sourdough tips Posts

Making your own sourdough bread from scratch is one of the most exciting and satisfying forms of baking there is. It can also be one of the most confusing. From getting your starter going to mixing up dough, or shaping boules to scoring bread, we've got all sorts of tips and advice for your sourdough journey. 

Baker pouring sourdough discard into bowl

What is sourdough discard? And what should I do with it?

You can’t have sourdough without sourdough discard.

Apr 18, 2024
Bowl of sourdough starter on scale next to a crock with sourdough starter

Does sourdough starter get better with age?

Bakers boast about starter that’s years — decades! — old. But does the age of your starter actually impact your baking?

Mar 25, 2024
Pain de Campagne (Country Bread)

The beginner’s guide to sourdough

Everything you need to start baking sourdough at home.

Feb 28, 2024
Well-steamed loaf of bread

For crispy, crackly crusts, put a lid on it

Great steam makes great bread.

Feb 27, 2024
Banneton being used to flip bread dough out

I'm sorry, but you really do need a brotform

For less stress and better bread, grab this tool.

Feb 5, 2024
A jar of active starter in the Sourdough Home

Your starter is missing one crucial ingredient: temperature

A cozy dwelling for your sourdough starter will help you make your best loaves yet.

Jan 15, 2024
Rustic Sourdough Bread

A visual guide to bread baking

Just what exactly does “smooth and elastic” mean, anyway?

Dec 7, 2023
Starter with dark liquid

Things bakers know: Black liquid on your sourdough starter is totally fine

Don’t throw your starter out! Here’s how to save it instead.

Sep 6, 2023
Baker pressing finger into proofed bread dough to gauge proofing

What is proofing bread? And how do I get it right?

Mastering your dough’s rise is one crucial step to great bread.

Aug 31, 2023
Crock of sourdough starter on kitchen counter

Things bakers know: Sluggish starter? Add a little whole grain flour.

Rye and whole wheat flours can act like rocket fuel to boost your starter’s activity.

Jun 15, 2023
Oatmeal sandwich bread proofing in loaf pan

Ask the Bread Coach: My dough isn’t rising — what now? 

The best solution is patience. But if you don’t have that, there are some other tricks.  

Mar 23, 2023
Two loaves of baked bread on cooling rack

This is the only sourdough bread recipe you need

Pain de Campagne sounds complicated, but it couldn’t be simpler — or more forgiving.

Feb 15, 2023
Honey-Beer Miche

You make good bread. Here are 8 tips to make it great.

A baker’s favorite tools for better bread.

Feb 7, 2023
Proofing basket next to loaf of baked bread

A guide to bannetons, brotforms, and proofing baskets

Navigating these beloved bread tools and how to use them in the kitchen.

Jan 25, 2023
Bread with open crumb structure

Hydration in bread dough, explained

The what, why, and how of bread hydration.

Jan 11, 2023
Collage of Tara and selected bread tools

Sourdough star Tara Jensen's essential bread tools

From old favorites to new crushes, here are her recommendations for your best bread yet.

Sep 26, 2022
Baker mixing bread dough next to open bag of bread flour

Does bread flour really make a difference in your bread? (The answer is yes.)

Here's why you should always reach for the flour a recipe calls for.

Sep 22, 2022
Braided bread dough in loaf pan, with visible indention from poke test

How to tell if bread dough has risen enough

Nail your proof with these simple steps.

Aug 22, 2022
One loaf of sliced sourdough and one whole loaf of sourdough

What a pro baker can teach us about making bread at home

Andy King shares his best advice from 20 years in the professional kitchen.

May 9, 2022
Clear crock full of starter

How to make your sourdough bread more (or less) sour

Your first step: building and maintaining a healthy starter.

Feb 22, 2022
sourdough bread being sliced

How to make your sourdough bread more (or less) sour: part 2

Want to ramp up the sour? Increase the acids.

Feb 22, 2022
sourdough bread sliced

How to make your sourdough bread more (or less) sour: part 3

Sour or mild — it’s up to you.

Feb 22, 2022
Merlin's Magic Sourdough Bread, sliced

The power of adding commercial yeast to your sourdough bread

A guaranteed rise in a set amount of time? Perfect.

Jan 13, 2022
Fresh sourdough starter and King Arthur sourdough crocks.

You finally got a sourdough starter. Now what?

Find out how to feed and grow it and, most important, when it's ready for baking.

Nov 8, 2021