Sourdough For Beginners:

Are you ready to start your sourdough baking journey but feeling overwhelmed by complicated tutorials? I’m not here to give you another “Sourdough For Beginners” blog that leaves you confused. Instead, I want to simplify sourdough baking so that you feel confident making artisan bread, fluffy biscuits, dinner rolls, English muffins, cinnamon rolls, and so much more. Fresh sourdough bread is also wonderful for nourishing postpartum meals, providing easily digestible nutrients when you need them most.

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Your biggest question is probably: How do I get started as a brand new sourdough baker?

Let me show you the simplest path forward.

Step 1: Embrace the Learning Process

First, I want you to get comfortable with learning. Think of baking sourdough as a new adventure in your kitchen. It’s okay if something doesn’t quite turn out perfectly—you can always try again!

I know that for perfectionists (like me), this might make you cringe. But believe me, the process of learning sourdough is much more fun than getting it right the first time. The added bonus? You become incredibly knowledgeable about the tried and true recipes you’ve worked with.

My #1 Beginner Sourdough Tip: Don’t Start Your Own Starter

Here’s my best advice for sourdough for beginners: Don’t make your own sourdough starter right away.

I know this sounds counterintuitive, but hear me out. Instead of starting from scratch, ask around at your church or in your friend group if anyone has an established sourdough starter. ALL sourdough bakers are more than delighted to share!

Why Use an Established Starter?

Acquiring an established starter almost guarantees success for that first loaf of sourdough bread you bake. And I want you to be proud of baking your first homemade sourdough—not frustrated by a finicky starter.

Where to Get Sourdough Starter

If you cannot find someone with an active sourdough starter in your community, you can purchase dehydrated sourdough starter kits online. These are reliable options for sourdough beginners and come with clear instructions for rehydrating and activating your starter.

Step 2: Find Trusted Sourdough Recipes

So now you’ve gotten yourself into a learning mindset, and you have an established sourdough starter (or a dehydrated one ready to activate).

What’s next? Finding reliable sourdough recipes.

The Best Sourdough Recipe Resources

I’m not going to pretend that I’m a sourdough genius with loads of original recipes. Instead, I believe in the beauty of sharing content from other bakers who have truly mastered their craft.

There are only 2 websites I use for sourdough recipes (plus YouTube):

1. Farmhouse on Boone – Trusted sourdough bread recipes and tutorials
2. Sarah Terese Co. – Beginner-friendly sourdough recipes

That’s it. I don’t search endlessly on Pinterest for sourdough recipes—I don’t have the time for that. I know these two bakers have poured their hearts into every recipe they share, and their sourdough methods actually work for beginners.

Step 3: Just Start Baking!

The final step in your sourdough journey? Just begin.

Start baking your first loaf. Start experimenting with different sourdough recipes. Take joy in starting something new and give yourself grace as you learn this rewarding skill.

Whether you’re making your first rustic sourdough loaf, trying sourdough discard recipes, or experimenting with sourdough pizza dough, remember that every baker started exactly where you are now.

Your Sourdough Journey Starts Today

Sourdough baking doesn’t have to be intimidating. With an established starter, trusted recipes, and a willingness to learn, you’ll be baking beautiful artisan bread in no time.

Ready to get started? Grab that starter and choose your first recipe. You’ve got this!

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With much joy and humility,
Hope

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Frequently Asked Questions About Sourdough For Beginners

Q: Do I need special equipment to start sourdough baking?
A: Not initially! You can start with basic kitchen items like a mixing bowl, wooden spoon, and a Dutch oven for baking bread.

Q: How long does it take to bake sourdough bread?
A: Most sourdough bread recipes take 12-24 hours from start to finish, including fermentation time. Active hands-on time is usually just 30-45 minutes.

Q: Can I use sourdough starter straight from the fridge?
A: For best results, feed your sourdough starter and let it become active and bubbly before using it in recipes.

Q: What’s the easiest sourdough recipe for complete beginners?
A: Start with sourdough discard recipes like pancakes or crackers before attempting your first loaf of bread. They’re more forgiving and help you get comfortable working with sourdough.