
Yes, White Whole Wheat can be used for the Whole Wheat!
White whole-wheat flour is simply made with a different variety of wheat. It’s made with hard white spring or winter wheat — the bran, germ, and endosperm are all ground to result in another 100 percent whole-wheat flour.
Great recipe! For the first time, I managed to make sourdough rye and it was fantastic. In fact, I couldn’t wait to let it cool and started eating immediately. It was just like my favorite bread in Germany!
My only problem is that I’m baking stovetop, got a Combakk with a thermometer. The parchment paper burns. I’ll have to check their site again.
But I’m also wondering about using leftover dough. I made several small breads the first time and ran out of space. I’d actually like to prep even more dough because it is quite labor-extensive and time-consuming. Just baked the leftover that was in the fridge for a day or so, don’t know yet how it turned out yet. Can’t wait to try it!
So glad this rye sourdough brought you great memories!
Hi Amanda, I LOVE this recipe and use it every week!
I would like to try to add more rye flour and decrease the bread flour in the recipe, for a more sour taste. Can you please let me know what other adjustments I would need to make to the recipe if I try this. Does the rye flour require more water than bread flour? I’ve also eliminated the whole wheat flour and added that amount to the rye flour.
Would very much appreciate your guidance.
Thanks kindly.
For further clarity, I am currently using in your recipe 65% bread flour and 35% rye flour. To what percentage can I push the rye flour component? And how much extra water would I need to add to compensate for that? Thanks again.
Hi Andrea! Lower amounts of bread flour will make this dough more difficult to work with, but you could certainly try it. You would want to use less water rather than more, as rye flour does not have the protein strength for good water absorption. Also, the extra protein in bread flour and all purpose flour balances the lack of gluten-forming protein in rye flour.
Thank you so much Amanda. Your recipe is amazing as is, so I think I’ll just keep moving forward with it as is. I very much appreciate your response.
Great recipe!
Hi Amanda, I’m so glad I found your site. I have this baking in the oven now! To make a bigger loaf of this would I just double the recipe? Thank you
Hi Dorothy! I don’t think I’d double this recipe, as it is already quite large and would get tough to handle. You could certainly double and make two loafs from the one mix, though!
Is the float test the only way to test the starters readiness?
Hello! The float test isn’t always the most accurate. Your starter can be ready to bake with, and it will fail the float test. You’ll want to look for a starter that is doubling or tripling in size, has small bubbles all the way throughout, a domed top, and has the consistency of roasted marshmallows. Here is a short video I filmed on how to know when your starter is ready to bake with.
Hi,
I want to bake my bread on a stone. What would I need to do to make it happen? The formula looks wonderful, and I’m intent upon baking it ASAP!
Thanks, Rob
I haven’t used a baking stone, but I would google “how to bake sourdough with a baking stone” and you should find some good info!
Thank you very much! I’ll look it up, try it out, take pics and let you know how it went.
Hi Amanda,
I am about to try this recipe and very excited as I love rye sourdough. Quick question based on your experience. I have a very well floured banneton but somehow my bread always seems to stick to it a little after the final proof and I have to coax it out, lose some dough and panic.
Is it simply a case of too moist or not enough stretch and fold? I find myself relying on parchment paper too much. Love your thoughts!
Many thanks
Hello! What are you dusting your banneton with? If it is all-purpose flour, that is likely the reason for sticking. Dusting with rice flour, which is non-glutinous will help prevent the sticking. You can also dust your actual loaf lightly with rice flour before putting it into the banneton for extra insurance!
I have made this recipe a few times now and just love it! I really appreciate that it is not an overly complicated recipe as I am fairly new to the sourdough game!
Great to hear you’re enjoying the rye sourdough!
Great recipe. My friends and family are crazy about it.
As our house temperature is around 18 degrees Celsius these days, I use 80 grams of starter instead of 55. Sometimes, I add 80 grams of seeds. With or without seeds, It always tastes great. Thank you so much Amanda for sharing your skills.
I’m so glad your family enjoys this bread! And a beautiful photo you posted on Instagram of your bake.
At which point can I add some caraway seeds?
Hello! I like to add them in the 3rd set of stretch of folds.
