Sourdough Starter

Total Time Prep: 15 min. + resting
Yield 1 sourdough starter (115 grams)
Flour, water and patience are the building blocks for an excellent sourdough starter. This recipe shows step-by-step how to make a sourdough starter at home, with tips on feeding, caring for, storing, maintaining and using the sourdough starter.

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.

You'll need to break out the kitchen scale for this one! A sourdough starter may seem easy with just two ingredients, but the measurements are very precise. —Julie Andrews, Rockford, Michigan
Recipe Creator