Sourdough 101: Everything You Need to Get Started

So you’ve decided to dive into the world of sourdough? Welcome aboard! The good news is, you don’t need a fancy kitchen or a pantry full of gadgets to get started. Trust me—I began with the basics and discovered that sourdough baking is as much about resourcefulness as it is about creativity.
Here’s what you really need to kick off your sourdough adventure:
1. Flour and Water: The Dynamic Duo At its heart, sourdough is just flour, water, and time. These two simple ingredients are all it takes to create a thriving starter—the magic behind every loaf. No need for expensive or specialty flours at the start; all-purpose flour works great for beginners.

Pro Tip: If you want to experiment, grab some whole wheat or rye flour. They’re full of natural yeast and can help kickstart your starter’s activity!

2. A Kitchen Scale: Your Best Baking Buddy Precision is key in sourdough baking, and a kitchen scale will be your most reliable tool. Measuring by weight instead of cups ensures consistency, which is especially important when you’re feeding your starter or mixing dough.
My Pick: Look for a digital scale with a tare function (so you can zero it out when adding ingredients). Mine has become my ride-or-die in the kitchen!

3. Bowls and Spoons: Keep It Simple No need for fancy mixing bowls—any large bowl will do. You’ll also want a sturdy spoon or spatula for mixing.
Reuse Tip: I often use basic glass or stainless-steel bowls that are easy to clean and won’t react with the starter’s acidity.

4. A Dutch Oven: The Secret to Artisan Crust While not strictly necessary, a Dutch oven is a game-changer for sourdough baking. It traps steam, creating that crackly crust and tender interior we all dream of.
Budget Hack: If you don’t have one, try baking on a pizza stone or sheet pan with a tray of water in the oven for steam. But if you can invest in one thing, I recommend a Dutch oven—it’s worth it!
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5. Patience: The Key Ingredient Sourdough baking is a slow process, but that’s part of the charm. Embrace the waiting time as an opportunity to learn, experiment, or just relax (maybe with a cup of coffee and a good book).
Audrey’s Advice: Don’t get discouraged if your first loaf doesn’t look like something from Instagram. Every bake is a lesson, and even the flops taste pretty good with butter.
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Optional (But Nice to Have):

• Bench Scraper: For shaping dough like a pro.
• Proofing Basket (Banneton): For a rustic shape and pretty flour rings.
• Lame (Razor): For scoring dough with precision.

With these simple tools and ingredients, you’re ready to jump into the sourdough world. Remember, the journey is half the fun—so roll up your sleeves, grab some flour, and let’s get baking!

Question for You: What’s the first thing you plan to bake? Share in the comments—I’d love to cheer you on!

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