8 Easy Sourdough Bread Scoring Patterns
These eight easy sourdough bread scoring patterns will help you produce beautiful loaves while perfecting your scoring process!
Different Types Of Scores
Scoring sourdough bread serves two purposes.
Deep Scores: A deeper score allows steam to escape from the bread in a specific direction, preventing the bread from breaking open haphazardly during the baking. These deeper cuts are called expansion scores and can be made on the side or top of the dough.
Artistic Scores: The second purpose of scoring is artistic expression. Light, shallow scores can create intricate patterns and even illustrations. These artistic scores create patterns mesmerizing patterns across the dough.
Don’t be intimidated, even beginner sourdough bread bakers can easily create impressive scores. Sourdough scoring does not have to be complex to be beautiful.
As a general rule, many shallow scores can act as one large score: releasing enough steam so that the loaf does not break open.
Tools
Blades:
To achieve a lovely score you will need a sharp razor blade, very sharp knife, or bread lame. I personally prefer to use a straight blade razor, with no additional tools.
Lazy susan or cake turntable:
Some people like to rotate their dough on a lazy susan or turntable. I simply rotate mine on parchment paper, but use what gives you the most control.
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8 Easy Bread Scoring Patterns For Beginners
Improve your scoring technique with these easy, beginner friendly designs.
For best results, score cold dough: refrigerate for the second bulk fermentation or stick the dough in the freezer for a few minutes prior to scoring.
These scores are all made on round loaves, but they can be adapted to batards as well.
This is an easy sourdough bread recipe that works well for scoring.
1. Large Wheat Stalk With Deep Side Score
This pattern is easy to make yet produces an elegant score.
First, create a large wheat pattern to one side of the dough using a light hand to make shallow cuts for the leaves.
Then, use your razor to make a deeper crescent moon-shaped cut to the left of the large wheat stalk, at a 30 degree angle.
2. Bird Wing Pattern
These bird wings look very impressive but are actually quite simple to make!
Make shallow, loosely shaped “v” cuts in rows down the length of your dough—space each row about a half inch apart. I can usually make 2-3 columns.
The result of each simple score is an intricate pattern that is reminiscent of flying birds!
You do not need to create a single slash score with this pattern- there are enough spots for the steam to escape from and the dough should not break open.
3. Cross Shape
This self-explanatory bread score is easy to do but looks impressive and professional.
Make two long, deep cuts in an “x” or cross shape over your bread dough. (About 1/4 inch deep).
This simple cross shape is a traditional bread score and works well on breads with inclusions.
4. Cross Shape With Wheat Stalks
This beautiful design is perhaps the most iconic sourdough score, plus it is fun and easy to do.
Simply make the two long scores for the cross shape, then make a small wheat score in each of the four sections of dough within the cross shape.
5. “S” Shape
This sourdough score may be simple, but it is elegant and lovely! A curve or s shape lends an elegant twist to a traditional score.
Make a deep score in the shape of a loose “S” down one side of the dough.
6. Square Shape
This popular score is easier than it looks. Using a deep cut, create a square shape in the middle of the dough.
If desired, use butcher’s twine to imprint the square pattern before cutting for a more precise score.
Create a wheat stalk in the middle with shallow cuts for more character.
7. Wheat Stalk Bouquet
Get creative with a trio of wheat stalks featured on one side of your bread.
Make a deep score to one side of your dough, then use shallow slashes to create three small wheat stalk patterns offset.
You can make many small wheat stalks or just a few medium-sized ones.
8. Sourdough Star Fish Score
This sourdough “star fish” bread score is a delightful, fun design.
In addition to the simple cross shape, add in two additional deep scores across the dough.
This will give you 8 scores that look like starfish arms!
Be sure to liberally apply rice flour for a nice contrast to this score.
Bread Scoring Tips
You can read my article on how I learned to make better decorative cuts here.
In general, better decorative scoring can be achieved by using a very sharp blade, making quick, clean cuts, improving the surface tension of your dough, and sprinkling the top with rice flour for a more pronounced score.
I have personally found that cold dough scores more easily that room temperature dough, so I usually stick my dough into the freezer for 30 minutes prior to scoring.
The most important thing is to practice your scoring pattern until you are satisfied with the results. Practice makes perfect, and it’s fun!
Do not give up as you embark upon your sourdough bread scoring journey! I can remember my first attempts at scoring felt pathetic and discouraging.
But I continued to make dough and practice, and over time my artistic scoring got better and better. I am looking forward to exploring even more intricate designs this year.
