Sourdough Baking Blog
This is the SourdoughCalc blog: free, tested guides for baking better sourdough at home.
More recipes and troubleshooting guides are listed on this page.
By SourdoughCalc Team
Sourdough Banneton: What It Does, Why It Matters, and How to Choose Yours
Every artisan sourdough loaf has the distinctive ridges and shape from a banneton. Here is what it does, the three materials compared, and how to pick one for your style.
📖 7 min read12Sourdough Hydration Chart: 50% to 100% Explained
What 50%, 70%, 80%, and 100% hydration actually look like in the bowl and in the crumb, with a full chart and beginner guidance.
📖 8 min read13How Much Sourdough Starter Should You Use?
The starter amount changes rise speed, flavor, and structure. Learn what 10%, 15%, 20%, and 25% look like and how to choose.
📖 7 min read14Why Is My Sourdough Sticky? 7 Causes and Fixes
Sticky dough is normal at first, but it can also signal too much water, weak gluten, or over-fermentation. Here is how to tell and what to do.
📖 8 min read15Best Sourdough Bread Recipe for Beginners
A simple 75% hydration loaf with clear timing, shaping, and baking steps. No fancy equipment required beyond a Dutch oven and a scale.
📖 10 min read16Sourdough for Beginners: Week-by-Week Timeline
What to do in week one, two, and three when you are new to sourdough: starter, first loaves, and the skills that matter most.
📖 9 min read17Why Your Sourdough Did Not Rise: 12 Common Causes and How to Fix Each
Troubleshooting guide for flat, dense, or sunken sourdough. 12 common causes with specific fixes, from weak starter to oven temperature mistakes.
📖 10 min read18Rye Sourdough: A Beginner’s Guide to Dark, Flavorful, Traditional Bread
Rye sourdough is a different beast from wheat. Here’s how to work with rye’s unique properties for dark, moist, intensely flavored bread.
📖 8 min read19How to Shape a Sourdough Boule: 3 Methods for Beginners
Step-by-step instructions for shaping a tight, round boule. Three methods from simple to advanced, with troubleshooting.
📖 7 min read20Sourdough Bulk Fermentation: A Complete Guide to Timing and Temperature
When to end bulk fermentation: visual cues, temperature effects, and timing guidelines. Stop guessing and start baking by feel.
📖 9 min readMore articles coming soon. Subscribe to our newsletter to get notified.