Recipes & Guides
Step-by-step sourdough recipes, starter guides, and the baking science behind every loaf.
The Science of Sourdough Fermentation: What Is Actually Happening in Your Dough
Understanding the biology and chemistry behind sourdough fermentation helps you make better decisions at every stage. Here is what wild yeast and bacteria are doing in your dough.
Team Sourdough Joe · March 24, 2026
Cold Retard Overnight: More Flavor, Less Effort
Cold retarding your sourdough in the fridge overnight gives you deeper flavor, better scoring, and a schedule that fits your life. Here is exactly how to do it.
Team Sourdough Joe · February 11, 2026
Bulk Fermentation: Why Temperature Changes Everything
Your bulk fermentation timeline is not set in stone. Temperature is the hidden variable that controls how fast your dough ferments, how sour it gets, and whether your bread turns out great or disappointing.
Team Sourdough Joe · February 5, 2026
Sourdough Fermentation Simply Explained: What Happens in the Dough?
Ever wondered what is actually going on inside your dough during those long hours of fermentation? Here is the full story, from wild yeast activity to acid production, no science degree required.
Team Sourdough Joe · January 30, 2026
Sourdough Too Sour? How to Control the Flavor
Your bread is coming out way too tangy and the family is making faces at the dinner table. Here’s the science behind sourness in sourdough and exactly how to dial it up or down.
Team Sourdough Joe · January 17, 2026
Crumb Too Dense: Causes and Tips for an Open Crumb Structure
If your sourdough crumb looks more like a doorstop than the airy, hole-filled slices you see everywhere, this guide breaks down exactly what causes density and how to open things up.
Team Sourdough Joe · January 13, 2026
Sourdough Bread Didn’t Rise? 5 Reasons and What to Change
Flat sourdough loaf staring back at you? Before you toss it, let’s figure out exactly what went wrong. Here are the five most common reasons your bread didn’t rise and how to fix each one.
Team Sourdough Joe · January 10, 2026
Bulk Fermentation: The Most Important Step in Sourdough
Bulk fermentation is where your sourdough develops flavor, structure, and character. Learn how to judge timing by feel, not just the clock, and avoid the most common mistakes.
Team Sourdough Joe · December 12, 2025
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 · November 4, 2025