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Beginner Sourdough Starter - Easy homemade recipe

Beginner Sourdough Starter

A foolproof guide to creating your own active sourdough starter from scratch using just flour and water.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 7 minutes
Servings: 1 servings
Calories: 50
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour divided
  • 2 cups whole wheat flour divided
  • 4 cups filtered water divided
  • 1 large glass jar or plastic container
  • 1 wooden spoon or plastic spatula
  • 1 kitchen scale optional but recommended
  • 1 rubber band or tape for marking
  • 1 breathable cover coffee filter or cloth

Method
 

  1. Day 1: Mix 50g whole wheat flour with 50g filtered water in your clean jar. Stir well until no dry flour remains.
  2. Cover loosely with coffee filter or cloth secured with rubber band. Let sit at room temperature for 24 hours.
  3. Day 2: You may see small bubbles forming. Discard half the mixture, then add 50g all-purpose flour and 50g water. Stir well.
  4. Day 3-4: Continue daily feedings by discarding half and adding 50g flour and 50g water. The mixture should start smelling tangy.
  5. Day 5-6: Your starter should double in size within 4-8 hours after feeding. Bubbles will be more active and smell pleasantly sour.
  6. Day 7: Perform the float test by dropping a spoonful in water. If it floats, your starter is ready to bake with.
  7. For maintenance: Feed weekly if refrigerated, or daily if kept at room temperature using the same 1:1:1 ratio.
  8. Always use clean utensils and filtered water to prevent contamination and maintain healthy starter activity.

Notes

Room temperature affects timing - warmer kitchens develop faster. Don't worry if your starter takes 10-14 days to become fully active.