How To Make A Starter For Sourdough Bread

So you're thinking about making your own sourdough bread? Well, aren't you fancy! Making sourdough is the hipster way of baking, and all the cool kids are doing it. Lucky for you, I've got the inside scoop on how to make a starter for sourdough bread. Trust me, you won't be disappointed with the results. So, throw on your apron and let's get started!

How to Make Your Own Sourdough Bread Starter - and Maintain it in 2020

Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients

This isn't your ordinary bread recipe. You can't just go to the store and buy a packet of yeast. For sourdough, you need to make your own starter using flour and water. Yup, that's it! You'll also need a container to store your starter in. Mason jars work great and make you look ultra-hipster.

Step 2: Mix It Up

Now that you've gathered your ingredients, it's time to make the starter. Mix equal parts flour and water in your jar, and stir it up. That's it! Cover the jar with a cloth or paper towel to keep out dust and bugs.

Step 3: Wait and Feed

Patience is key when making sourdough. You'll need to wait at least 24 hours for the mixture to start fermenting. After that, you'll need to "feed" your starter by adding equal parts water and flour every day. Check on your starter daily and stir it up.

Step 4: Watch it Rise

After a few days of feeding your starter, you should see it start to rise and get bubbly. Congratulations, you've made a sourdough starter! Now you can use it to make all sorts of yummy breads.

But wait, there's more! Now that you've got your starter, it's time to put it to use. Here are a few tips and tricks for making the best sourdough bread:

Make Sourdough-Like Bread Without A Starter

Try Different Flours

Who said you can only use white flour for sourdough? Try using whole wheat, rye, or spelt flour for a unique and flavorful bread.

Experiment with Add-Ins

Get creative with your bread by adding nuts, seeds, or dried fruit to the dough before baking.

Super Simple Sourdough Starter - Dan Beasley-Harling

Master the Art of Feeding

Feeding your starter is key to maintaining it. Be consistent with your feedings, and don't forget to stir it up.

Play with Rising Times

If you want a tangier bread, let your dough rise longer. For a milder sourdough flavor, go for a shorter rise time.

DIY sourdough starter and bread - Good Magazine

Use a Dutch Oven

To get the perfect crust on your bread, bake it in a Dutch oven. The steam from the pot will create a lovely crust.

Score Your Bread

Before baking, score your bread with a sharp knife to allow for expansion. Plus, it looks pretty cool.

And there you have it, folks! You're now a master at making sourdough bread. Just don't forget to Instagram your finished product and hashtag it #sourdoughgoals. Happy baking!

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