Sourdough focaccia
Sourdough cinnamon rolls
Sourdough pizza crust
Sourdough biscuits
Sourdough English muffins
Sourdough puff pastry
Sourdough French bread
Sourdough bagels
Sourdough cornbread
Sage and Gruyere sourdough bread
How to Store Sourdough Starter
Properly storing your sourdough starter is a key part of keeping it alive and healthy. While you’re in your first week of making the starter, keep it at room temperature. That means your room should be around 75 degrees. Not cold, but not hot.
Once your starter is ready, you can store it at room temperature or in the fridge. Store it at room temperature if you plan to use and feed the starter daily. Otherwise, store it in the fridge if you plan to use and feed it weekly.
Sourdough starter can go bad if neglected. Make sure to keep on top of the feeding and discarding. The starter may darken, but if it turns another color or develops an offensive odor or mold, discard it and whip up a new one.
Can you make sourdough starter ahead of time?
Yes, in fact you need to make sourdough starter five to seven days ahead of time. This gives the starter time to mature and activate properly so it’s ready to rise in your sourdough bread recipe.
Sourdough Starter Tips
How long will it take to make sourdough starter?
It will take between five to seven days to make a sourdough starter that’s ready to use. Yes, it takes a long time, and no, there are no shortcuts (put the instant yeast away!), but the result is so worth it. A lot of people like to name their sourdough starter too (my friend named hers Miranda Yeastly), so use that time to care for, cultivate and even name your sourdough starter, if you so choose.
What happens if you don’t feed your sourdough starter?
Forgetting to feed your sourdough starter for long enough periods will kill the yeast and organisms you’ve worked hard to cultivate. After all, making sourdough is quite different than making traditional yeast bread. If you’ve missed only one feeding, you may be able to bring the starter back with some feeding and careful watching.
Do you stir sourdough starter before using?
Yes, to use and replenish your sourdough starter, you need to stir to blend in any liquid. Remove the amount of starter needed and bring it to room temperature.
Ingredients
115 grams bread flour or whole wheat flour
115 grams room temperature water
Directions
1
In a large glass jar or bowl, combine flour and water (be sure there’s room for starter to grow). Cover loosely with plastic wrap; let sit at room temperature 24 hours.
2
Discard 115 grams of starter. Add another 115 grams bread or whole wheat flour and 115 grams room temperature water to the starter; stir until well-combined. Loosely cover with plastic wrap; let sit at room temperature another 24 hours. Repeat feeding and discarding steps every 12 hours for a total of 5-7 days, or until starter has doubled in size and is bubbly with a tangy aroma.
3
Measure out 115 grams; transfer to a glass jar or container fitted with a lid (it’s permanent storage container). Store in the refrigerator to use as desired. Feed once per week following the same feeding and discarding steps as listed above.
Nutrition Facts
1 sourdough starter (115 grams): 415 calories, 2g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 2mg sodium, 83g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 3g fiber), 14g protein.
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