🌾 Rye Caraway Sourdough Bread

If you love old-world bakery flavors, this Rye Caraway Sourdough Bread is for you. The earthy richness of rye flour pairs perfectly with the warm, slightly nutty flavor of caraway seeds. Built on our standard sourdough formula, this loaf delivers a hearty crumb, crisp crust, and classic deli-style aroma that's perfect for sandwiches, soups, and toasted slices slathered with butter.

Ingredients

Dough

✅ 100g active sourdough starter

✅ 400g warm water

✅ 400g bread flour

✅ 100g rye flour

✅ 10g sea salt

✅ 1 tbsp caraway seeds

Instructions

Step 1: Mix the Dough

In a large bowl, combine the active sourdough starter and warm water.

Stir until the starter is mostly dissolved.

Add the bread flour, rye flour, salt, and caraway seeds.

Mix until no dry flour remains and a shaggy dough forms.

Cover and rest for 30 minutes.

Step 2: Stretch and Folds

Perform 4 sets of stretch-and-folds every 30 minutes.

The dough will gradually become smoother and stronger.

Step 3: Shape

Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface.

Shape into a tight round loaf.

Place seam-side up in a well-floured banneton or bowl lined with a floured towel.

Cover and refrigerate overnight (approximately 12 hours).

Bake (Dutch Oven Method)

Preheat

🔥 Preheat oven to 450°F (232°C)

🔥 Preheat Dutch oven for 30 minutes

Bake

Transfer dough onto parchment paper.

Score the loaf.

Bake:

• 28 minutes covered
• 10–12 minutes uncovered

The loaf is finished when deep golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 205–210°F (96–99°C).

Cool

Allow the loaf to cool for at least one hour before slicing.

Baker's Tip

Lightly toast the caraway seeds in a dry skillet for 1–2 minutes before mixing them into the dough. This enhances their flavor and aroma throughout the loaf.

Baker's Warning

The smell of rye and caraway baking may cause sudden cravings for:

🥪 Reuben sandwiches

🥒 Pickles

🧈 Thick slices of buttered toast

You've been warned. 😆

Want Better Sourdough Baking?

🐿️ Start with Squirrelly Girl Sourdough Starter — our beginner-friendly dehydrated starter from a real working micro bakery.

🌎 https://squirrellygirlstarter.com/products/squirrelly-girl-sourdough-starter

One starter. Endless possibilities.