Recipes & Guides
Step-by-step sourdough recipes, starter guides, and the baking science behind every loaf.
Sourdough Beginners Week One Baking Schedule
A complete day-by-day schedule for your first week of sourdough baking. From creating your starter to pulling your first loaf from the oven, every step is covered.
Team Sourdough Joe · August 18, 2026
Sourdough Starter Won't Rise: Troubleshooting Guide
Your sourdough starter is flat and lifeless? Do not panic. Here are the most common reasons starters refuse to rise and exactly how to fix each one.
Team Sourdough Joe · August 11, 2026
What Is a Levain and Why Do Some Recipes Want You to Build One?
You've got a healthy starter, so why do some recipes ask you to build a separate levain? Here's the difference, why it matters for flavor and timing, and how to build one that peaks at exactly the right moment.
Team Sourdough Joe · August 2, 2026
Sourdough Discard Herb Crackers That Taste Like You Bought Them at a Fancy Market
Transform that jar of discard languishing in your fridge into thin, shatteringly crispy herb crackers. Five ingredients, one sheet pan, and about 40 minutes from start to finish.
Team Sourdough Joe · July 28, 2026
Why Your Sourdough Smells Like Nail Polish Remover
That sharp, acetone-like smell from your starter is alarming but not dangerous. Here is what causes it and exactly how to fix it.
Team Sourdough Joe · July 10, 2026
How to Make Sourdough Starter More Active
Is your starter sluggish, slow to rise, or barely doubling? Here are proven strategies to boost its activity and get it reliably peaking on schedule.
Team Sourdough Joe · June 30, 2026
The Float Test: Does It Actually Work?
Every sourdough guide mentions the float test, but is it actually a reliable way to check if your starter is ready? Here is the honest truth.
Team Sourdough Joe · May 22, 2026
The Ultimate Sourdough Feeding Schedule: Daily, Weekly, and Everything In Between
Your feeding schedule should match your baking frequency, not someone else's routine. Here is how to set up a maintenance plan that keeps your starter healthy without ruling your life.
Team Sourdough Joe · April 28, 2026
How to Gift Sourdough Starter: Share the Love (Without the Confusion)
Giving someone their first sourdough starter is one of the best gifts a baker can offer. Here is how to package it, write instructions, and set them up for success.
Team Sourdough Joe · April 5, 2026
Rye vs. Wheat Starter: Which One Suits Your Bread?
Rye and wheat starters behave differently, taste differently, and excel at different things. Here’s how to choose — or why you might want both.
Team Sourdough Joe · December 31, 2025