My First Loaf

There’s nothing quite like baking your first sourdough loaf. I was both excited and nervous, but as someone who believes in learning through trial and error, I jumped right in. I followed John Kanell’s recipe from The Preppy Kitchen and must have watched his YouTube channel a dozen times before I felt ready to give it a go. Honestly, I even propped up my iPad and played the video step by step—starting, stopping, and rewinding while working through each stage.
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The result? My first loaf turned out better than I expected! It wasn’t perfect, but it was pretty good, and I couldn’t have been prouder. That first slice, with its golden crust and soft interior, made all the effort worth it.

Lessons Learned

1. Don’t be afraid to fail: Sourdough is a journey, and even the flops are part of the fun.
2. Take your time: Watching (and rewatching) John’s videos gave me the confidence to tackle each step without feeling overwhelmed.
3. Celebrate the wins: That first successful loaf—no matter how it looks—deserves a photo, a proud smile, and maybe a generous spread of butter.

Photo Gallery: My First Loaf
​Here are a couple of pictures I took of my first sourdough loaf—my very own labor of love:

• Dough Rising:
• Scored and Ready to Bake:
• First Bake in the Dutch Oven:
• Final Bake - Golden Crust:
• The Big Reveal:

Your Turn
If you’re on the fence about trying your first bake, go for it! You might surprise yourself like I did.
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What was your first sourdough baking experience like? Share your stories in the comments—I’d love to hear about your first loaves!