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Step-by-step guide to making a sourdough starter for beginners with flour and water

Sourdough Starter

A simple and stress-free guide to creating your own sourdough starter using just flour, water, and patience. Excellent for beginners who want to learn how to make their own sourdough bread.
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Prep Time 1 hour
Total Time 7 days
Servings: 1 starter
Course: Baking, Bread
Cuisine: American
Calories: 200
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Starter
  • 60 g flour (unbleached all purpose or whole wheat) Use whole wheat to help jump-start activity.
  • 60 g water Avoid heavily chlorinated water if possible.

Method
 

Day 1
  1. Mix 60 g of flour with 60 g of water in your jar. Stir until no dry spots remain. Scrape down the sides. Cover loosely and leave at room temperature.
Day 2
  1. Stir it once to check on it. If you see a few bubbles, great; if not, that is normal.
Day 3
  1. Discard about half of the starter. Add 60 g of flour and 60 g of water. Stir well and cover loosely again.
Day 4
  1. Repeat the same feeding: discard half, then add 60 g of flour and 60 g of water. Look for a slightly tangy smell.
Day 5
  1. Repeat the feeding and look for more bubbles and a little rise. It may start doubling after feedings.
Days 6 and 7
  1. Keep feeding daily until it reliably doubles in size within 4 to 8 hours after feeding.

Notes

Keep feedings timely and remember to write the day number on your jar. Store it at room temperature if you bake often, or in the fridge if you bake occasionally.