simple sourdough starter recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best simple sourdough starter recipe

I’ve always been fascinated by the simplicity and complexity of sourdough bread-making. This simple sourdough starter recipe has become a staple in our household, and I’m excited to share it with you.

The process of creating a natural starter from scratch is not only rewarding but also teaches you about the importance of patience and letting things unfold naturally. As a busy mom, I appreciate how this recipe allows me to take control of what my family eats while still being mindful of our dietary needs.

Our kids love helping me mix and knead the dough, and we all enjoy watching it rise in the kitchen window. This recipe is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a quick weeknight meal or a special gathering with friends and family.

Not only does it taste amazing, but the process of making it also promotes a sense of community and connection with the people around us. Plus, there’s something special about biting into a warm slice of homemade bread, knowing that we made it ourselves from scratch.

Simple Sourdough Starter Recipe

4.6 from 1654 votes

A simple and straightforward recipe to create your own sourdough starter at home. This recipe requires minimal ingredients and patience to develop a active and bubbly starter.

Prep Time7 days
Cook Time15 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time7 days
Servings: 1 starterCuisine: InternationalCalories: 0 kcal

🥘Ingredients

Ingredients

113 grams (1 cup) all-purpose flour
113 grams (1/2 cup) filtered water at room temperature

👨‍🍳Directions

1Day 1: In a glass jar, mix 57 grams (1/2 cup) of flour and 57 grams (1/4 cup) of water until there are no dry bits of flour left.
2The consistency should be similar to a thick batter.
3Cover the jar with a loose lid or cheesecloth and let it rest in a warm place (around 70-75°F or 21-24°C) for 24 hours.
4Day 2: You may not see much activity in your starter, but do not discard any of the mixture.
5Add another 57 grams (1/2 cup) of flour and 57 grams (1/4 cup) of water to the jar and mix well.
6Cover and let it rest for another 24 hours in the same warm location.
7Day 3: By now, you should start to see some bubbles forming on the surface of your starter.
8This is a good sign that the wild yeast is becoming active.
9Add another 57 grams (1/2 cup) of flour and 57 grams (1/4 cup) of water to the jar and mix well.
10Cover and let it rest for another 24 hours.
11Day 4: Your starter should be more active, with bubbles throughout the mixture and a slight tangy odor.
12Discard half of the starter (you can use this discard in recipes or compost it).
13Add another 57 grams (1/2 cup) of flour and 57 grams (1/4 cup) of water to the jar and mix well.
14Cover and let it rest for another 24 hours.
15Day 5: Your starter should be very active, with lots of bubbles and a strong tangy odor.
16Discard half of the starter and feed it as before.
17You should start to see the starter double in size within a few hours of feeding.
18Cover and let it rest for another 24 hours.
19Day 6: Your starter should be very active and bubbly.
20Discard half of the starter and feed it as before.
21The starter should consistently double in size within a few hours of feeding.
22If not, continue to feed it every 12 hours until it does.
23Cover and let it rest for another 24 hours.
24Day 7: Your sourdough starter should now be active and ready to use in recipes.
25It should have a strong tangy odor and be very bubbly.
26If you are not ready to use it, you can maintain it by discarding half of it and feeding it daily.
27Store it in the refrigerator and feed it once a week to keep it active.

🔧Equipment

Glass jar with lid
Wooden spoon or spatula
Scale
Thermometer

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 0 kcal🧈Total Fat: 0g💛Saturated Fat: 0g❤️Cholesterol: 0mg🧂Sodium: 0mg🌾Total Carbs: 24g🥦Dietary Fiber: 0g🍬Sugars: 0g🥩Protein: 3g

📝Notes

Tips: Use filtered water to avoid chlorine and other chemicals that can inhibit the growth of wild yeast. If your starter does not show signs of activity after 7 days, try increasing the temperature of the room or feeding it more frequently.

Watch Video Of How Simple Sourdough Starter Recipe Works

This simple sourdough starter recipe has become a staple in our household because it’s easy to make, delicious, and perfect for any occasion. We love watching our kids help us mix and knead the dough, and we all enjoy biting into a warm slice of homemade bread.

The best part is that this recipe promotes a sense of community and connection with the people around us. We often store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze them for up to 2 months.

When reheating, we simply slice the bread thinly and toast it until crispy – it’s always a hit!

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Sourdough Starter

Q: What is a sourdough starter?

A: A sourdough starter is a mixture of flour and water that contains wild yeast and bacteria, which are responsible for fermenting the sugars in the dough and giving bread its characteristic tangy flavor.

Q: How do I maintain my sourdough starter?

A: To maintain your sourdough starter, you need to feed it regularly with fresh flour and water, usually once a week or whenever you plan to use it.

Q: Can I use this recipe to make gluten-free bread?

A: Unfortunately, this recipe is not suitable for gluten-free diets as it uses traditional wheat flour.

Q: How long does it take to make this bread?

A: The entire process, from creating the starter to baking the bread, can take anywhere from 12 to 24 hours.

Q: Can I store this bread at room temperature?

A: No, it’s best to store this bread in the refrigerator to slow down the fermentation process and keep it fresh for longer.

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