Can you use just all AP flour instead of the Bread Flour & whole wheat? And would you use the same amounts if so?
Hello! All-purpose flour is not a direct substitute for bread flour and/or whole wheat. It has a different protein percentage, therefore different strength and water absorption.
This was my first experiment with my mature rye sourdough starter. What a raging success! Chewy and perfect crust; substantial flavor in the bread. Since my first loaf, I have wondered why I don’t stay with THIS recipe. It is divine. Thanks for all the educational notes along the way.I’m making it again.
Yay, I’m so glad you like the rye sourdough Patricia!
Thanks for your speedy response and clarification Amanda. My dough is resting now, and I look forward tasting it tomorrow! The cold weather brings added challenges with judging fermentation time, but I shall keep an eye on it and look for telltale signs.
Do you begin counting the 7 hours of rest time after the last stretch and fold?
The timing starts when you begin your first set of stretch and folds. However, you should always go by the look and feel of the dough, rather than time, as the temperature in your home, the temperature of the water you use, and the dough temperature can affect the time it takes for bulk fermentation to complete. You are looking for just about doubled in size, a slightly domed and smooth top, and a few bubbles around the outer edges of the dough.
One of the first sourdough loaves I made and we come back to it time and time again. Very forgiving if you want to try different flours and/or use stone milled flours.
Yay, I’m so glad it’s on regular rotation in your house!
Debra,
Thank you for the great advice and beautiful videos! You are wonderful and improved my sourdough technique tremendously!
Thanks,
Preston
You’re welcome!
So sorry, I meant Amanda! 🙄
I’m about to make this recipe today, but curious as to how you get an oblong loaf baked in a Dutch oven. I’m not new to sourdough baking, and am anxious to make this new recipe, but all the loaves I bake in my Dutch oven are round. I watched your video, but the Dutch oven wasn’t shown. TIA, I’m looking forward to this recipe.
Hello! If you have a 5.5 quart dutch oven, this recipe in an oval banneton will fit. This recipe can also be made in a round boule, if that’s the type of banneton you have. However I use a Challenger Bread Pan to bake sourdough, which fits both round and oval.
Amanda this recipe is beautiful and foolproof! Exactly what I was looking for. Used whole grain rye and just added a little more water like you suggested. Thank you so much!
I’m so glad, Lisa! Enjoy the bread. :)
Holly Rye heaven!!!!!! This bread is the real deal! I am a Czech bread snob and nothing is ever good enough for me except for the bakery bread I grew up on. I have lived in thr US for 22 years now and make my own bread. So happy I found you. I wish I could post the final product photo here. Amazing!!
This comment makes my day. :) I’m humbled that you enjoyed the rye recipe! Also, my lineage is Czech as well!
My first sourdough bread ever! I made
many mistakes which did not help with the final
look of the bread but it was delicious! Much prefer it to a white sourdough bread. I used all purpose flour for the white flour and it tasted really good.
Congratulations on starting your sourdough journey!
Have made so many loaves, I’ve lost count. This bread is absolutely delicious!
I usually double the recipe now and will give the second loaf to my daughter or to non baking friends that appreciate a delicious loaf of bread.
I love this bread with egg salad but my new favorite is an open face Reuben with a combination of both ooey gooey melted Swiss and raclette cheeses.
Thank you for sharing this recipe
With those two cheeses, yum!!
Great recipe, I have made it a few times now and it always turned out perfectly! Thanks for sharing
So glad to hear that, Terry!
First time baking, xame out ok. Crumb is a little tight but I understand this is from lower hydration. Next time Inwill increase water slightly.
Other than that, very happy with the results.
I just made my first two loaves and was so happy with how the bread turned out! My two kids demolished the first loaf in no time. I found the bottom crust pretty thick and difficult to cut. Is the a trick to help with this? I am using my dutch oven to cook the bread.
I’m so glad your family enjoyed the rye sourdough, Danielle! I do find with dutch ovens that the bottom can get too hot if you are cooking in a gas oven, therefore . I tell others to troubleshoot by removing the bread from the dutch oven when there are 15 minutes time left on the bake, and putting on a cold baking sheet to finish.
