Sourdough Tips for Beginners

Sourdough has officially become a core part of my personality. A little over a year ago, I tried my hand at making it for the first time. And it’s ruined me for regular bread. 😂 There is nothing like a warm, fresh-baked loaf, and once you figure out that sourdough goes way beyond just bread, it becomes a staple in your kitchen. These sourdough tips for beginners are great for both those who are just getting started and those who are looking to mix things up!

I use sourdough for just about everything. You’ve probably already heard about the benefits: it’s easier on your blood sugar and digestion than regular bread, and usually helps you feel fuller for longer. And then there’s the obvious: it’s delicious. Trust me, once you start making it, there’s no going back!

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Sourdough Tips for Beginners #1: Don’t Limit the Possibilities

Before I started making my own sourdough, I had no idea how versatile it actually is. You can swap it into so many recipes, and it usually tastes even better than the original. Here are a few ways I’ve used it:

I’ve also made biscuits, pizza dough, croissants, and probably a few others I’m forgetting. Part of the fun is finding new ways to use the discard so nothing goes to waste.

There’s something so nostalgic and cozy about baking sourdough with a recipe from a physical cookbook! The first two below are ones I cook from regularly, and the last two are on my list. Because can you ever really have too many?

Sourdough Tips for Beginners #2: Make It Pretty

The DIYer in me loves any chance to add some extra beautifying touches, and sourdough is no exception! Here are some of my favorite decorating methods and things I want to try in the future.

Sourdough Decorating Ideas

• Scoring – You have to score the top of the loaf before baking anyway (it controls where the bread expands as it rises), so you might as well make it beautiful. Flowers, leaves, patterns, you name it! Pinterest is one of my go-to’s for inspiration.
• Painting – Food coloring + water = paint for your sourdough canvas. Freehand your design, or use a stencil – just be sure to apply it before putting the loaf in the oven, and the design bakes right in.
• Shaping – Use oiled kitchen twine and different pan shapes to give your sourdough a unique look. How cute is this mini double Dutch oven for bread bowls?

Sourdough Tips for Beginners #3: Use the Right Tools

Like with any project, good tools can make all the difference! A food scale was the first thing that changed the game for me. Since sourdough is measured by weight, not volume, measuring cups alone will only get you so far. These are the tools I recommend!

Sourdough Tips for Beginners #4: Go Big or Go Home(made)

One of my favorite sourdough hacks: doubling the recipe and spreading the baking out over a few days. The dough keeps well in the fridge, so you can batch-prep once and have fresh bread ready to bake whenever you need it (without starting from scratch every time).

Sourdough Tips for Beginners #5: Flour Power

There was a time last year when I cut flour out of my diet to see if it was affecting some health issues I’d been dealing with. Thankfully, I was able to bring it back, but it did get me thinking about flour differently. Some things I’ve learned: whole wheat adds a nuttier flavor, rye ferments faster, and bread flour has a higher protein content, which gives you a better rise than all-purpose. One of these days I’m going to go full mad sourdough scientist and work my way through all of them!

Time to get baking!

If you’ve been on the fence about trying sourdough, consider this your sign. It might feel intimidating at first, but once you get the hang of it, it becomes one of those things you can’t imagine not doing. Start simple, have fun with it, and don’t be afraid to experiment. Good luck!