Spanish-inspired sourdough is a beautiful combination of savory ingredients: tender potatoes, sweet piquillo peppers, and rich, melting Manchego cheese. The bread itself is airy and chewy, with pockets of oozing cheese that make each bite a delight. Whether served warm as a snack or as part of a tapas-style meal, this bread will transport you straight to Spain.
Prep Time8 hourshrs
Cook Time30 minutesmins
Additional Time2 hourshrs
Total Time10 hourshrs30 minutesmins
Course: Bread
Cuisine: Spanish
Keyword: sourdough bread
Servings: 24slices (from 2 loaves)
Author: Ashley Adamant
Ingredients
For the Levain:
1/3cupbread flour
2 1/2tbspwater
2tbspsourdough starterbubbly and active
For the Dough:
1cupsYellow potatoessteamed and cubed
3/4cupjarred piquillo peppersor other mild sweet peppers, drained and diced
Prepare the levain 6 to 8 hours before mixing the dough. Mix together high-protein wheat flour, water, and mature starter. Let it ferment until it reaches peak activity.
Place potatoes in a steamer basket over 1–2 inches of water. Cover and steam for 30 minutes or until tender. Peel while warm, then chill in the fridge.
Combine high-protein wheat flour, all-purpose flour, and water in a stand mixer. Mix for 2 minutes until fully hydrated. Let rest until the levain is ready.
Add the levain to the dough. Mix on low for 3 minutes, then increase speed to medium-high for 5–8 minutes. The dough should be smooth and elastic. Add salt and mix for another 2 minutes.
Place dough in a proofing box. Let it bulk ferment at 75–80°F (23–26°C) for 4 hours.
After 1 hour, laminate the dough on a damp surface, adding cubed potatoes, piquillo peppers, Manchego, and oregano. Perform two additional coil folds at 1-hour intervals.
Divide dough into two portions. Preshape into rounds and rest for 45 minutes–1 hour.
Shape into batards (long oval loaves) and place in floured bannetons, seam-side up.
Refrigerate for 12–16 hours at 39°F (4°C) for the final cold proof.
Preheat your Dutch oven to 500°F (260°C). Place parchment paper in the pot and transfer the proofed loaf. Score the top and bake with the lid on at 500°F for 5 minutes.Lower the temperature to 480°F (248°C) and bake for 10 minutes. Remove the lid, reduce to 450°F (232°C), and bake for another 15–20 minutes until golden brown.
Let the bread cool on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes before slicing. Enjoy warm for the best cheesy experience!