Recipes & Guides

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

Why Your Sourdough Dough Is Too Sticky to Handle (and What to Actually Do About It)
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Why Your Sourdough Dough Is Too Sticky to Handle (and What to Actually Do About It)

Sticky dough isn't always a problem β€” but when it's unworkable, you need real solutions. Here's how to tell the difference between normal tacky dough and a hydration disaster, plus six fixes that actually work.

Team Sourdough Joe Β· July 26, 2026

Why Your Sourdough Keeps Spreading Flat (And How to Fix Your Shaping)
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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 Β· June 19, 2026

Advanced Sourdough Shaping: Coil Folds, Lamination, and Stitch Method
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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 Β· April 17, 2026

Bench Scraper vs. Dough Scraper: Small Tools, Big Difference
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Bench Scraper vs. Dough Scraper: Small Tools, Big Difference

A bench scraper and a dough scraper cost less than a fancy coffee but will transform how you handle dough. Here is what each one does and why you need both.

Team Sourdough Joe Β· February 15, 2026

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