Step 1

Mix together active starter, water, flour, italian seasoning and salt until a shaggy dough is formed.

Step 2

After 30 minutes get your hand damp and then perform a set of stretch and folds. At this point you can add in mix-ins. Cover and let rest. You now have 2 options: if you will be home and have time, add in 1 or 2 more sets of stretch & folds every 30 minutes or leave the dough to sit on the counter for the remainder of the time. Adding additional stretch & folds does help the loaf to rise more in the oven but both options make delicious bread.

Step 3

On the second stretch and fold add in the mozzarella cheese and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Or if you prefer to not have the cheese sit overnight, you can add it during shaping.

Step 4

Once the dough has risen 75%, domed on top, has bubbles on sides it is ready to shape (roughly 10-14 hours later). Dump the dough onto an unfloured surface. Turn the dough over and gently spread the dough in a chubby rectangle. Fold the dough like an envelope, starting at the bottom and pulling up to build tension and then bring on top of the dough halfway. Bring each side up and out and then place slightly over the middle of the dough. Pull the top of the dough out and up and bring it on top of the dough, rolling the dough back over. Cup your hands and begin rotating counter clockwise while sliding the dough towards you. Once you have a taut round ball place the dough upside down in a banneton basket or a floured bowl with a tea towel. Cover with something that will keep the moisture in.

Step 5

Place the dough in the fridge for about 8+ hours or up to 2 days.

Step 6

Preheat dutch oven in the oven at 450F.

Step 7

Flip dough onto parchment paper and score the bread with a bread lame or sharp knife.

Step 8

Bake bread for 30 minutes with the lid on. Take the lid off and bake for another 12-15 minutes depending on how dark of a crust you would like. I prefer mine a little on the lighter end so I pull at 15 minutes. The bread should sound hollow when you knock on the bottom, this is an indicator the bread is cooked through.

Step 9

Let the bread cool on a cooling rack. To ensure the loaf is fully baked through wait at least 2 hours before cutting. Or if you are like me slice it warm and enjoy warm bread!