Sourdough Supply List For Beginner Bread Bakers
If you are new to the sourdough bread-baking journey, you may wonder what supplies you need to start. The good news is that it’s a lot less than you may think!
Simple is the name of the game when it comes to sourdough bread baking, no matter how fancy those swoon-worthy loaves look.
When I first started baking with sourdough, I was so intimidated that I avoided baking bread for years and used my starter for simple recipes like pancakes and cookies.
And I fussed over my starter like a mother hen! Over the years, I realized that baking sourdough bread is quite simple, but it does take some trial and error to get the hang of it.
Not only is sourdough baking easy to do, but very few supplies are needed. You can make a stunning loaf of bread with little more than a bowl, a sourdough starter, and a Dutch oven.
As with any hobby, there’s a plethora of “fun stuff” you could buy on your sourdough adventure, but only a few essentials are needed.
Let me help you demystify what you must have, what’s optional, and what is just for fun.
Sourdough Supply List For Beginners
These are the most commonly used supplies for baking sourdough bread. I’ve made notes so you can understand what is truly essential and where you can cut corners.
1. Glass Jar
One of the essential tools you’ll need is a jar to grow your sourdough starter in. This “home” will give you starter space to ferment, breathe, and grow!
Glass jars, crocks, and plastic can all work for a starter. You must be able to put a breathable cover over the starter (like a tea towel) when the starter is active. And, you’ll need to be able to cover the jar with a tight lid when you put the starter into the fridge to rest.
Here are some options:
- Old jars from around the kitchen: Technically speaking, you can save money by using any jar you have! I have thoroughly rinsed and cleaned a used spaghetti jar and used it to grow a starter. Free is always a good price, and it’s a great way to stick your toe into the sourdough waters.
- Wide-mouth mason jars: A wide-mouth mason jar is a popular option for keeping sourdough. They come with an air-tight lid and can easily be covered with a tea towel or saran wrap when in active use.
- Sourdough Container Kits: Purchased sourdough starter kits are a fun way to get everything you need to grow your sourdough starter. I purchased this one for my daughter’s starter. I love that it came with a tiny breathable cap for the top of the starter, measurements on the side, and even a stick-on thermometer! While it’s unnecessary to have this fancy setup, we’ve enjoyed it, and the thermometer and measuring band have helped my daughter learn the science behind sourdough. This kit also came with a narrow spatula for stirring flour and water.
2. Spatula Or Fork
You will need a fork or spatula to stir and your sourdough starter after you feed it. A long, thin spatula like this one is perfect for narrow jar.
3. Flour
High-quality flour is essential to a great loaf of bread. Costco carries affordable organic options for both bread flour and unbleached white flour.
(I always recommend the highest quality ingredients you can afford, but the truth is that a cheap flour from the store will also work!).
I have had the most success with bread baking by using bread flour.
4. Dutch Oven
You will need a Dutch Oven with a lid if baking the popular, round country-style sourdough loaves. A round Dutch Oven helps the dough keep its shape, and the high heat point of this pan is perfect for baking bread.
If you look at sales around or right after the holidays, you can snag quality Dutch Ovens for half the price (I have done this twice!).
Look for a Dutch Oven that is heat tolerant up to 500 degrees. Sometimes the decorative knobs of the handle of the pot are made out of plastic or other materials that cannot withstand high heat, so always check the heat rating before purchasing.
I have purchased and used this Lodge Dutch Oven and it works very well, withstands high heat and has stellar ratings! (We have it in storage right now as we shop for a house, and I miss it!).
5. Kitchen Scale
A kitchen scale is a tool most sourdough bakers use to precisely measure ingredients when baking their bread.
Technically, a sourdough starter can be established and bread loaves baked without a scale. However, measuring out the water and flour in grams will help develop delicious bread consistent in quality and texture.
Most recipes weigh ingredients in grams as well, so having a scale handy will allow you to easily create a variety of sourdough baked goods.
6. High-Quality Water
Certain chemicals can inhibit the health of a sourdough starter and prevent it from growing. Depending on the quality of water you have available to you; you may need to filter the water before feeding your starter or making a loaf of bread.
Water quality may be the culprit if you can’t get a sourdough starter to develop.
7. Parchment Paper
Parchment paper is an essential bread-baking tool. It can withstand high heat, and applying a layer beneath your bread loaf will prevent it from sticking to the Dutch Oven.
8. Lame
Sourdough bread can be scored before baking to control how the steam escapes from the bread while cooking. A sharp razor, or lame, can cut the dough in specific patterns to create a beautiful artisan look. A very sharp blade is needed to score sourdough bread.
You can use a simple razor or purchase a kit. I use this kit with a specific blade handle that helps create a curved cut in the bread.
If you do not want to score your bread, you can stick it in the oven and it will simply break open how it pleases. The bread is still delicious, and, in my opinion, beautiful!
8. Banneton
A banneton is a basket for holding and shaping sourdough bread in the final proofing stage. The striped lining of the banneton lends an interesting pattern to the bread.
While many people use a banneton for the final stages of proofing bread, you certainly do not have to.
For my final proofing, I typically use a large bowl and simply dust the bottom with flour to prevent sticking.
If you choose to purchase a banneton, order the correct size for your bread.
Basic Kitchen Supplies
You will also need to have a few basic kitchen supplies to bake sourdough bread. Measuring spoons, large bowls, and tea towels will be needed to whip up your first loaf.
Final Thoughts
I hope this list of sourdough baking supplies helps you sort out what you need to get started and where you can simplify!
Remember, baking with sourdough is a beautiful tradition. The process can teach us the joy of slowing down and embracing beautiful everyday rhythms… all while enjoying beautiful artisan bread. Give yourself the time, space, and grace to learn and enjoy the process!