10 Easy Sourdough Bread Recipes for Beginners

Hey there, bread lovers! Have you ever smelled freshly baked sourdough? That tangy scent, the crunchy crust, the chewy inside—it’s pure heaven. I still remember my first sourdough loaf. I was a nervous wreck, thinking I’d mess it up, but when I pulled it out of the oven, I felt like a rockstar. If you’re new to this, don’t sweat it! I’ve rounded up 10 easy sourdough bread recipes that’ll take you from beginner to baking pro in no time. These are simple, fun, and totally doable. Let’s get started!

1. Classic Sourdough Bread

This is the OG of sourdough. It’s where every baker starts. You only need flour, water, salt, and a bubbly starter. My first try wasn’t pretty—it burst open because I forgot to score it—but man, it tasted amazing!

Here’s How to Make It:

1. Feed your starter 4-6 hours ahead so it’s nice and active.
2. Mix 500g bread flour, 350g water, and 100g starter in a big bowl. Stir until it’s shaggy. Rest for 30 minutes.
3. Sprinkle in 10g salt. Mix it well.
4. Let it rise for 4-6 hours. Stretch and fold it every 30 minutes for the first 2 hours.
5. Shape it into a round loaf. Pop it in a proofing basket, seam-side up.
6. Proof for 2-3 hours—or stick it in the fridge overnight.
7. Preheat your oven to 450°F with a Dutch oven inside.
8. Transfer the dough to the hot Dutch oven, slash the top, and bake covered for 20 minutes. Uncover and bake 20-25 more.
9. Cool it on a rack before slicing.

2. Whole Wheat Sourdough Bread

This one’s got a nutty vibe and extra nutrition from whole wheat flour. It’s a little denser but so satisfying. I love it with a thick smear of butter!

Here’s How to Make It:

1. Feed your starter until it’s bubbly.
2. Mix 250g bread flour, 250g whole wheat flour, 350g water, and 100g starter. Let it sit for 30 minutes.
3. Add 10g salt and mix.
4. Let it rise for 4-6 hours, stretching and folding every 30 minutes for the first 2 hours.
5. Shape it into a loaf. Proof for 2-3 hours—or overnight in the fridge.
6. Bake in a preheated Dutch oven at 450°F, 20 minutes covered, then 20-25 uncovered.
7. Cool before you dig in.

3. Sourdough Sandwich Bread

Need a soft loaf for sandwiches? This is your guy. It’s tender with a hint of sweetness. I make killer grilled cheese with it!

Here’s How to Make It:

1. Feed your starter so it’s ready to roll.
2. Mix 500g bread flour, 300g water, 100g starter, 20g sugar, and 30g softened butter. Rest for 30 minutes.
3. Add 10g salt and mix it in.
4. Let it rise for 4-5 hours, stretching and folding every 30 minutes for the first 2 hours.
5. Shape it into a loaf and place in a greased loaf pan.
6. Proof for 2-3 hours until it fills the pan.
7. Bake at 375°F for 35-40 minutes until golden.
8. Cool before slicing.

4. Sourdough Focaccia

Focaccia is like the chill cousin of bread. It’s flat, easy, and you can top it however you like. I once added rosemary and sea salt—total game-changer!

Here’s How to Make It:

1. Feed your starter until it’s active.
2. Mix 500g bread flour, 400g water, and 100g starter. Rest for 30 minutes.
3. Add 10g salt and 30g olive oil. Mix well.
4. Let it rise for 4-5 hours, stretching and folding every 30 minutes for the first 2 hours.
5. Spread it in a greased pan. Dimple it with your fingers and drizzle with olive oil.
6. Proof for 1-2 hours.
7. Bake at 425°F for 20-25 minutes until golden.
8. Cool a bit before cutting.

5. Sourdough Pizza Crust

Pizza night just got better! This crust is chewy with a tangy kick. My family begs for it every movie night.

Here’s How to Make It:

1. Feed your starter until it’s bubbly.
2. Mix 500g bread flour, 350g water, and 100g starter. Rest for 30 minutes.
3. Add 10g salt and mix.
4. Let it rise for 4-5 hours, stretching and folding every 30 minutes for the first 2 hours.
5. Divide into 2-3 balls. Rest for 30 minutes, then stretch into crusts.
6. Add toppings and bake at 475°F for 10-12 minutes.

