Recipes & Guides
Step-by-step sourdough recipes, starter guides, and the baking science behind every loaf.
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 · June 28, 2026
Why Your Sourdough Keeps Spreading Flat (And How to Fix Your Shaping)
That pancake-shaped loaf isn't a fermentation problem. It's a shaping problem. Here are the techniques that finally gave me tall, round loaves with real oven spring.
Team Sourdough Joe · June 19, 2026
High-Altitude Sourdough Baking Adjustments
Baking above 3,000 feet? Your sourdough behaves differently up there. Here is a complete guide to adjusting every variable for altitude.
Team Sourdough Joe · June 12, 2026
Troubleshooting Gummy Sourdough Bread
Your sourdough looks perfect on the outside but the crumb is gummy, sticky, or doughy inside? Here are the most likely causes and fixes.
Team Sourdough Joe · June 2, 2026
How to Score Sourdough for Decorative Patterns
Beyond the basic ear: learn how to create leaf patterns, wheat stalks, geometric designs, and more on your sourdough loaves.
Team Sourdough Joe · May 26, 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
Baking Sourdough in a Regular Oven (No Fancy Equipment)
No Dutch oven? No baking stone? No problem. Here is how to bake excellent sourdough with nothing more than a standard sheet pan and a regular home oven.
Team Sourdough Joe · May 17, 2026
Why Your Sourdough Crust Is Too Thick (and How to Fix It)
A thick, jaw-breaking crust ruins an otherwise perfect loaf. Here are the most common causes and exactly what to change in your process.
Team Sourdough Joe · May 12, 2026
How to Convert Any Bread Recipe to Sourdough
That favorite bread recipe from your grandmother or a cookbook? You can convert it to sourdough. Here is the simple math and method to make it work every time.
Team Sourdough Joe · May 5, 2026
Advanced Sourdough Shaping: Coil Folds, Lamination, and Stitch Method
Ready to move beyond basic stretch and fold? These three advanced dough handling techniques build stronger gluten, incorporate mix-ins cleanly, and give you more control.
Team Sourdough Joe · April 17, 2026