Recipes & Guides

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

No Dutch Oven? 5 Alternatives That Still Produce Great Sourdough
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No Dutch Oven? 5 Alternatives That Still Produce Great Sourdough

A Dutch oven is ideal for sourdough, but it is not the only way to trap steam. These five alternatives produce surprisingly good results with equipment you may already own.

Team Sourdough Joe Β· March 31, 2026

Sourdough Glossary: 20 Terms Every Beginner Should Know
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Sourdough Glossary: 20 Terms Every Beginner Should Know

From autolyse to windowpane, these are the sourdough terms you will encounter everywhere. A quick-reference glossary so you never feel lost reading a recipe again.

Team Sourdough Joe Β· March 21, 2026

Easy Sourdough Focaccia: Your Starter's Best Side Project
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Easy Sourdough Focaccia: Your Starter's Best Side Project

Turn your sourdough discard or active starter into pillowy, olive oil-drenched focaccia. This beginner-friendly recipe requires zero shaping skills.

Team Sourdough Joe Β· December 5, 2025

Sourdough Shaping for Beginners: Boule, Batard & Beyond
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Sourdough Shaping for Beginners: Boule, Batard & Beyond

Master the two essential sourdough shapes β€” boule and batard β€” with this beginner-friendly guide. Clear technique breakdowns with troubleshooting tips.

Team Sourdough Joe Β· November 28, 2025

Why Is My Sourdough Flat? 7 Common Causes and Fixes
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Why Is My Sourdough Flat? 7 Common Causes and Fixes

Flat sourdough loaves are frustrating but fixable. Learn the 7 most common reasons your bread isn't rising and exactly how to fix each one.

Team Sourdough Joe Β· November 26, 2025

Sourdough Hydration Explained: What the Numbers Actually Mean
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Sourdough Hydration Explained: What the Numbers Actually Mean

Confused by hydration percentages? This plain-English guide explains what sourdough hydration means, how it affects your bread, and what level is right for you.

Team Sourdough Joe Β· November 20, 2025

Your First Sourdough Loaf: A Step-by-Step Recipe
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Your First Sourdough Loaf: A Step-by-Step Recipe

Bake your very first sourdough loaf with this beginner-friendly recipe. Clear instructions from mixing to slicing, with baker's percentages and timing guidance.

Team Sourdough Joe Β· November 12, 2025

How to Make a Sourdough Starter from Scratch (Day by Day)
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How to Make a Sourdough Starter from Scratch (Day by Day)

Create your own sourdough starter from just flour and water. This day-by-day guide walks you through the entire 7-day process with clear signs to watch for at every stage.

Team Sourdough Joe Β· November 4, 2025