How Long to Proof Sourdough at Room Temperature?

Let’s dive deep into a crucial aspect of sourdough bread baking: the proofing process. As a busy mom who ventured into the world of sourdough quite some time ago, I know just how much of an art form it can be. It’s not just about throwing ingredients together – it’s about understanding the fermentation process and coaxing that perfect rise from your dough.

Sourdough bread has become more than just a staple in my kitchen; it’s also become a creative outlet, one that is always just a little bit unpredictable. I find peace in the routine of feeding my starter and crafting that perfect bulk fermentation, but I am always waiting with bated breath during the second rise. Over time, I’ve come to realize that each step of the process has its significance, and the proofing stage is no exception. I’ve also learned that “sourdough rules” are often misunderstood and most of the time completely unnecessary. If you read my blog, you probably remember me writing that a hundred times, and I’ll write it again because it is important! But some guidelines on fermentation time are very helpful, especially when you’re first starting out.

In this post, we’ll go over the following:

What is the ideal temperature for proofing sourdough?

At a dough temperature of around 79°F (26.17°C), which seems to be the ideal temperature for yeast activity and fermentation, the sourdough bread dough rise can take on a life of its own. But most of us don’t want to have a house that’s so warm. Lower temperatures slow down the rising process, but how much? Do you have to proof your dough for a long time if the temperature of the room is what most of us consider normal (around 68 – 72°F or 20 – 22°C)?

The balance of temperature and time

The fermentation process is a fascinating one. It’s influenced by a multitude of factors: the temperature of your ingredients, the ambient temperature of your kitchen, and even the amount of time you can spare. It’s even dependent on how much starter you are using in your sourdough bread, how much oil and sweeteners you added, and how hydrated your dough is.

At the beginning of my sourdough journey, I often found myself with under proofed dough. The excitement of baking my first loaf often led me to rush through the proofing stage. Baking with commercial yeast lead me to believe I can crave fresh bread in the afternoon and have it baked by dinner. Yeasted breads are way more predictable than sourdough.

Or I would underproof my dough in the final rise and end up with a fermented, but very dense loaf. As I gained more experience, I learned that patience is the key to consistent results. The first rise, also known as bulk fermentation, often benefits from a longer proofing time. This allows the dough to develop complex flavors and textures, giving birth to an excellent sourdough loaf. The second rise is important for developing those bubbles from carbon dioxide gas after we punched them out a bit during the shaping process. 

But overproofed dough is no fun as well! I know some people make over-fermented dough into frybreads and such, but I have an unpopular opinion: I think over-proofed dough belongs in the trash. Whatever I made with it a couple of times I over-proofed bread was just…bad.

How long should I proof my sourdough at room temp?

The question on everyone’s mind is: How long should I proof my sourdough at room temperature? 

Well, the answer isn’t set in stone. It’s more like a personal journey of discovery. Some sourdough recipes might suggest a specific time, but it’s important to remember that each dough has its unique character. The poke test – gently poking the dough to see how it springs back – becomes your trusty guide in this journey. But a lot of times even this test fails, because it does not take into account the hydration and overall structure of the dough. But it is the best estimate in my opinion.

Generally speaking, sourdough ferments thrive at worm temperature, probably warmer than your kitchen is. As I experimented with different temperatures, from warmer to cooler temps, I realized that the best temperature isn’t just about the number on the thermometer. It’s about finding the best temperature for your specific dough, your environment, and the time you have available. The best way I have found to “speed up” my proofing time is simply adding more starter to the dough. That way, even same-day sourdough bread is doable if you remember to feed your starter the night before!

And I take the temperature into account too: in the summer I bake with less sourdough starter than in the winter. Some people like to use oven light for this, but I think using a bit more starter is easier. It takes some trial and error to figure out the appropriate amount for every recipe you make every week, but it’s worth it in the long run!

Room for experimentation

Through trial and error, I discovered that room temperature proof isn’t the only option. Cold fermentation, or cold proofing, became another tool in my sourdough arsenal. This technique involves proofing your shaped dough in the fridge overnight. The slower rise results in a more complex flavor and a gorgeous oven spring when you bake it the next day.

Speaking of baking, don’t forget the Dutch oven technique. Preheating it in the oven before carefully placing your shaped dough inside leads to a burst of steam that creates that coveted crispy crust. And if you’re like me, the sight of that first loaf emerging from the oven is pure bliss – the fruit of your patience and dedication.

Gaining experience through trial en error

The answer to the question of how long to proof sourdough at room temp isn’t a fixed number of hours. It’s about understanding your dough, your environment, and the factors that contribute to a successful rise. Whether you’re an early-morning baker or prefer an overnight proof, the best way is the one that works for you. 

I suggest you bulk rise as much as the recipe calls for. Try it that way the first time and see what happens. If your dough is a bit under-proofed or over-proofed, adjust the bulk rise time accordingly. If you are making the same recipe periodically, I suggest you try to make it with a bit more or a bit less starter and see how that fits into your schedule. Take the temperature of your kitchen into account: we can assume that most people that write recipes have their home at around 68 – 72°F or 20 – 22°C, so if you have a colder kitchen, proof a bit more. If it’s warmer in your home, do a bit less time.

