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Instant Pot Sourdough

Proofing Sourdough in an Instant Pot

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Prep Time 4 hours

Equipment

  • 1 Instant Pot
  • 1 heat proof/ glass bowl optional
  • 1 plate or tea towel

Instructions
 

Proofing with the Yogurt Option

  • Begin with a sourdough recipe and prepare your dough as you would normally.
  • Turn your instant pot on the yogurt function.
  • You can do your first proof on the yogurt option, but I prefer to wait until my stretch and folds are completed before adding my dough to the instant pot. If you choose to use the instant pot for the first proof, I'd suggest finding a bowl that fits inside your instant pot for easier removal.
  • After shaping your dough into loaves or other forms, you can use the Instant Pot for the second rise.
  • Use a plate or a damp tea towel to cover your instant pot.
  • My dough usually doubles in under 4 hours using this method. Please see photos in the article for reference.

Proofing with the Warm Option

  • To use the warm setting for proofing your sourdough bread place the dough in an oven-safe bowl or a glass bowl that fits inside the Instant Pot’s inner pot.
  • If the warm setting is too hot, turn the Instant Pot on for a few minutes, then off, allowing the residual heat to create a warm environment. Alternatively, you can leave the lid open slightly or wrap the pot with a kitchen towel to adjust the temperature.
  • The key to successful proofing without the yogurt option is closely monitoring the temperature inside the Instant Pot. Use an oven thermometer to check the ambient temperature of the inner pot. If it’s too warm, create a buffer by placing a trivet or a steam rack under the bowl to prevent direct heat from affecting the dough.
  • Another technique involves intermittently turning the warm setting on and off to maintain a steady, low temperature. This method requires more attention but can be effective in keeping the temperature within the ideal range for yeast activity and dough rise.

Notes

For either method, please keep an eye on your dough and the temperature of your pressure cooker! Time completely depends on how warm your instant pot/ pressure cooker gets and how hot it gets.
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