How to Make Sourdough Starter
This how to make sourdough starter is an easy sourdough starter recipe that transforms simple ingredients into a bubbly, flavorful base for exquisite homemade bread. Perfect for beginners, it’s a fun kitchen project.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 (.25 ounce) package active dry yeast
- 2 cups warm water
Instructions
- Gather all ingredients.
- Place the flour into a large, non-metallic bowl. Sprinkle the yeast over the flour, pour in warm water, and stir until fully combined.
- Set the bowl on a cookie sheet to catch any spills, then cover loosely with a clean kitchen towel. Place it in a warm, draft-free spot to begin fermenting.
- Let the starter sit for 4 to 8 days. Stir it once daily. It's ready when it’s bubbly, smells pleasantly tangy, and has doubled in size. If you notice any discoloration (pink or orange), discard it and start fresh.
- Day 1: Combine all-purpose flour, active dry yeast, and warm water in a non-metallic bowl. Stir until smooth.
- Fermentation: Place the bowl on a cookie sheet, cover loosely, and leave it in a warm spot. Stir the mixture daily to ensure proper fermentation.
- Day 4 or later: Once the starter is bubbly, doubled in size, and smells pleasantly sour, it’s ready to use!
Notes
Feeding your starter: Whenever you use a portion, replace it with equal parts flour and water. For example, if you remove 1 cup of starter, mix in 1 cup water and 1 cup flour, then leave it at room temperature until bubbly before refrigerating. If a thin layer of liquid forms on top of your refrigerated starter, don’t worry—it’s harmless! Simply stir it back in.