If time permits, I suggest always doing the final proofing in the fridge (overnight): that way, the flavor is the best, and scoring cold dough is much easier! In any case, go by what the recipe tells you and adjust, the same way as we discussed above for the bulk rise.

Remember, the most important thing is the experience you gain along the way. With each loaf, you become a better home baker. So, keep that dough rising, try new techniques, and above all, enjoy the process. 

The role of temperature in sourdough proofing

When it comes to sourdough bread baking, temperature plays a significant role in the fermentation process. The temperature of your ingredients, your kitchen, and even the dough itself all contribute to the ultimate rise and flavor of your bread.

Let’s talk a bit more about the temperature of your ingredients. It’s essential to use ingredients that are at the right temperature to encourage the yeast to become active and kickstart the fermentation process. For example, using warm water when mixing your dough can help expedite yeast activity. On the other hand, if your starter is too cold, it might take longer for the fermentation to begin. Maybe sometimes you need that extra time in some cases. For example, I like to feed my starter right after I take it from the fridge at night. That way, it’s usually at its peak in the morning and I can bake with it. If I would feed my starter that had been sitting on the counter at night, it would already be past its peak in the mornings. So again, it’s all about what works for you and your schedule!

The beauty of longer proofing times

In the world of sourdough, patience truly is a virtue. While it might be tempting to rush through the proofing stage, letting the dough rest and ferment for a more extended period can yield exceptional results. This is particularly true during the bulk fermentation phase.

A longer bulk fermentation allows for more flavor development. During this time, enzymes break down complex carbohydrates into simpler sugars, contributing to a richer taste profile. Additionally, the extended fermentation period helps develop the gluten structure, which is crucial for the bread’s structure and texture.

However, it’s crucial to strike a balance. A dough that proofs for too long can become over-proofed, resulting in a flat and dense loaf. The poke test becomes an invaluable tool here. Gently press your fingertip into the dough – if it springs back slowly, the dough is ready. If it springs back quickly, it needs more time. And if it doesn’t spring back at all, it’s likely over-proofed.

Exploring cold fermentation

While room temperature proofing is the more traditional method, cold fermentation has gained popularity among sourdough enthusiasts. Cold fermentation involves placing the dough in the refrigerator for an extended period, typically overnight, to achieve a slower rise. I do this the majority of the time because I find it fits into my schedule better.

The benefits of cold fermentation are numerous. The slow rise at cooler temperatures allows for more complex flavors to develop. It also gives you greater control over the fermentation process, making it an excellent option for busy schedules. When you’re ready to bake, the dough often has a wonderful depth of flavor and a texture that’s a joy to work with. One thing to note when talking about a longer cold ferment is the importance of covering the dough with something (almost) airtight. I find a plastic bag works best (I just put my entire proofing basket in), but feel free to use plastic wrap or aluminum foil. The point is to cover the dough to prevent it from drying out during the fermentation.

Practical tips

Let’s become a bit more practical. Here are some tips to help you navigate the mystery of sourdough proofing:

1. Know Your Dough: Every dough is unique; it has certain hydration, structure, and additions that other doughs don’t. Experiment with different proofing times for different doughs, temperatures, and techniques.
2. Keep Records: Maintaining a sourdough journal or just writing quick notes on your app on the phone can be really helpful. Note the room temperature, the duration of each rise, and the resulting texture and flavor of your bread. Over time, you’ll develop a clearer understanding of the proofing process.
3. Trust Your Senses: While tools like the poke test are useful, don’t underestimate the power of your senses. Pay attention to the dough’s appearance and smell. When my nose is stuffed I find it very difficult to bake sourdough and that is because I rely on my smell a lot! But that too comes from experience, so going by the smell is not the best option at the beginning.
4. Embrace Flexibility: Don’t be afraid to adjust your proofing times based on the dough’s behavior. If it’s rising faster than expected, move on to the next step; if it needs more time, give it that extra time. If there are recipes you shouldn’t follow to a T, it’s sourdough recipes! That’s why I strive for recipes that give more guidelines and less specific proofing times.

Final words of advice

Every sourdough journey is unique. And every sourdough journey has different priorities that have to be taken into account. I am a busy mom, so I don’t care so much for perfectly scored loaves. My main concern is that my family eats quality bread and that the process of making it is flexible and realistic. That is the narrative all my sourdough (and other) recipes follow. That means I make good use of my fridge and its cold temperature for slowing down my starter and the final rise. In the summer, I take into account that warmer temperatures will mean a shorter period of bulk rise, so I tend to make a lot of same-day sourdough bread. In the winter, the bread-making process takes 2 days. And I batch bake sourdough bread, which is probably the biggest thing that makes having sourdough available at all times doable! 

For all the busy people out there, the question of how long to proof sourdough at room temperature is not just a query to answer. It’s an an invitation to embark on a long, but fulfilling journey. It’s an invitation to figure out how much time you have, when are you in the kitchen anyways, and have a minute or two to make the stretch and folds. And ultimately, how to feed your family the best and healthiest bread. So, gather your ingredients, make sure you have all your patience with you, and prepare to be pleasantly surprised at how good of a feeling you will develop when it comes to proofing sourdough.

If you have any questions, leave them down below and I’ll do my best to answer! And if you have some practical advice you learned on your journey, please share it. I think learning from each other is the fastest way to mastery!

Happy baking!