Sourdough Starter Series: From Starter to Confident Baker
Sourdough can look intimidating. Starters have moods. Dough ignores the clock. And suddenly, everyone online is casually saying things like “bulk fermentation” as if we all went to bread school.
Here at Living Sweet Moments, I bake sourdough in a real home kitchen — juggling busy schedules, teenagers with bottomless appetites, and absolutely no interest in making bread more complicated than it needs to be. I test, tweak, troubleshoot, mess up, fix it, and then share what actually works.
Whether you’re brand new to sourdough baking or you’ve already baked a few loaves and want more consistency, this page pulls everything together in one place — from making and maintaining a sourdough starter to baking beginner-friendly bread and using sourdough discard in easy, delicious recipes. Everything here is tested, explained clearly, and designed for real life. If sourdough has ever felt confusing, you’re in the right place.
🌱 Start Here: Make & Maintain Your Starter
Everything in sourdough starts with a healthy starter. If your starter isn’t happy, nothing else cooperates — trust me.
How to Make a Sourdough Starter and Maintain It (Day-by-Day Guide)
- Create a sourdough starter from scratch
- Learn how to feed and maintain it without panic
- Understand what’s normal… and what’s a cry for help
If you don’t have a starter yet — start here. If your starter has been sitting in the fridge judging you, also start here.
🍞 Your First Sourdough Bread (Yes, You Can Do This)
Once your starter is bubbly, active, and showing signs of life, it’s time for your first loaf.
Starter Sourdough Bread Recipe (Beginner-Friendly)
- Forgiving and approachable
- Clearly explained, step by step
- Made with simple ingredients
No fancy tricks. No pressure. Just solid technique and a loaf that builds confidence (and disappears quickly).
🧁 What to Bake with Sourdough Discard (Because We Don’t Waste Good Dough)
If you’re feeding a starter regularly, you’ll have discard. Throwing it away feels wrong — and delicious things are way more fun.
🍫 Sweet & Snacky Favorites
Sourdough Discard Brownies
– fudgy, rich, shiny-top goodness
Sourdough Chocolate Espresso Cookies
– when chocolate alone isn’t enough
🫓 Savory & Everyday
Sourdough Discard Flatbread
– soft, flexible, and perfect for wraps
Sourdough Discard Empanadas
– savory, handheld, and very snack-worthy
These are great confidence recipes while your starter builds strength.
🥖 More Sourdough Breads to Explore
Once you’ve baked a few loaves and feel comfortable with the process, sourdough starts getting really fun. This is where flavor and creativity shine.
Sourdough Country Loaf with Spelt
– rustic, wholesome, and deeply satisfying
Cranberry Walnut Sourdough Bread
– slightly sweet, nutty, and brunch-ready
Sourdough Parmesan & Black Pepper Bread
– savory, bold, and impossible to stop slicing
Sourdough Herb & Cheddar Pull-Apart Bread
– because cheese makes everything better
💛 Before You Go… A Little Reassurance
You don’t need fancy tools, a perfect schedule, or a 12-step bread manifesto. You just need a healthy starter, clear guidance, and a little patience (and maybe coffee).
This page will keep growing as new recipes are added, so bookmark it and come back whenever you need inspiration or a reminder that you absolutely can do this.
Happy baking,
Tiffany
Living Sweet Moments
(Betty says hi 🥖)
