Here is the full sourdough loaf timeline.
If you’ve ever Googled sourdough bread and thought, “Why does this sound like a full-time job?”—you’re not alone.
When I first started baking sourdough, the timing confused the heck out of me. Ferment overnight? Bulk rise? What even is a stretch and fold?!
But here’s what I’ve learned after dozens of loaves:
It doesn’t take as much hands-on time as you think. Most of sourdough is just waiting around while your dough does the work and with a little rhythm, you can totally bake fresh bread while wrangling kids, watering the garden, and flipping pancakes.
Let me walk you through the full timeline, step by step. Whether you’re planning your first bake or just want to understand when to feed your starter and when to heat up the oven—you’ll leave this post feeling confident.
What Impacts the Timeline?
There’s no one-size-fits-all sourdough schedule. A few things can affect how long your loaf takes:
- Room temperature (warmer = faster rise)
- How active your starter is
- Flour type (whole grains rise slower)
- Whether you’re doing a cold proof
- How structured your recipe is (no-knead vs stretch & fold)
But in general? Most sourdough loaves take 12–24 hours from mixing to slicing—with only about 30 minutes of actual work.
Full Sourdough Loaf Timeline
(Step by Step)
Here’s a basic timeline using my beginner no-knead recipe:
Evening – Mix Dough (5–10 mins)
Combine starter, water, flour, and salt. Stir and cover.
Let It Rest Overnight – Bulk Fermentation (8–12 hours)
Leave it at room temp while you sleep. No need to babysit!
Next Morning – Shape & Rest (15 mins)
Turn dough out, shape into a round, let it rest for 15–30 mins.
Final Proof (Second Rise) (1–2 hours)
Let it puff up one last time while you preheat your oven.
Bake (30–45 mins)
Bake in your skillet, Dutch oven, or baking sheet.
Cool Completely (1–2 hours)
Hardest part—let it sit before slicing so the inside finishes cooking.
Sourdough Hands-on Time vs. Waiting Time
Here’s a breakdown of the real effort required:
| Step | Time Needed |
| Mixing | 5–10 mins |
| Shaping | 10–15 mins |
| Baking | 30–45 mins |
| Total Hands-On Time | 30–45 mins |
| Total Waiting Time | 12–16 hours (mostly overnight) |
Yep, it’s mostly just a waiting game—and the smell of fresh bread makes it so worth it. 😍
Can You Bake Sourdough in One Day?
Yes! You can use a “same day” method by:
- Mixing early in the morning
- Letting it rise in a warm spot (use your oven light or proof setting)
- Baking by dinnertime
It takes a little planning, but it’s doable.
Tip: Try Simple Sourdough Bagels You Can Make in One Day if you’re short on time!
Tips for Planning Your Baking Schedule
Here’s what works for me with a busy homestead life:
- Feed your starter before bed
- Mix dough the next morning
- Let it rise all day
- Shape and cold proof overnight
- Bake fresh the next morning
This gives you flexibility without having to babysit the dough. You’ll wake up to a loaf that’s ready to bake—or freeze it to save for later. Have more questions about sourdough?
Check out – sourdough questions answered my most asked questions here
Happy Baking,
Linnea
Related Sourdough Posts
Still figuring out your sourdough rhythm? Let me help! Tag me @homesteadwildflower with your timeline questions—I’ll help you fit it around your life.
Linnea
#sourdoughschedule #homesteadlife #fromscratchbaking