Honey Free Classic Sourdough Bread

There is something deeply satisfying about a loaf that relies on nothing more than flour, water, salt, and a living starter to become something extraordinary. This recipe is a pure, stripped-back sourdough — no sweeteners, no additives, just fermentation doing all the heavy lifting. That makes it a natural fit for anyone avoiding honey or other sweeteners, since every ingredient here is completely transparent and easy to verify. The process starts with an autolyse rest that lets the flour hydrate fully before salt even enters the picture, building gluten structure without any kneading. A series of stretch-and-folds during bulk fermentation develops strength and that signature open, chewy crumb, while an overnight cold proof in the fridge deepens the flavor and makes the dough easy to handle come baking day. Baking inside a preheated Dutch oven traps steam in the critical first minutes, giving you that blistered, crackling crust that makes a sourdough loaf look like it came straight from a professional bakery. The result is a deep mahogany boule with a tangy, complex interior that slices beautifully once it has had time to cool and set. It takes patience across a couple of days, but almost all of that time is hands-off — and the payoff is a loaf you will want to bake on repeat.

About Fig

Fig is a food discovery app that helps you find foods and recipes that fit your dietary needs. Whether you have food allergies, intolerances, or follow a specific diet, Fig makes it easy to eat with confidence.

Learn more →