Tips for Making a Sourdough Starter

Learn how to make a strong sourdough starter with these quick tips!

What is a Sourdough Starter?

A sourdough starter is a culture of natural bacteria and yeast that is used to leaven bread. You only need flour and water to make your own starter from scratch!

What Tools Do You Need?

Use a clean, glass jar with a wide opening to make stirring with a small spatula easy. A baking scale will ensure your ingredients are measured properly.

Keep a Small Starter for Less Waste

Some recipes call for copious amounts of flour that are wasted to build a starter. My recipe minimizes waste by making a small sourdough starter.

How to Kickstart a Sourdough Starter

Add a touch of rye flour to make your sourdough starter stronger. The rye flour is full of nutrients your starter will love as it starts!

Keep the Starter in a Warm Location

For best results, keep your starter in a warm location like a bread proofer or an oven with the light turned on. Sourdough yeasts thrive in warm (not hot) conditions.

How to Know When Your Starter is Ready

Your sourdough starter is ready when it has a pleasant yeasty smell and consistently doubles in volume.

The Float Test

To test if your sourdough starter is ready, place some in a glass of water. If it floats, it's ready. If not, feed it again.

Be Patient!

It can take anywhere from a week to 14 days to make a sourdough starter. Patience and consistent feedings are key!

Learn more!

Get my sourdough starter recipe by clicking the link below! The recipe includes day-by-day instructions for making your starter.