If you love homemade bread, especially Sourdough, then you need to have this easy Sourdough Starter Recipe, a quick recipe to mix up to get you on your way to baking.
Sourdough is my absolute favorite. But to get that perfect loaf, you need a starter. So today I’m going to share with you my Sourdough Starter Recipe!
There’s something magical about the aroma of homemade bread wafting through your home. It’s nostalgic, comforting, and downright delicious.
Growing up, I’d often wake up to the heavenly scent of my mom’s homemade bread. Now, I get to share that same tradition with my family, and guess what? It’s simple!
If you’re a newbie or just looking for a foolproof method, you’re in the right place. It takes minimal ingredients and time to put together, but it does need some time to actually set up before it is ready to use.
The nice thing about it, though, is that once you’ve got your own sourdough starter set up, you can keep it alive for ages!
An active sourdough starter goes through a small fermentation process. The natural yeasts found in the wheat turn it into something like a living organism. Pretty cool, right??
Let me guide you through my Sourdough Starter Recipe. It’s simple, requires minimal ingredients, and I promise it’ll lead you to the tastiest bread you’ve ever made.
Some of our other favorite bread recipes we have on our site include: Pumpkin Pie Spice Monkey Bread, Lemon Bread, and Cheesecake Factory Brown Bread.
WHY THIS RECIPE WORKS:
- Only two basic ingredients are needed. That’s right! There is nothing as simple as making a homemade sourdough starter.
- A daily feeding routine keeps your starter healthy and active. Slowly, we’ll add new flour until we get the end result. A healthy starter for sourdough!
- The starter is versatile and perfect for various sourdough recipes. There are all kinds of different recipes for sourdough bread dough out there. The new starter you’re creating will work for all of them!
INGREDIENTS NEEDED (SCROLL TO THE BOTTOM OF THIS POST FOR THE FULL RECIPE CARD):
- Whole wheat flour
- Water
HOW TO MAKE SOURDOUGH STARTER RECIPE:
Day 1: In a glass jar combine 1 cup of whole wheat flour and ½ cup of water. Stir well. The mixture should be slightly thicker than cake batter. Cover the jar loosely with a cotton cloth. Leave it in a dark place for 24 hours. I keep it in the cupboard.
Day 2: The next day, get rid of half of the starter (about ½ cup) and then repeat the steps with the same amount of flour and water (1 cup of whole wheat flour and ½ cup of water). Cover loosely again and leave the jar in a dark place for 24 hours.
Day 3: You should start to see some bubbling activity. You will now need to “feed” your starter twice a day. Today start with about ½ cup of the starter and discard the rest. Then add 1 cup of flour and ½ cup of water and mix well every 12 hours (twice a day.)
Day 4: Repeat instructions from day 3, feeding your starter twice (or every 12 hours.)
Day 5: Repeat instructions from day 3, feeding your starter twice (or every 12 hours.)
Day 6: On the sixth day, your yeast should be ready. You will see that he has risen and has bubbles.
You can keep yeast in the refrigerator for up to 6 days.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THIS RECIPE:
DOES SOURDOUGH STARTER GO BAD?
Yes, if neglected for too long, your starter can develop mold or an unpleasant smell.
Regular feeding and checking for off-putting smells are the easiest way to know how it’s doing.
WHY DO I NEED A SOURDOUGH STARTER?
Think of the starter as the heart of your sourdough. It helps the bread rise and imparts that distinct sour taste.
This natural “wild yeast” replaces the commercial yeast found in regular bread recipes.
WHY DO I NEED TO FEED A STARTER?
Think of your starter as a pet! It’s a living thing and needs food to thrive.
Feeding it flour and water with these easy steps keeps it active and bubbly, ready for baking.
ANY ADDITIONS?
This list is not for the actual starter itself. It’s just a way to let you know that there are all kinds of different breads you can make with this! Adding things like spices can kill the bacteria or cause other things to grow in your starter. That’s not what we want!
- Rye flour for a more earthy taste
- Grains or seeds for texture
- Dried fruits like raisins or cranberries
- Herbs like rosemary or thyme
- Spices such as cinnamon or nutmeg
- A pinch of salt for added flavor
- A splash of pineapple juice for a fruity twist
- Olive oil for a richer texture
- Honey or maple syrup for a touch of sweetness
- Crushed garlic or onion for a savory kick
ANY SUBSTITUTIONS?
Experiment with different options if you like. Keep in mind that some flours are more suited to sourdough than others.
- Bottled water or filtered water if you’re unsure about tap water quality
- Use a 1:1 mix of bread flour and whole wheat flour
HOW TO STORE:
Refrigerator: Once your own starter is active, store it in the fridge if you’re not baking daily. Remember to feed it at least once a week.
Freezer: For longer breaks, you can freeze your starter. Thaw and feed it several times at room temperature before baking.
DANA’S TIPS AND TRICKS:
- Be patient: It might take time, but a bubbly and active starter is worth the wait.
- Use a clean jar: Ensure your containers are clean to avoid unwanted bacteria.
- Stay consistent: Regular feeding, especially in the early days, is crucial.
- Warm spot: Keep your starter in a warm location to encourage growth.
- Hydration is key: Always maintain equal amounts of flour and water to keep your starter’s hydration levels consistent.
- Trust your senses: If your starter smells off or changes color, it’s best to start fresh.
Starting your own sourdough journey can be such a rewarding experience. It’s amazing to think that with just flour, water, and a little bit of time, you can create delicious homemade bread that’ll impress anyone.
Whether you’re a seasoned baker or trying for the first time, this Sourdough Starter Recipe is your passport to a world of warm, crusty loaves, perfect for any occasion.
It’s just a good idea! So, roll up those sleeves, and let’s get baking!
If you like this recipe, you might also like:
If you’ve tried this SOURDOUGH STARTER RECIPE, let me know how it turned out in the comments! You can follow me over on PINTEREST, INSTAGRAM OR FACEBOOK to find some more of our mouthwatering recipes!
Sourdough Starter Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup whole wheat flour per day
- 1/2 cup water per day
Instructions
- Day 1: In a glass jar combine 1 cup of whole wheat flour and ½ cup of water. Stir well. The mixture should be slightly thicker than cake batter. Cover the jar loosely with a cotton cloth. Leave it in a dark place for 24 hours. I keep it in the cupboard.1 cup whole wheat flour, 1/2 cup water
- Day 2: The next day, get rid of half of the starter (about ½ cup) and then repeat the steps with the same amount of flour and water (1 cup of whole wheat flour and ½ cup of water). Cover loosely again and leave the jar in a dark place for 24 hours.
- Day 3: You should start to see some bubbling activity. You will now need to “feed” your starter twice a day. Today start with about ½ cup of the starter and discard the rest. Then add 1 cup of flour and ½ cup of water and mix well every 12 hours (twice a day.)
- Day 4: Repeat instructions from day 3, feeding your starter twice (or every 12 hours.)
- Day 5: Repeat instructions from day 3, feeding your starter twice (or every 12 hours.)
- Day 6: On the sixth day, your yeast should be ready. You will see that he has risen and has bubbles.
Notes
- Be patient: It might take time, but a bubbly and active starter is worth the wait.
- Use a clean jar: Ensure your containers are clean to avoid unwanted bacteria.
- Stay consistent: Regular feeding, especially in the early days, is crucial.
- Warm spot: Keep your starter in a warm location to encourage growth.
- Hydration is key: Always maintain equal amounts of flour and water to keep your starter’s hydration levels consistent.
- Trust your senses: If your starter smells off or changes color, it’s best to start fresh.
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