How Long To Knead Sourdough In Kitchenaid

Can you use a stand mixer for sourdough bread? You bet you can!

This article will show you how to use a stand mixer for sourdough bread, as well as the pros and cons of this method.

You’ll find a full recipe and process for stand mixer sourdough bread at the end of this post.

It will also outline how to use a stand mixer for other sourdough recipes, including butter rich brioche doughs and sandwich breads.

Stand Mixer Sourdough Bread - dough hook and paddle are used for different parts of the process.

Can You Use Stand Mixer for Sourdough Bread?

Yes you can absolutely use a stand mixer to make sourdough bread.

One of the most popular choices is the KitchenAid, but any stand mixer with a dough hook attachment can be used.

Sourdough bread can also be made in a Thermomix using these instructions.

There are a few tips and tricks that you’ll need to ensure that your stand mixer sourdough bread is a success!

HOW TO USE STAND MIXER FOR SOURDOUGH BREAD

Why Use Stand Mixer for Sourdough Bread?

Using a stand mixer for sourdough bread can be useful for many reasons. Some of the “pros” of using a stand mixer for sourdough are:

minimise hands on dough time
make a larger batch of sourdough in less time by mixing by machine
enables people with arthritis or other medical issues to make sourdough bread without having to use their hands as much.
machines handle higher hydration sourdough more easily
faster sourdough process
outstanding gluten development in a shorter time using a stand mixer – this results in outstanding oven spring when baked.
great for sandwich loaves and butter rich doughs

Negatives of Using Stand Mixer for Sourdough?

There aren’t too many reasons not to use a stand mixer for sourdough bread, but if I had to pick some, they would be:

Dough can get too hot causing fermentation to happen too fast (this can happen particularly if making a butter rich dough like sourdough brioche)
You can over knead the sourdough more easily in a machine.
Cleaning the paddle and hook can be a pain with particularly sticky dough.
Need to be careful not to burn out the motor on some brands and models of stand mixers. Read manufacturer’s instructions for kneading dough to ensure you don’t overwork the motor.

Basic Sourdough Process for Stand Mixer

Using a stand mixer for sourdough bread speeds up the gluten formation process and eliminates stretching and folding.

When using a stand mixer, your basic sourdough process would look like this:

Pre Mix (very short autolyse)
Knead (4 to 6 minutes)
Bulk Fermentation
Shaping
Cold Fermentation
Bake
Cooling

The majority of the process remains the same – but the beginning of the process is much faster.

I find that making sourdough in a stand mixer is very handy if you are time poor. I can knead a loaf while simultaneously cooking dinner for my family. It’s then easy to let it bulk ferment overnight.

But my actual hands on time in the process is minimal – which is perfect if you’re a busy person!

Dough Hook or Paddle?

When making sourdough bread in a stand mixer, you’ll need to use both attachments – the paddle and the dough hook.

The paddle is good for pre mixing the ingredients. You can use it to mix the sourdough starter through the water. It’s also handy for dissolving sugar into milk for recipes like sourdough cinnamon rolls.

The dough hook should be used once the ingredients have formed a dough. The hook will knead the dough in the stand mixer bowl.

How To Use A Stand Mixer For Sourdough Bread

Do I Still Need To Stretch & Fold?

Using a machine to make sourdough bread will eliminate the need to stretch and fold the dough.

The stand mixer will knead the dough and develop the gluten structure for you. 2 minutes kneading in a stand mixer is equivalent to around 10 – 12 minutes of hand kneading.

This is really handy when you are making recipes like sourdough hot cross buns or sourdough brioche donuts.

But when making traditional sourdough bread, you do not need to perform any stretch and folds or coil folds once you’ve mixed the dough in a stand mixer.

The stand mixer will create a nice, strong gluten structure for you.

All you need to do once it’s mixed is allow the dough to bulk ferment.

Adding Flavors in a Stand Mixer

If you are using a stand mixer to make sourdough bread – you may also want to make flavor additions to the dough.

For example you might like to make a fruit loaf or a jalapeño cheddar loaf.

Add the flavors towards the end of the kneading so that they are well incorporated but don’t get too thrown around by the dough hook.

Alternatively, you can add your flavors in after the kneading process is complete. Allow the gluten to relax in the dough and then add them by laminating the dough.

Best Tips for Making Sourdough In KitchenAid Mixer

These tips are mainly for making sourdough in a Kitchen Aid Stand Mixer, but can be applied to any smaller stand mixer.

Make sure that the bowl is locked in place before you use the dough hook. It can move around and damage the machine if it’s not locked in place correctly.
Don’t overload the bowl as the dough can climb the hook and damage the stand mixer.
Use the paddle to do the initial mixing of ingredients.
The dough hook should be used at speed 2, no higher as it will put too much stress on the motor (source – KitchenAid Product Guide)
Knead dough in 2 minute increments – and no more than 4 – 6 minutes total mixing time.

Other Sourdough Recipes To Make in Stand Mixer

While it’s possible to make traditional sourdough in a stand mixer, there are also other sourdough recipes which work really well in a stand mixer.

Here are my favorite sourdough recipes to make in a stand mixer:

Sourdough Brioche Loaf
Fluffy Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls
Easy Sourdough Discard Sandwich Loaf
Stand Mixer Sourdough Pizza Dough