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This fun Christmas Tree sourdough adds a joyful spin to your holiday baking. Its cute shape steals the show on your table while the tangy sourdough taste brings that cozy homemade feel everyone will enjoy.
This bread quickly became my holiday favorite since it mixes creativity with the warm comfort of fresh sourdough. Making it is as rewarding as sharing it with people you care about.
What You Need
- Bread flour 500 g: gives strong structure and that perfect chew Try to get high-protein flour for the best texture
- Water 350 ml: helps hydrate the dough and kickstarts gluten Use filtered water for a cleaner flavor if you can
- Sourdough starter 100 g: your natural leavener Make sure it’s bubbly and lively for a good rise
- Salt 10 g: amps up flavor and keeps fermentation in check Fine sea salt works best to mix evenly
Step-by-Step Directions
- Make the Dough:
- Combine the bread flour and water in a big bowl just until it comes together Let it sit for 30 minutes to let the flour soak up the water well
- Add Starter and Salt:
- Put in your lively sourdough starter and salt Now knead lightly until the dough feels smooth and stretchy This builds gluten and texture
- Rise and Fold:
- Let the dough rest at room temp for around 4 hours Folding it every 60 minutes helps strengthen the dough and trap air
- Shape as a Tree:
- Move the dough onto a tray then mold it like a Christmas tree Use your fingers to form the trunk and pointy branches
- Cut the Branches:
- Score the dough carefully with a sharp knife to mark the branches This controls how the bread grows and adds festive flair
- Final Proof:
- Cover the shaped dough and let it proof for 2 hours until it gets a bit puffy and rises
- Bake It Up:
- Preheat the oven to 220°C Slide the dough in and bake for 30 minutes until you have a golden crispy crust Drop ice cubes into the oven base for steam to make the crust extra crispy
It’s amazing how a simple sourdough starter turns this holiday bread into something both rustic and classy Reminds me of baking with family full of laughter and cozy smells in the air
How to Store It
Once cool, wrap the bread in a clean towel or stash it in a bread box It keeps fresh for up to 2 days Skip plastic bags—they’ll make the crust soggy If you want to save it longer, slice and freeze then toast slices when you want some
Mix-It-Up Ideas
Try tossing in herbs like rosemary or thyme for a nice aroma Add toasted walnuts or dried cranberries for extra crunch and holiday flavor Swap in whole wheat flour for a nuttier taste and extra fiber
Tasty Pairing Ideas
Bring it out with creamy brie or camembert cheeses for a fancy appetizer Pair it with hearty winter soups or a charcuterie board loaded with meats and olives A drizzle of good olive oil adds a simple tasty touch
Tradition and Background
Sourdough has been a favorite in many cultures symbolizing warmth and homebaked goodness This fun shape adds a holiday spirit inspired by European bread decorating that celebrates the seasons
Baking this Christmas Tree sourdough is a fun experience from start to finish Your home will fill with cozy holiday smells and you’ll end up with a beautiful, tasty bread that really captures the season’s spirit
Frequently Asked Cooking Questions
- → What flour works best for this bread?
Bread flour’s great because it has enough gluten to make the bread chewy and helps it rise well.
- → How long should I let the dough rise?
First, let it rise for about 4 hours, folding every hour. Then after shaping, give it another 2 hours to proof.
- → Why do I score the dough?
Scoring makes branch-like designs and lets steam out so the bread bakes evenly and puffs up nicely.
- → Can I use a sourdough starter that’s not very bubbly?
It’s better to use a lively starter or else the dough will rise slower and might not taste as good.
- → What’s the point of putting ice cubes in the oven?
The ice melts and creates steam, which helps give the crust a nice crisp and shine.
- → How hot should the oven get?
Heat your oven to 220°C (430°F) so the bread cooks through and the crust gets just right.