What You’ll Love About This Recipe
Making your own sourdough starter is easier than you think, and the results are worth every bit of patience. You’ll love how simple it is to create with just flour and water, no fancy ingredients needed. Watching your starter come to life feels like a mini science experiment you can eat. Plus, baking with your homemade starter gives bread a unique flavor and texture you can’t buy in stores. Finally, it’s a rewarding process that connects you to a tradition of baking passed down for generations.
Recipe
Making a sourdough starter from scratch is simple and requires minimal ingredients. With patience and regular feeding, you can cultivate a vibrant starter to bake delicious sourdough bread.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (120g) whole wheat flour or bread flour
- 1/2 cup (113g) filtered or distilled water (room temperature)
Instructions:
Day 1: Combine 1 cup of flour and 1/2 cup of water in a clean glass jar. Stir until fully mixed. Cover loosely with a lid or cloth and let sit at room temperature for 24 hours.
Day 2: Check for small bubbles forming. Discard half of the mixture and add another 1 cup of flour and 1/2 cup of water. Mix well, cover loosely, and let sit for another 24 hours.
Days 3-7: Repeat the process from Day 2 daily. By Day 7, your starter should be bubbly, active, and ready to use for baking.
Notes: Use a glass or non-reactive container to avoid interference with fermentation. Maintain consistent room temperature (70-75°F) for ideal growth.
Equipment: Glass jar, measuring cups, spoon or spatula.
Time: Prep time: 10 minutes daily. Total fermentation time: 7 days.
Cuisine: Bread/Baking
Serving: Makes approximately 1 cup of active sourdough starter.
Nutrition
1 cup of sourdough starter contains approximately:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 96 |
| Carbohydrates | 19g |
| Protein | 3g |
| Fat | 0.5g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sodium | 10mg |
What To Serve With It
I love pairing my sourdough bread with savory dishes like soups, stews, or a hearty sandwich. It’s also perfect with sweet treats, such as a drizzle of honey or a smear of jam for a cozy breakfast. Whether you’re leaning savory or sweet, there’s something about homemade sourdough that makes every bite feel special.
Pairing Savory Dishes
Once your sourdough starter’s ready, you’ll find it’s perfect for pairing with savory dishes, like soups, stews, or even a simple slice of buttered toast. I love tearing into a warm loaf alongside a creamy tomato basil soup—it’s comfort food at its best. For heartier meals, I’ll serve thick slices with a rich beef stew or a savory pot roast. Its tangy flavor also complements cheesy casseroles or a plate of scrambled eggs for breakfast. Don’t forget grilled cheese sandwiches—your sourdough bread will take them to the next level. It’s versatile, hearty, and always satisfying.
Complementary Sweet Treats
There’s nothing quite like ending a meal with something sweet, and sourdough’s tangy depth makes it a surprisingly great match for desserts. I love pairing a slice of warm sourdough with honey butter—it’s simple but so satisfying. For something fancier, try it with a dollop of whipped cream and fresh berries; the tartness of the fruit balances the bread perfectly. Another favorite of mine is spreading Nutella on a toasted slice—it’s indulgent and irresistible. Sourdough also makes a fantastic base for bread pudding; its chewiness adds texture to the creamy custard. Trust me, these combinations will make your sweet tooth happy!