I’m so excited to try this! Sourdough newbie here and I appreciate the recipe! xoxo
Amanda, Thanks for sharing it. My husband craved Montreal smoke meat sandwiches. With your recipe, we ate it at comfort of our home and we were very happy with it!
Those sandwiches sound delicious!
Hi Amanda
Do you have to feed the starter with rye flour? I’m making a number of different breads and planned to just do a single big feed.
Hello! You can feed with whatever you normally feed. My starter is 100% organic AP and that’s what I use to make this rye sourdough.
I have tried multiple recipes for sourdough and rye bread from King Author website and I feel like a lot of them were complete duds. On the other hand THIS recipe was fantastic and I was able to make a delicious and sour load of rye bread. 100% recommend this recipe for anyone starting out baking sourdough!
So glad this recipe was successful for you!
It’s funny the first time I tried this 6 months ago I didn’t know what I was doing, and got a gummy frisbee. Now after tons of practice with other sourdough recipe I tried this again and got a masterpiece. Practice practice practice!
That said, my minor additions to the very thorough recipe above –
I always feed my starter with all whole mill rye and so substituted out 27g of rye flour in the main recipe with 27g white bread flour. (King Arthur 12.7%) to get the same total proportions of rye vs white vs whole wheat. I find the rye flour makes for a very lively starter that works well at 70 degrees unlike AP starters that seem to like higher temps.
I autolyse without the salt or starter or sweetener. This gives me an extra hour of fermentation time later and I think is technically the correct way to autolyse. So says YouTube anyway.
Consequently I used a stand mixer to ensure the salt and starter and sweetener were thoroughly mixed with the autolysed dough. I also kneaded on medium speed for about 2 minutes though in retrospect this might have been unnecessary. The dough had great strength throughout thanks to using the high gluten bread flour.
I also used molasses instead of honey, because I had some and never use it otherwise. The color is gorgeous.
Then after the S&Fa I fermented overnight at 69 degrees for 8 hours, and when I woke up, it had fully doubled in size and was ready to shape. Proofed in the fridge in a lined banneton just for about 3 hours to firm it up. Then baked in Dutch oven with 2 ice cubes and spritzes, 446@25 mins then naked for 18 more.
Beautiful color and ear. Haven’t cut it open yet but I have no doubt the crumb will be perfect.
Technique is so important!
Cheers.
Yes, practice is the key to learning with sourdough! I’m so glad you’re enjoying the journey, and this rye loaf.
Wonderful recipe! Used my rye starter (his name is Junior, an offspring of my original named Stanley)…. I made it exactly as written and it came out a bit darker than I like. Next time I’ll bake it with the cover on a bit longer and drop the temp a few degrees. Hubby wouldn’t change a thing. He loves this bread, had a chicken salad sandwich for dinner and he proclaimed it the best sandwich he’s ever had! Thanks Amanda. Definitely a keeper ❤
oh, love to hear this Jackie! Junior and Stanley, great names too! now I’m craving a chicken salad sandwich. :)
PERFECT RECIPE
Hello! I’m new to sourdough and my family and I are just LOVING your recipe. I tried doubling it to make 2 loaves but have not had luck… when it’s time to shape it and place in the proofing baskets it’s extra sticky and hard to work with resulting in a flat, dense loaf. I’m sure it has a lot to do the fact that it’s been hotter out where we live the past few days. I cut the bulk rise time by an hour because of that (6 hours total). But is it possible that I still could be over proofing? I know certain things can get a little funky when doubling the recipe so just wondering if you had any thoughts or suggestions. I really appreciate your help!
Hi Kim! As a beginner, I’d suggest only doing one loaf at a time rather than doubling, as you’re just learning to shape and get the feel for how the dough should look and feel. Doubling adds more elements to trying to strengthen the dough, which is already a bit more difficult with rye sourdough. When the dough is extra sticky and you aren’t able to shape it well, it is usually overproofed. Which happens easily in the summer when the temperature in our homes is warmer. So you can adjust by shortening the bulk fermentation as you said, watching for how it looks and feels rather than time, to know when the bulk fermentation is finished. Happy to hear that you are baking and enjoying sourdough!
The dough even grew in the fridge, so when I scored it before baking the next day, it deflated a bit as a result the bread was a bit flat…and didn’t have enough oven spring to help it stay upright. Do you have any suggestions for me, Amanda? Otherwise the bread is great….Thanks for sharing this and the scoring is beautiful.
