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A close-up view of a bubbly, active sourdough starter in a glass jar, showing a creamy texture with air pockets and small holes on the surface.
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Sourdough Starter

Learn how to make and maintain sourdough starter so you can kick off your sourdough baking journey on the right foot!
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Prep Time:5 minutes
Course: Bread
Cuisine: American
Keyword: how to make sourdough starter, sourdough
Servings: 1 starter

Equipment

  • Large glass jar or container
  • Kitchen scale (optional)
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Breathable cover

Ingredients

  • 50 g water filtered
  • 50 g flour unbleached all-purpose

Instructions

  1. Day 1 Mixing the Starter: In a clean jar, combine ½ cup (60g) of flour and ¼ cup (60g) of water. Stir until fully combined, making a thick, paste-like consistency. Scrape down the sides and loosely cover with a breathable lid. Place the jar in a warm spot (70-75°F or 21-24°C) away from direct sunlight.
  2. Day 2 First Signs of Activity: After 24 hours, check for small bubbles or a slightly tangy smell, this means the wild yeast is beginning to grow. Stir the mixture and add ½ cup (60g) of flour and ¼ cup (60g) of water. Mix well and loosely cover again.
  3. Day 3-4 Feeding and Fermentation: By now, you should see more bubbles and a slightly sour or yeasty aroma. The starter may rise and fall between feedings. Continue feeding ½ cup (60g) of flour and ¼ cup (60g) of water every 24 hours. Stir well after each feeding and keep it in the same warm spot.
  4. Day 5-6 Strengthening the Starter: Your starter should now be doubling in size between feedings and have a tangy, slightly sweet aroma. If it’s sluggish, move to twice-a-day feedings: discard half of the mixture, then feed with ½ cup (60g) of flour and ¼ cup (60g) of water.
  5. Day 7 Ready to Use!: By day 7, your starter should be bubbly, active, and doubling in size within 4-6 hours of feeding. To test if it’s ready, perform the float test: drop a small spoonful into water, if it floats it’s ready for baking! If not, continue feeding for a few more days.