Remember when everyone seemed to be perfecting their sourdough skills during the pandemic? Yeah, I was totally not one of them. Fast forward to today, and I’ve been VIBING with sourdough. You see, earlier this year, I signed up for a sourdough-making workshop at our local coffee bar with Katrina from The Sourdough Mama. It felt like the perfect time to finally give this whole bread-making thing a shot, and now I’m hooked.
Am I an expert? No. But I’ve fallen into an almost therapeutic weekly rhythm of making the most consistently delicious loaves (if I do say so myself). Even my little one, Ruby, has become a fan of Mom’s homemade sourdough.
When I first started out, I was overwhelmed by the sheer number of products and tools available for sourdough baking. Luckily the recommendations I learned through Katrina at The Sourdough Mama, my own trial and error, and researching what items are worth the investment, I can confidently say I’ve found a foolproof toolkit for sourdough baking success.
I’m here today to share with you the essential tools and products that have become absolute game-changers in my kitchen. So, if you’re feeling a bit intimidated by the idea of diving into sourdough baking, I got you! 🍞✨
01. The Sourdough Mama Recipe Packet
Let’s start here… For those of you who are just getting started with your sourdough journey, I highly recommend Katrina’s incredible e-book, “The Sourdough Mama Recipe Packet“. It’s available on Etsy for only $5.99 which is a steal considering the wealth of information it contains. This comprehensive packet is a treasure trove filled with visual guides, tips and tricks, and 14 recipes! I’m obsessed with her plain sourdough recipe, but also tried the lemon blueberry loaf, and MY GOODNESS it was delicious!
02. Sourdough Starter
If you already have a starter, you are golden. But if you don’t, it can sometimes be confusing to know where you can get some. The great news? The SAME starter I received from Katrina at the in-person workshop I went to is available for sale online – meaning no matter where you are, you can get your hands on it. Her dehydrated (dried) starter is on Etsy for $10. All you have to do is follow her steps on how to “rehydrate” it and then you are good to go!
03. Flour
The foundation of any good sourdough bread is high-quality flour. To “feed” my starter, I use a 50/50 mix of Bob’s Red Mill Artisan Bread Flour and Bob’s Red Mill Whole Wheat Pastry Flour. By feeding it both, it gives it a tasty boost, making your bread more flavorful and giving those little yeasties the good stuff they love! Then when it comes time to bake, I use Bob’s Red Mill Artisan Bread Flour, with its blend of hard red wheat flour and malted barley flour, it consistently delivers exceptional flavor and texture to my loaves.
04. Large Mixing Bowl
Currently, I’ve been using this large Pyrex bowl which does the trick, but I have been eyeing this gorgeous bowl from Mason Cash and am putting it on my bread-making wishlist for the future. The biggest thing you want here is that it’s deep enough for you to be able to mix without the flour spilling all over the edges. The deeper the bowl the better!
05. Danish Whisk
Using a Danish whisk when making sourdough helps evenly incorporate ingredients without overmixing, preserving the delicate structure of the dough and resulting in a better rise and texture in your bread. I ordered this one of Amazon and it’s worked great!
06. Digital Kitchen Scale
Consistency is key in sourdough baking, which is why a digital kitchen scale is an essential item for your bread-making journey. I ordered the Amazon Basics one which is super affordable, accurate, and easy to use.
07. Dutch Oven
Achieving that coveted crusty exterior requires baking your bread in a Dutch oven. For me, nothing beats the performance and elegance of my Le Creuset Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven. Its superior heat retention and even distribution ensure that each loaf comes out of the oven with a perfect golden crust and a soft, chewy interior. I’ve also heard amazing things about the Challenger Bread Pan (although I have never tried it!).
08. Proofing Basket
To shape your loaves and encourage proper fermentation, I use the Rosehill Sourdoughs Wood Pulp Proofing Baskets. Crafted with high-quality wood pulp, these proofing baskets provide excellent support and structure to your dough, resulting in beautifully shaped loaves with distinct patterns. Their sturdy construction and smooth finish make them a pleasure to work with, and every time I’ve used them each batch of sourdough rises to perfection. I purchased the round bowls, but you can also get them in oval!
09. Bench Scraper
When it comes to handling sticky dough, and cutting your dough in half, a bench scraper is a lifesaver. The OXO Good Grips Multi-purpose Stainless Steel Scraper & Chopper is versatile and easy to clean, but any bench scraper you already have should work too!
10. Lame
To score your loaves and create those signature designs, a lame is essential. I’ll admit, I was super confused and intimidated by this step of the process but there are SO many amazing videos out there on the internet to get inspo and truly it’s just a matter of practice. Below are a few scoring videos I’ve bookmarked and use with success:
11. Salt
A key ingredient in sourdough baking, the quality of salt can greatly impact the flavor of your bread. I use Jacobson Salt Co. for its exceptional sea salt, which adds depth and complexity to my sourdough loaves. Harvested from the waters of the Oregon coast, Jacobson salt is hand-harvested and minimally processed, preserving its natural minerals and flavor.
12. Fabric Bowl Covers
I decided to buy reusable fabric bowl covers to proof my sourdough and cover my mixing bowls once I realized how many times you cover and uncover your bowls in the process. These eco-friendly covers not only reduce waste but keep my dough protected as it proofs. I found the perfect set on Etsy, here. Plus, their elasticized edges ensure a snug fit on various bowl sizes, making them a versatile and practical addition to your kitchen!
13. Flour Duster
Keeping my work surface lightly dusted with flour is essential for preventing dough from sticking and ensuring smooth handling during the shaping process. I use this flour duster I purchased from Amazon to control the amount of flour I dispense which is great since you don’t want to over-flour your dough!
14. Rosehill Sourdough Bread Mat
Katrina highly recommended Rosehill Sourdough’s Bread Mat which is a reusable mat you can line your dutch oven with to easily add and remove your loaves when baking. Made from high-quality silicone, this durable mat provides a non-stick surface for shaping and baking my loaves without the need for parchment paper. After baking, cleanup is a breeze – just wipe the mat clean or toss it in the dishwasher for hassle-free maintenance.
15. Bread Display & Keeper
I love to showcase my loaves after I baked them but hated the idea of leaving them out on the counter to dry out. I found the perfect solution – which was to use a cake stand with a glass dome lid! The glass dome provides a clear view of my little works of art, while also keeping them fresh! It’s also a guaranteed way you won’t forget to cut into your bread when it’s sitting there asking to be eaten every time you walk by!
16. Bread Cutting Knife
To ensure clean slices and preserve the texture of my freshly baked sourdough loaves, I rely on the Shun Bread Knife. I’ll admit, it’s a spendy item, but it’s so worth it in my opinion. Its serrated edge bites into the bread without crushing it, allowing for smooth, tear-free cutting every time.
So are you ready to elevate your sourdough game? I say go for it! Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, investing in quality tools and products can make all the difference in achieving delicious results. With these items in your kitchen arsenal, you’ll be well-equipped to create perfect loaves of sourdough bread that will impress your family and friends. Happy baking!
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