5 Things I wish I knew Before Starting Sourdough

When I first started baking sourdough, I spent hours watching videos, reading articles, and trying to learn everything I could. Looking back, there are a few things I wish someone had told me from the beginning. It would have saved me a lot of stress and given me the confidence to simply enjoy the process.

1. Sourdough Starter Is More Resilient Than You Think

In the beginning, I worried constantly about my starter. Did I feed it enough? Did I wait too long? Did I ruin it?

What I’ve learned is that sourdough starter is surprisingly resilient. While it does need regular care, it can often bounce back from missed feedings and less-than-perfect conditions. Life happens, and your starter is usually much tougher than you think.

2. You Don’t Need to Follow Every Step Perfectly

Social media can make sourdough feel complicated. Perfect timing, exact temperatures, and detailed schedules can make it seem like one small mistake will ruin everything.

The truth is that beautiful, delicious bread can still come from an imperfect process. Learning the basics is important, but don’t let perfection keep you from baking. Some of my favorite loaves came from days when I adjusted the schedule to fit real life.

3. You Don’t Need Expensive Tools

When I first started, I thought I needed all the fancy equipment before I could bake good bread.

While certain tools can be helpful, they aren’t necessary. Many bakers create wonderful loaves with simple kitchen items they already own. Don’t let a lack of equipment stop you from getting started.

4. Every Loaf Teaches You Something

Not every loaf will be perfect, and that’s okay.

Some loaves will rise beautifully, while others may teach you a lesson in patience. Each bake helps you better understand your starter, your dough, and your environment. The learning process is part of the journey, and every loaf makes you a better baker.

5. Sourdough Is More Than Just Bread

When I first started baking sourdough, I thought I was simply learning how to make bread. What I didn’t expect was everything that came with it.

The smell of a fresh loaf baking in the oven, the excitement of sharing a starter with a friend, and the joy of gifting a warm homemade loaf to someone you love—it all feels a little special.

Sourdough has connected me with friends, family, and even complete strangers who share a love for simple, homemade food. Some of my favorite conversations have happened over a loaf of bread and a cup of coffee.

The bread itself is wonderful, but the community, connection, and generosity that come with it are what truly make sourdough special.

Ready to Start Your Sourdough Journey?

If you’re local to Massachusetts and have been wanting to learn sourdough, I’d love to have you join one of our hands-on workshops. Whether you’re a complete beginner or you’ve already baked a few loaves, the class is designed to help you build confidence and enjoy the process.

You’ll leave with your own sourdough starter, dough ready to bake at home, helpful resources, and the knowledge to continue your sourdough journey long after class ends.

Most importantly, you’ll spend a few hours slowing down, connecting with others, and enjoying the simple joy of homemade bread.