Recipes & Guides

Step-by-step sourdough recipes, starter guides, and the baking science behind every loaf.

Open Crumb vs Tight Crumb Explained
techniqueintermediatecrumb

Open Crumb vs Tight Crumb Explained

Open crumb gets all the Instagram love, but tight crumb has its own advantages. Here is what determines crumb structure and how to control it in your bakes.

Team Sourdough Joe Β· August 23, 2026

Sourdough Grape Focaccia Schiacciata Recipe
recipefocacciaintermediate

Sourdough Grape Focaccia Schiacciata Recipe

A classic Tuscan harvest bread studded with sweet grapes, drizzled with olive oil, and sprinkled with sugar. Sourdough makes this traditional schiacciata even better.

Team Sourdough Joe Β· August 14, 2026

Sourdough Cheese Bread: Three Tasty Variations
recipecheeseintermediate

Sourdough Cheese Bread: Three Tasty Variations

Three ways to bake incredible sourdough cheese bread β€” from a gooey cheddar pull-apart to a sharp Parmesan-crusted boule and a spicy pepper jack loaf.

Team Sourdough Joe Β· August 4, 2026

Sourdough Donuts: Fried and Fabulous
recipedonutsintermediate

Sourdough Donuts: Fried and Fabulous

Pillowy, tangy sourdough donuts that are fried to golden perfection and rolled in sugar. An overnight dough makes these a surprisingly doable weekend treat.

Team Sourdough Joe Β· July 24, 2026

Coil Fold vs Stretch and Fold: Which Technique When
techniqueintermediatedough-handling

Coil Fold vs Stretch and Fold: Which Technique When

Two popular dough-handling techniques, each with its strengths. Learn when to use coil folds versus stretch and folds for the best results.

Team Sourdough Joe Β· July 21, 2026

Sourdough Bagels at Home: Chewy, Dense, and Absolutely Worth the Effort
bagelsrecipeintermediate

Sourdough Bagels at Home: Chewy, Dense, and Absolutely Worth the Effort

Real bagels are boiled, dense, and chewy. Sourdough fermentation adds a tangy depth that puts store-bought bagels to shame. This is the recipe that converted my whole family.

Team Sourdough Joe Β· July 14, 2026

Scoring Sourdough Like You Mean It: Patterns, Blades, and the Science Behind the Slash
scoringtechniquebaking

Scoring Sourdough Like You Mean It: Patterns, Blades, and the Science Behind the Slash

Scoring isn't just decoration. The way you cut your dough controls how it expands in the oven, affects the crust, and determines whether you get that coveted ear. Here's everything you need to know.

Team Sourdough Joe Β· June 28, 2026

Sourdough Pita Bread: Puffy Pockets Every Time
recipeflatbreadpita

Sourdough Pita Bread: Puffy Pockets Every Time

Homemade sourdough pita that actually puffs into perfect pockets. The secret is screaming hot heat and a dough that is easier than you think.

Team Sourdough Joe Β· June 26, 2026

Baking With Whole Wheat: A Sourdough Guide for People Who Want Flavor and Texture
whole wheatflourrecipe tips

Baking With Whole Wheat: A Sourdough Guide for People Who Want Flavor and Texture

Whole wheat sourdough doesn't have to be dense, dry, or depressing. With a few adjustments to your process, you can bake whole wheat loaves that are light, flavorful, and actually enjoyable.

Team Sourdough Joe Β· June 23, 2026

Kamut Sourdough Bread: Nutty and Golden
recipeancient-grainkamut

Kamut Sourdough Bread: Nutty and Golden

Kamut (Khorasan wheat) produces a stunning golden sourdough with a rich, buttery flavor. Here is how to work with this ancient grain for your best loaf.

Team Sourdough Joe Β· June 9, 2026