Sourdough 101

Sourdough 101

Sourdough for Beginners: A Simple Guide to Get You Started

Sourdough baking can seem intimidating at first, but with the right tools and a little patience, you’ll be pulling fresh, tangy loaves from your oven in no time. This guide will walk you through the basics and highlight some of my favorite tools that make the process easier.

Step 1: Start Your Sourdough Starter

A strong sourdough starter is the foundation of great bread. All you need is flour, water, and time. Mix equal parts flour and water in a 1-liter Weck jar and let nature do its thing. Feed it daily, and within a week, you should see bubbles and a pleasant tangy smell—signs of a thriving starter! Here is my go to recipe for beginning a new starter: https://littlespoonfarm.com/sourdough-starter-recipe/

Once your starter is active and bubbly, I feed my starter slightly different than some.

  • 30 grams of starter
  • 125 grams of warm water
  • 140 grams of flour

Step 2: Gather the Right Tools

Having the right tools makes the sourdough process smoother:

  • 1-Liter Weck Jars – Perfect for keeping your starter happy and contained. Paid affiliate link: https://amzn.to/3XbryG6
  • Silicone Spatula – Ideal for mixing starter and scraping every bit of dough from the bowl. Paid affiliate link: https://amzn.to/4isgcpB
  • Proofing Basket (Banneton) – Helps shape the dough and create a beautiful crust pattern. Paid affiliate link: https://amzn.to/4gRddp9
  • Dough Whisk – Makes mixing the dough easier, reducing mess and strain. Paid affiliate link: https://amzn.to/41bm7bf
  • Kitchen Scale – Essential for accurate measurements (no more guessing!). Paid affiliate link: https://amzn.to/4bdHEog

Step 3: Mixing and Baking

Follow my fool proof easy recipe!

Enjoy the Process!

Sourdough baking is a journey—every loaf teaches you something new. With patience and the right tools, you’ll soon be enjoying homemade, delicious sourdough bread. Happy baking!

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I’m Nicole

Hi there! I’m Nicole, a passionate hobby baker with a love for all things sweet and homemade. When I’m not baking up bread in the kitchen, you’ll find me soaking in the beauty of the mountains, whether it’s hiking, skiing, or simply enjoying the view. I also have a serious case of wanderlust and love exploring new places, experiencing different cultures, and, of course, tasting delicious food along the way.

Above all, family is at the heart of everything I do. Whether we’re gathered around the table for a home-cooked meal or off on an adventure together, those moments are what I cherish most.

Welcome to my little corner of the internet—where I share my love for baking, travel, and life’s sweetest moments. I’m so glad you’re here!

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