Love, love, love this recipe. Definitely my go to recipe. Thank you.
If I want to keep a back-up of my starter, do you have instructions on how to dry it and then rehydrate it? I would greatly appreciate it. Thanks kindly.
I made this last week and I felt like it didn’t rise as much as it should/could have. It is delicious and makes great toast. But I wonder if you have any ideas as to why it turned out a little flat. I did not do the long cold ferment. I let it rise in the banneton and baked same day. Thank you!
Hi Alison! I find that doing a cold final rise helps the loaf keep its shape and “set” the loaf for when when you go to score it, rather it being a bit warm from sitting on the counter and spreading out slightly when it’s taken out of the banneton. When it spreads, it won’t rise quite as much. I would try the cold final proof next time and see if that helps you get the rise you’re looking for.
I just finished making this bread, not sure if I can wait one hour to try it!
the smell of just baked bread is the best, and so tempting!
Superb recipe! ‘Just made it yesterday and love it. The recipe is spot-on and even though my starter was just a tad past fully active, the bread worked and was exactly as you describe it. I have been successfully making sourdough bread at our new home at 2,600 foot elevation in Virginia for the last two years (never could get it to work well at a lower elevation). Anyway, this is a great transition from simple sourdough. Thank you!!
I’m so glad you liked the rye sourdough and love the notes about the elevation! Happy baking. :)
This is my first loaf of any of your and I put it in the fridge overnight and it got even pooof your and more beautiful I’m trying to figure out what to bake it in-?
My van in town is more of a Lochet it’s not round and I’m gonna review the recipe again the only other thing I have is a stub 4 1/2 quart pot I think that’s too big I’m wondering about using a regular loaf pan I also have a steam function in my oven but I don’t believe you mention that and also not sure if it Hass to be enclosed
Hi Jan! The 4 1/2 quart is not too big, go right ahead and use it!
O.M.Gosh! I just ate a piece of this, after cooling (while I was drooling!), with a slab of swiss cheese. Dinner served. WOW, fabulous recipe! So, my changes were: divide 1/2 water 1/2 dark stout beer (coffee notes specifically), and used molasses for most of the honey, added a drop of honey also, added 1 tbsp caraway seeds and proofed it right into a bread pan greased and dusted with rice flour……….. about 2 hours. Baked at 400 about 35 minutes, till inside was 200 degrees. OMGosh, my husband will flip when he gets home. Thanks so so much. It’s awesome, the process was easy because of your great directions!
love to hear it, Kate!
This recipe has produced consistently beautiful loaves, and I’ve now made it over half-a-dozen times. Instead of a banneton, I’ve had success using a cloth-lined Romertoff clay baker (bottom half)–it’s the right shape for this loaf. Question for Amanda–today I am doubling the recipe to make 2 loaves. When mixing the flour and liquid, the dough was way too moist–not shaggy at all. I’m suspecting that my measurements were correct, but that the water I added was too warm. I ended up adding more flour, and will see how it sets up after the autolyse. Fingers crossed!
Hi Jim! I’m glad you like this rye sourdough recipe. Yes, it could have been too warm of water, or possibly a different harvest of rye flour from a new bag?
Thanks. They turned out okay, just not as much loft as I’ve had previously. Same great taste!
Beautiful recipes. What is the bakers schedule for this recipe? I was thinking of feeding my starter in the afternoon and a few hours before bed making the dough then letting it sit on the counter over night. The doing the second rise on the counter when I wake up
Hi Jessi! I usually feed my starter around 9am, mix the dough around 2pm and do the stretch and folds over the course of the afternoon. I look for cues that is finished with it’s bulk ferment is done depending on temp of water you used and temp in your home, then shape and put in banneton, and into fridge for final rise overnight in fridge. Then I bake it in the morning. You could do the schedule you mentioned, but you’d want to use cool water to make sure it doesn’t overproof while being left overnight.
I am loving this recipe! I am making my third loaf last 2 turned out beautifully, Thank you so much rye bread is my favorite.
love to hear it!
Beautiful dough to work with, this bread has so much depth and flavour! Great for beginners.
