How to Make Chef John's Sourdough Starter - A Step-by-Step Guide

If you've ever wanted to try your hand at making your own sourdough bread, then you're going to need a good sourdough starter. Lucky for you, Chef John has a tried-and-true method for creating a delicious and active sourdough starter that's perfect for making all sorts of sourdough breads, pancakes, and more. Making your own sourdough starter may seem intimidating at first, but with Chef John's step-by-step instructions, you'll soon be on your way to creating your own tangy and delicious brea...

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Ingredients

  • 700 grams bread flour
  • 700 grams filtered water, divided

Information

  • Prep Time: 15 mins
  • Additional Time: 10 days
  • Total Time: 10 days 15 mins
  • Servings: 8
  • Yield: 8 servings

  • Day 1: Mix 70 grams flour and 70 grams water together in a container with a lid. Container needs to be large enough to accommodate another 70 grams water and flour. Cover loosely so gases can escape. Leave for 24 hours at 70 degrees F.
  • Day 2: Add 70 grams flour and 70 grams water. Stir. Cover loosely and leave for 24 hours at 70 degrees.
  • Day 3: Remove half (140 grams) of the starter. Add 70 grams flour and 70 grams water. Stir. Cover loosely and leave for 24 hours at 70 degrees.
  • Day 4 through about Day 10: Repeat Step 3 each day until starter smells fruity, yeasty, and is beautifully fermented. You can test this by seeing if the mixture doubles within 2 to 3 hours of feeding.
  • Refrigerate until needed. Most people recommend you feed the starter once a month or so (Step 3).
  • To make bread using a refrigerated starter: feed it at room temperature for two days. Use your refreshed starter to make bread on the third day. Remember to set aside 140 grams of starter and feed it again before returning it to the fridge.
  • Nutrition

    316 cal.

    • Total Fat: 2g
    • Saturated Fat: 0g
    • Sodium: 4mg
    • Total Carbohydrate: 64g
    • Dietary Fiber: 2g
    • Total Sugars: 0g
    • Protein: 11g
    • Calcium: 16mg
    • Iron: 4mg
    • Potassium: 88mg