Schedules
Sourdough in 24 Hours: A Complete One-Day-Plus Timeline
From feeding the starter to slicing the loaf in about a day. A clear hour-by-hour plan with an overnight cold proof.
A standard 24-hour sourdough timeline feeds the starter in the morning, mixes and bulk-ferments in the afternoon, cold-proofs overnight, and bakes the next morning — about 24 hours total, with under an hour of active work. This is the most popular home-baking rhythm because it produces great flavor and fits a normal day.
The hour-by-hour plan
| Time | Step | Active? |
|---|---|---|
| 7:00 AM | Feed starter | 5 min |
| 12:00 PM | Mix dough + autolyse | 10 min |
| 12:45 PM | Add salt, first fold | 5 min |
| 1:00–4:00 PM | Folds every 30–45 min | 20 min |
| 4:00–6:00 PM | Finish bulk (50–75% rise) | 0 |
| 6:00 PM | Pre-shape, rest 30 min | 5 min |
| 6:30 PM | Final shape, into banneton | 10 min |
| 6:45 PM | Cold proof in fridge | 0 |
| Next 7:00 AM | Preheat oven | 0 |
| Next 8:00 AM | Bake 45 min | 5 min |
| Next 10:00 AM | Cool 2 hrs, then slice | 0 |
Why this timeline works
- Morning starter feed means it's at peak by midday for mixing.
- Afternoon bulk happens while you're home to do folds.
- Overnight cold proof develops flavor and lets you bake fresh in the morning.
- It spreads the work into small, manageable touches.
Adjusting for your kitchen
| Kitchen temp | Bulk time |
|---|---|
| Warm (78°F+) | 3–4 hrs |
| Average (70°F) | 4–6 hrs |
| Cool (65°F) | 6–8 hrs |
Watch the dough's rise, not just the clock — temperature changes everything.
Frequently asked questions
Can I bake the same evening instead of overnight?
Yes — proof at room temperature for 2–4 hours after shaping and bake that night. Flavor will be milder without the cold retard.
What if my bulk is taking longer?
Your kitchen is probably cool or your starter is sluggish. Be patient and warm the dough; don't bake underproofed.
Can I start in the evening instead?
Yes — flip the schedule: feed at night, mix in the morning, bulk during the day, bake in the evening.
Every kitchen runs at a different temperature, which is why fixed timelines often miss. SourdoughAI builds the 24-hour plan around your actual conditions.