Can honey or any sweet be eliminated?
Yes, but you really won’t notice a sweet to taste the bread with it. The honey or maple is used to balance the flavor of the rye.
I do not own a banneton. Can I just use a bowl that has been oiled to raise dough in?
Perfect! Just made your hybrid recipe. I had to adjust the recipe’s volume down to fit my smaller, makeshift cast iron baking equipment. I used the techniques you describe and results were perfect. I’m baking at altitude so hydration, temperature and baking times were a bit different.
oh, great to hear you enjoyed the rye bread, and that you adjusted as needed!
This recipe was so comprehensive, I didn’t have the slightest problem making it for the first time. I actually produced my most picture perfect loaf ever! And what a heavenly sour bread it is!
So great to hear about your successful bake, Jane!
This is only my second sourdough loaf and it is delicious and fluffy and crusty in a thin, layered, crackly way. I added caraway seeds. So yummy. Thanks for all the work you did on this piece!
Enjoy the bread, and many bakes to come!
This was my first time making rye bread and I was so sure I messed it up, because as the recipe states this dough is a lot stickier. But I trusted the process and man am I glad I did! This was my best loaf yet and love the rye flavor! Next time I will add caraway seeds only because I prefer caraway seeds, but wanted to stay true to the recipe this time around, plus my husband hates them haha. Love Amanda’s recipes!
Oh gosh …I am away without rye flour. I have made this list so many times and live it! I make the sourdough starter with dark rye flour. Can I make the loaf with while wheat and all purpose without rye flour? Thank you
Hi Martha! If you don’t have rye flour right now, you’ll want to make my Whole Wheat Sourdough bread.
I have been making sourdough for about 5 months but rye bread is my favorite! I was looking for a recipe without molasses since I don’t have any. This was perfect and easy! I thought I did it wrong because the dough felt so weird but it came out so amazing. Definitely mine and my roommates favorite so far!
I have a 9” oval banneton. Will it be appropriate for this amount of dough? I just got it and haven’t use it before.
Yes, that should be just fine! I use a 10x6x4 inch oval banneton, and have a bit of extra room in it with this recipe.
Thanks for answering! Mine is 9x5x4. I’ll give it a try!
I want to say WOW! The bread came out beautiful and so tasty! Thank you for sharing your recipe. I made a loaf today (using my 9” oval banneton) and you were right. It fit perfectly. I recommend this highly!
Yay, that’s wonderful to hear! I’m baking a loaf of the rye this weekend. :)
Thanks so much for this recipe! I have been craving rye bread and I am relatively new to sourdough. This turned out great and the video was helpful. Only one change: I didn’t have whole west on hand so I used more rye flour in place of the whole wheat. Turned out great.
so glad to hear that!
My first time making sourdough bread with rye flour and so happy it turned out well. I would like to add scallions and walnuts to the next loaf, my husband’s request, any tips or suggestions? Thank you in advance. Kellie
Hi Kellie! If you want to add walnuts, here is my Honey Walnut Sourdough that you might like!
I found this to be an easy and tasty loaf. I added caraway, molasses, and instant espresso for taste and color on my second bake…even better.
oh, those additions sound delicious! i’ll have to try.
How much molasses did you use? Did you still use the honey too?
I LOVE this recipe! I just love the subtle sweet flavor with the rustic rye. I made it for some of my coworkers and they loved the flavor!
yay, glad it’s been a hit in your house!
Excellent recipe, so delicious and a lively texture, thank you. The recipe is failsafe (so far!) and is already on regular rotation in my kitchen now. I’ve found it’s just as good when I bake it after 2 nights of retard in the fridge. I wonder, is there a way to figure out the nutritional value of the bread? It is so satisfying and filling, even just by itself. I love that it stays fresh for several days.
I’m so glad you like the rye bread and are having success baking it! If you google “nutrition calculator”, you should be able to find a program that allows you to plug things and find the value if you’re interested in that.
This is the second recipe I baked since starting to bake sourdough this past year. It is our favorite recipe. I love seeded rye but my spouse doesn’t. We both love the taste and texture. It is now my go to recipe. Still playing with the timing but find it forgiving ( at least in winter) to add more time or even shortening the time! Yesterday was the first loaf that coincided so I refrigerated the loaf in the banneton before scoring and baking.
