Master Sourdough Baking: Step-by-Step Guide and Resources

Welcome to your ultimate sourdough resource! Baking sourdough bread is a journey, and this page breaks it into clear, actionable steps. Whether you’re maintaining your starter or perfecting your baking technique, we’ve got you covered.
Freshly cut sourdough bread with a golden crust

Your Go-To Guide for Perfect Sourdough Bread

Sourdough baking doesn’t have to be intimidating. This step-by-step guide simplifies the process, helping you create beautiful, delicious loaves with confidence. Start your sourdough journey today!

Jar of active sourdough starter with bubbles, ready for baking

The Foundation of Sourdough Success

Maintaining a Healthy Starter

Your starter is the heart of your sourdough bread. Learn how to feed, store, and troubleshoot your starter to ensure it's always ready to bake.

Key Topics:

  • Starter feeding schedule.
  • Recognizing signs of an active starter.
  • Common starter problems and fixes.
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Hands mixing sourdough dough in a bowl, building gluten structure

Achieving the Perfect Dough Consistency

Mixing the Dough

Master the art of mixing your dough to achieve the right hydration and gluten structure.

Key Topics:

  • How to calculate hydration levels.
  • Step-by-step dough mixing techniques.
  • Tools for mixing sourdough.
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Bread dough in a clear container during bulk fermentation, showing bubbles and rise

The Science of Dough Rising

Bulk Fermentation

Bulk fermentation is where the magic happens. Learn how to time it perfectly for flavor and structure.

Key Topics:

  • How to judge when fermentation is complete.
  • Stretch-and-fold techniques.
  • Ideal temperature and timing.
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Hands shaping sourdough dough into a round boule on a floured surface

Forming the Perfect Loaf

Shaping the Dough

Shaping gives your sourdough its structure. Learn how to handle your dough and achieve consistent results.

Key Topics:

  • Pre-shaping and final shaping techniques.
  • Using a banneton or free-form shaping.
  • Avoiding degassing during shaping.
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Sourdough dough proofing in a floured banneton, ready for baking.

Timing and Temperature for Perfect Proofing

Proofing the Dough

Proofing is critical for flavor and texture. Get it right every time with these tips.

Key Topics:

  • Understanding proofing stages.
  • Cold-proofing overnight for flavor.
  • Signs your dough is ready to bake.
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Close-up of sourdough being scored with a bread lame before baking.

Adding the Finishing Touch

Scoring the Dough

Scoring isn’t just decorative—it helps your bread bake evenly. Learn how to do it like a pro.

Key Topics:

  • Best tools for scoring.
  • Techniques for artistic patterns.
  • Functional scoring for oven spring.
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Sourdough bread baking in a oven

Achieving a Crispy Crust and Open Crumb

Baking with Steam

The baking process makes or breaks your bread. Discover the secrets to baking sourdough with perfect results.

Key Topics:

  • Using a Dutch oven or baking stone.
  • Creating steam in your oven.
  • Troubleshooting baking issues (e.g., pale crust).
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Conclusion

Mastering sourdough takes time, but breaking it into these steps makes it manageable and rewarding. Use this guide as your go-to resource and keep refining your skills with every loaf.

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