Easy Sourdough Starter Recipe

5 from 1 vote

Learn how to make a sourdough starter from scratch with this beginner-friendly step-by-step guide. You’ll be baking like a pro in no time!

Prep Time5

Fermentation7

Total Time7 5

Course: vegan

Cuisine: All American

Diet: Diabetic, Low Calorie, Low Fat, Low Lactose, Low Salt, Vegan, Vegetarian

Servings: serving

Calories: 400kcal

Cost: $1.00

120 grams (1 cup) whole wheat or rye flour (Day 1, then switch to all-purpose after)
120 grams (½ cup) filtered water (Do NOT use tap water! Chlorine and chloramine, chemicals used to disinfect tap water, can kill the beneficial yeast and bacteria in a sourdough starter.)
all purpose flour (for feeding the starter Day 2-7)

Mix flour and water in a clean jar until no dry bits remain.
120 grams (1 cup) whole wheat or rye flour, 120 grams (½ cup) filtered water
Cover loosely with a paper towel or cloth and let sit at room temperature (around 70–75°F).

Discard half of the starter (about 120 g).
Add 120 grams of fresh flour and 120 grams of filtered water. Mix well, cover loosely, and let sit.
all purpose flour , 120 grams (½ cup) filtered water
Repeat every 24 hours, switching to all-purpose flour after Day 1.
By Day 5–7, your sourdough starter should be bubbly, active, and ready to bake in your first loaf of bread!

Feeding a Sourdough Starter - Once your starter is established, it needs regular feedings to stay healthy:

At room temperature (daily baking): Feed once every 24 hours.
In the refrigerator (occasional baking): Feed once a week. Remove from the fridge, discard half, feed as usual, and let it become active before baking.

Storing Starter Tips - You can store your sourdough starter either:

On the counter: Perfect if you bake daily or every few days. Just feed it daily to keep it active.
In the fridge: Best for occasional bakers. Feed once a week and revive with a few room-temperature feedings before baking.

If you ever forget to feed it, don’t worry! Starters are resilient. With a few consistent feedings, most can bounce back.