So glad to hear this is your go-to recipe!
I just tried your recipe. I made a boule and a large batard. They came out perfect: soft and airy dough, dark crunchy crust. And an outstanding taste. I used a Dutch oven for the boule, a tray for the batard with equal results. Thank you for this superb recipe
Fabulous news, Jean-Pierre! Love hearing that the rye sourdough was a success.
I’ve used this recipe and it came out amazing.
If I wanna add more rye flour how much more water would i have to add?
Thank you!
So glad you liked the rye bread, Damaris! I haven’t tested it with a higher proportion of rye flour than what’s listed, so am unsure about the increase you’d need in water.
Is it absolutely necessary to use honey as I am a vegan. What can I substitute instead of honey or can I just eliminate it?
You can use maple syrup or cane sugar instead!
Thank you for this recipe. I made this with 50% light rye and 50% dark rye, and increased the hydration to 75% (300g). It turned out beautifully and tasted amazing. The oven spring and texture was excellent . Next time I might reduce the honey a little and/or use 75% dark rye as the honey slightly over-powered the rye flavour. It might also be the honey as I used honey from a local beekeeper and not commercial honey. Either way, this recipe is a keeper. Thank you so much!
Yes, I save my nice honey and just use standard clover honey from the honey bear type container! :) I’m so glad you enjoyed the rye sourdough.
My very favorite recipe! I’ve made it several times with repeatable success. It’s a crowd pleaser. Last night I made the dough and did the bulk ferment overnight. all fine. The final rise happened very fast, and easily doubled in 60 minutes. I was able to get it in the oven at 90 minutes and it did lost a bit of rise, though still worth eating! Should I have baked before it doubled or should I have waited the full 2 hours?
Hi Claudia!
You’ll want to judge the proof from what the dough looks/feels like rather than time, so always go ahead and bake whenever it is nearly doubled on the final rise.
I LOVE THIS RECIPE. The sourdough I was making before this recipe took a million more steps and all day long. I love that the hands on time of this loaf is much less and the bread itself is SO good. Tender, tangy, just enough bite in the crust. This is my new go to.
I double the recipe each time so I can freeze a loaf for later. I also swap maple syrup for honey to make it vegan. Highly recommend.
Made this Friday night to make corned beef sandwiches Saturday for dinner. So easy & absolutely delicious. My starter was beyond prime but I went ahead anyway; also added caraway seeds with the initial mix. After the s&f let it ferment overnight at about 60C, shaped in the morning, left it on the counter for a couple of hours then into the fridge for about 3-hours. Beautiful oven spring, great ear, perfect crumb, excellent taste – so pleased with the result!! Thanks for the awesome recipe!!
So great to hear Theresa! I love adding a bit of caraway, too.
Having never tried to bake bread before & being give a sourdough starter I thought I’d give this recipe a go. I was amazed at the results & it also tasted incredible too. Thanks for the recipe & step by step guide.
I’m so glad you liked the rye sourdough recipe, Andy! And welcome to bread baking. :)
Hi. I was wondering if I can make this bread with spelt flour .
Hi Maureen! Here’s my recipe for Spelt Sourdough that you’ll want to make instead.
Thank you so much!
I loved how this recipe came together to provide a light tangy rye flavor. I used my 100% rye starter and it gave me great rewards! Thank you Amanda!
So glad you liked it, Lauren!
This is my go to recipe for rye sourdough! My grandson loves this one. He wants me to add some rosemary to the recipe. He is my future bread maker, Thank you for sharing this recipe.
oh, so sweet that you are passing on the joy of bread making to your grandson!
Long time sourdough baker Tried your recipe for the first time. I added 1/2 tbl. of Red Mill essential gluten flour to 2X the recipe for two loaves. Also 1Tbl. caraway seeds soaked for a couple of hrs. in hot water after 1st fold. Rest followed your recipe and placed in bannetons in in sealed plastic bags in fridge overnight. Before inverting on parchment, spread corn meal on loaf bottom, then inverted and sprayed water on top of loaves & sprinkled on more caraway seeds & coarse sea salt. Yummy results.
Sounds delicious with the caraway!