The Baker's Bench

Artisan Bread Dough Calculator & Planner

Schedule
Loaf Count
2 loaves · 900g each
1800g STARTER

Country Sourdough

Robertson (Tartine Bread)

75% hydration Natural Levain 2 loaves · ~1800g total

Ingredients

White bread flour 733g
Whole wheat flour 81g
Water 560g
Fine sea salt 20.3g
Ripe levain (100% hydration) 406g
Baker's % Flour 100% · Water 75% · Salt 2%

Water Temp

102°F target water temperature

Flour Blend

90% White bread
10% Whole wheat

Timeline

Build leaven 8-12 hrs

1 tbsp starter + 200g flour + 200g water. Float test when ready.

Autolyse 25-40 min

Mix flour + water (with leaven). Rest — no salt yet.

Add salt 5 min

Dissolve salt in reserved 50g water. Squeeze through dough until incorporated.

Bulk fermentation 3-4 hrs

Turn every 30 min for first 2 hours (4 turns total). Then rest undisturbed.

Divide & pre-shape 5 min

Turn out onto unfloured surface. Divide. Pre-shape into rounds with bench knife.

Bench rest 20-30 min

Rest uncovered on work surface.

Final shape 5 min

Shape into boule or batard. Build surface tension without tearing.

Final proof 3-4 hrs or overnight

In banneton. Room temp 3-4 hrs, or refrigerate up to 12 hrs.

Bake 40-45 min

Dutch oven at 500°F. Lid on 20 min, lid off 20-25 min. Deep mahogany color.

Cool 2-4 hrs

Do not cut until fully cooled. The crumb sets as it cools.

Pre-ferment: Liquid Levain

100% hydration
20% of flour pre-fermented
8-12 hours fermentation time
65-75°F temperature

Robertson uses young leaven — harvest before peak acidity for sweetness without sourness. The float test is the go/no-go signal.