6. Sourdough Bagels

These bagels are chewy, tangy, and perfect for breakfast. Boiling them is the secret to that classic texture.

Here’s How to Make It:

1. Feed your starter so it’s good to go.
2. Mix 500g bread flour, 250g water, 100g starter, and 10g sugar. Rest for 30 minutes.
3. Add 10g salt and mix.
4. Let it rise for 4-5 hours, stretching and folding every 30 minutes for the first 2 hours.
5. Divide into 8 pieces. Roll into balls and poke a hole to make bagels.
6. Proof for 1-2 hours.
7. Boil each bagel in water with 1 tbsp malt syrup for 30 seconds per side.
8. Bake at 425°F for 20-25 minutes.

7. Sourdough Pretzels

Soft pretzels with a sourdough twist? Yes, please! They’re perfect with mustard. I made these for a party once, and they vanished fast!

Here’s How to Make It:

1. Feed your starter until it’s active.
2. Mix 500g bread flour, 300g water, and 100g starter. Rest for 30 minutes.
3. Add 10g salt and mix.
4. Let it rise for 4-5 hours, stretching and folding every 30 minutes for the first 2 hours.
5. Divide into 8 pieces. Roll into ropes and shape into pretzels.
6. Proof for 1 hour.
7. Boil in water with 1/4 cup baking soda for 30 seconds per side.
8. Bake at 450°F for 12-15 minutes.

8. Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls

These rolls are sweet and tangy—a total treat! The sourdough makes them extra special.

Here’s How to Make It:

1. Feed your starter until it’s ready.
2. Mix 500g bread flour, 200g milk, 100g starter, 50g sugar, and 50g softened butter. Rest for 30 minutes.
3. Add 5g salt and mix.
4. Let it rise for 4-5 hours, stretching and folding every 30 minutes for the first 2 hours.
5. Roll it out, spread with butter, sugar, and cinnamon. Roll up and slice into rolls.
6. Proof for 2-3 hours.
7. Bake at 375°F for 25-30 minutes.
8. Drizzle with icing while warm.

9. Sourdough Banana Bread

Banana bread with a sourdough twist? Oh yeah! It’s moist and flavorful—great for using up those ripe bananas.

Here’s How to Make It:

1. Feed your starter so it’s active.
2. Mash 3 ripe bananas. Mix with 100g starter, 100g sugar, 1 egg, and 50g melted butter.
3. In another bowl, mix 200g flour, 1 tsp baking soda, and 1/2 tsp salt.
4. Combine wet and dry ingredients.
5. Pour into a greased loaf pan. Bake at 350°F for 50-60 minutes.
6. Cool before slicing.

10. Sourdough Dinner Rolls

These rolls are soft, fluffy, and perfect for any meal. I love them warm with butter at family dinners!

Here’s How to Make It:

1. Feed your starter until it’s bubbly.
2. Mix 500g bread flour, 300g water, 100g starter, 20g sugar, and 30g softened butter. Rest for 30 minutes.
3. Add 10g salt and mix.
4. Let it rise for 4-5 hours, stretching and folding every 30 minutes for the first 2 hours.
5. Divide into 12 pieces. Shape into balls and place in a greased dish.
6. Proof for 2-3 hours.
7. Bake at 375°F for 20-25 minutes until golden.

FAQ

What’s a sourdough starter?
It’s a mix of flour and water that grabs wild yeast and bacteria from the air. It’s what makes your bread rise without store-bought yeast.

How do I make a starter?
Mix equal parts flour and water. Let it sit out and feed it daily with more flour and water. In about a week, it’ll be bubbly and ready.

How do I know my starter’s good?
It’ll double in size after feeding and smell tangy. Try the float test—drop a bit in water. If it floats, you’re golden!

Can I use all-purpose flour?
Yup, it works! Bread flour’s better for chewiness, but all-purpose is fine if that’s what you’ve got.

Why’s my bread dense?
Could be your starter wasn’t active, or it didn’t proof long enough. Check those steps and try again!

How do I store sourdough?
Wrap it in a towel or use a paper bag for up to 3 days. For longer, slice it and freeze it.

Conclusion

There you go—10 easy sourdough recipes to make you a baking pro! Don’t worry if your first try’s a little wonky—mine sure was. It’s all about the fun and that fresh-baked taste. Pick a recipe, give it a shot, and enjoy the ride. Happy baking!