Sourdough can feel intimidating at first. There’s a lot of information out there, a lot of terminology, and it can be hard to know where to even begin.
But here’s the thing, once you understand the basics, it’s actually one of the most forgiving and rewarding things you can do in the kitchen. Try not too think to technical, and figure out all the science. Stop listening to all the “rules” and just start! You’re basically just working with just flour, water, and time. It fits into a slow, simple lifestyle really naturally.
This page is your starting point. Everything you need to begin your sourdough journey, from making your first starter to baking your first loaf, it is all linked here!
Step 1: Make Your Sourdough Starter
Before you can bake anything, you need a starter. A sourdough starter is a live culture of wild yeast and bacteria that you feed regularly with flour and water. It’s what makes sourdough bread rise and gives it that signature tangy flavour.
It takes about 7–14 days to get a starter active and ready to bake with. The process is simpler than it sounds, you’re essentially mixing flour and water every day and waiting for the wild yeast in the air to do its thing.
How to Make and Maintain a Sourdough Starter Everything you need to know to get your starter going and keep it healthy long-term.
Step 2: Get the Right Tools
You don’t need much to get started with sourdough. A kitchen scale, a jar, a bowl, and an oven will get you through your first few bakes. But a few specific tools do make the process easier and more enjoyable.
The Best Tools for Sourdough Baking A honest rundown of what’s actually worth having, no fluff, no overwhelming lists.
Step 3: Use Your Discard (Don’t Throw It Away)
While your starter is getting established (and honestly, forever after) you’ll have sourdough discard. This is the portion of starter you remove before each feeding.
Most beginners throw it away. Don’t!!
Sourdough discard adds a mild tangy flavour to everything from waffles to crackers to muffins. It’s one of the best ways to reduce waste in the kitchen and stretch your pantry further. Discard recipes are also much more forgiving than actual sourdough bread, a great place to build confidence while your starter matures.
See all my sourdough discard recipes here!
A few favourites to start with:
Step 4: Bake Your First Loaf
Once your starter is active and passing the float test, you’re ready to bake. Your first loaf doesn’t need to be perfect, it just needs to happen. Every bake teaches you something.
These are the best starting points:
Easy Beginner Sourdough Bread A straightforward beginner loaf with clear instructions. This is the one to start with.
Sourdough Discard Dutch Oven Bread A crusty, bakery-style loaf baked in a dutch oven. Uses discard so it’s a little more forgiving on timing.
Keep Baking: More Sourdough Recipes to Try
Once you’ve got your starter going and a few loaves under your belt, here’s where to go next:
