Best Sourdough Tips for Beginners

1. Feed your starter on a schedule

A starter that is fed at the same time every day is predictable, and a predictable starter makes predictable bread. Use equal weights of flour and water and keep it somewhere warm.

2. Mind your hydration

Start around 70% hydration. Wetter doughs give a more open crumb but are harder to shape. Move up in small steps.

3. Watch the dough, not the clock

Bulk fermentation depends on temperature. Look for a dough that has grown by about half and has bubbles on the surface.

4. Use steam

Steam in the first 15 minutes keeps the crust soft so the loaf can expand fully.

5. Be patient

Let the loaf cool before slicing. Read our complete starter guide and the flour guide for more.