Simple Sourdough Starter Recipe

 

This sourdough starter recipe with yeast, water, and flour is easy to make. After fermentation has occurred, keep the starter in a covered glass container in the refrigerator until ready to use. Sourdough starters improve with age — they used to be passed down from generation to generation!

Prep Time:

5 mins

Additional Time:

4 days

Total Time:

4 days 5 mins

Servings:

15

Yield:

3 cups

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Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 (.25 ounce) package active dry yeast

• 2 cups warm water

Directions

1. Gather all ingredients.

   

   DOTDASH MEREDITH FOOD STUDIOS

2. Place flour into a large, non-metallic bowl. Sprinkle yeast over top, pour in warm water, and mix to combine.

   

   DOTDASH MEREDITH FOOD STUDIOS

   

   DOTDASH MEREDITH FOOD STUDIOS

3. Place the bowl on a cookie sheet; cover loosely and set in a warm place to ferment for 4 to 8 days. Depending on temperature and humidity, times may vary. The starter is ready when bubbly and pleasantly sour smelling. If it's colored at all (pink, orange, etc.), throw it out and start over.

   

   DOTDASH MEREDITH FOOD STUDIOS

DOTDASH MEREDITH FOOD STUDIOS

Recipe Tips

When you use any of the starter, always replace it with equal amounts of flour and water, along with an optional pinch of sugar. For instance, if you remove 1 cup starter, add 1 cup water and 1 cup flour to the remaining starter mixture. Mix until well combined and leave out on the counter until bubbly again before returning to the refrigerator.

If a clear or light brown liquid accumulates on top of your refrigerated starter, don't worry. This is an alcohol-based liquid that occurs with fermentation. Just stir it back into the starter before using.