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The Sourdough Method
Tips & Techniques

Mastering the Overnight Baking Schedule

How to bake fresh bread before breakfast without setting an alarm at three in the morning.

By Amanda Kelly
June 24, 20266 min read
Sliced sourdough bread showing an open airy crumb on a wooden board
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The overnight cold retard is the home baker's greatest ally. It flattens the schedule, deepens the flavor, and turns a two-day project into something you can fit around a normal life.

The rhythm is simple: mix and bulk-ferment in the evening, shape and refrigerate overnight, bake straight from the fridge in the morning.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long can dough sit in the fridge?

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Between 12 and 36 hours works well. Past 48 hours the crust can develop off flavors and the crumb may become gummy.

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