25 Steps to the Bread of Your Dreams

This looks like a lot — but think of it less as steps and more as a slow dance with dough. If I can follow the stars and make this bread, so can you.

This recipe makes two loaves, because one loaf is never enough once you taste it.

Mixing the Magic

Step 1
Add 250g of active starter to a large mixing bowl. She’s awake, bubbly, and ready to shine.

Step 2
Add 735g filtered, room-temperature water.

Step 3
Mix until the water looks milky — this is your first sign the magic has begun.

Step 4
Add 1000g all-purpose flour. No rushing the stars.

Step 5
Mix everything together well. Start with a wooden spoon, then finish with your hands. Get in there — dough therapy is real.

Step 6
Cover the bowl and let it rest on the counter for 2 hours.
(This is your dough’s first nap under the stars.)

Salt, Knead & Rise

Step 7
Add 24g sea salt (or your salt of choice) and 30–50g more water. Work it in by hand — balance is everything in the universe.

Step 8
Knead for no more than 10 minutes. Gentle strength, not force.

Step 9
Cover and let rise for 4–5 hours.
Optional: You can tuck it into the fridge overnight (up to 10 hours) if life calls.

Shaping the Stars (Two Loaves)

Step 10
Turn the dough out onto a clean surface. The stars are aligning.

Step 11
Divide the dough in half — two loaves.

Step 12
Stretch the first piece into a large rectangle. Wet hands help prevent sticking (and frustration).

Step 13
Fold the top third down and the bottom third up, stacking the dough like cosmic layers.

Step 14
Roll into a cylinder, then shape into a round. Build tension by pulling and pushing the dough counter-clockwise about 4 times until it’s bouncy and bright.

Step 15
Repeat with the second loaf — every star deserves equal attention.

Rest & Refine

Step 16
Let both loaves rest for 20 minutes, covered with a towel. Even stars need a breather.

Step 17
Scrape up the first loaf and repeat the shaping steps to tighten it once more.

Step 18
Repeat with the second loaf.

Cold Proof Dreams

Step 19
Lightly flour your proofing baskets and place each loaf inside.

Step 20
Cover with a towel or dishcloth — cozy is key.

Step 21
Refrigerate for 2 hours while flavor deepens and dreams form.

The Grand Bake

Step 22
Preheat oven to 465°F (or 450°F, depending on your oven). Place your Dutch oven inside to heat.

Step 23
Remove the first loaf from the fridge, place it on parchment, and lightly flour the top.

Step 24
Score your dough. Decorative lines can be shallow, but add at least one deep expansion score, sweeping in a “C” shape so your loaf can rise like it’s meant to.
Add a small splash of water to the pot to create a little bread “rainforest.”

Step 25
Bake 30 minutes with the lid on, then remove the lid and bake 10 more minutes for a golden, star-worthy crust. Let cool completely before slicing.
Repeat with the second loaf — patience here is the final test of faith.

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