8 Sourdough Bread Recipes That Use a Starter

marljong

If you're starting to get into the sourdough game, you probably know by now that your starter is key. Starter is what makes homemade sourdough bread so unique, because it doesn't require commercial yeast in order to rise. A live fermented culture of flour and water, otherwise known as sourdough starter, acts as a natural leavening agent. The result? Fresh bread with a chewy texture and a crisp crust. Making sourdough bread with a starter will take longer to rise when compared to using a commercial yeast, but the results are well worth it. Plus you can use that sourdough starter discard to create more delicious recipes. Learn how to make sourdough bread with 8 of our best sourdough recipes that use a sourdough starter instead of commercial yeast.

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Sourdough Bread I

Erik Boese

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"Most people say that this kind of bread takes soooo long to make, but actually it takes no longer than other bread, you just have to spread your activities out over 2 days instead of a solid half an hour. No matter what, it is worth it," says reviewer yogamommy. Join over 300 home cooks who have made this classic recipe.

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Chef John's Sourdough Bread

ChefJackie

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This is a great recipe for first timers! Chef John lays out in detail how to make sourdough bread: "Making your own sourdough bread does take a while, but the amount of actual work is minimal--and the bread you'll get is spectacular! See the footnote link to how to make the sourdough starter."

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Cracked Wheat Sourdough Bread

fjkaram

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"A hearty grain and seed filled sourdough bread. Any good sourdough starter will work in this bread," says recipe creator JACLYN. Reviewers agree, but some added a pinch of salt.

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Sourdough Rye

Grandmacancook

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"Since I've been given a sourdough starter, I've been making sourdoughs like crazy so the starter doesn't take over my fridge. This is the best of the whole wheat ones I've tried," says reviewer MACKALLEN. "It rose nicely, but that probably has something to do with me kneading the heck out of it and also me being patient with the dough." Sourdough rye makes a perfect sandwich bread.

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Cranberry Pecan Bread 

marljong

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Recipe creator Janic says, "Dried cranberries and pecans are added to a basic bread fermented with a sourdough starter. We love to make French toast with it."

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Long-Fermentation Sourdough Bread

Bren

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Good sourdough bread takes time to make, and this recipe could take a couple of days depending on how long you allow for the two rises.

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Better-Than-Bakery No-Knead Sourdough

luv2cook

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"This crusty, chewy, tangy bread can't be beat. You'll be shocked at how simple it is to create such a professional loaf at home. Glossy, crunchy crust. Resilient, airy crumb. Baking inside a Dutch oven (set in your kitchen oven) does an excellent job simulating the effects of a professional bread oven." —hrabbot

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Chef Fillip's Sourbread

marljong

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This sourdough recipe includes its own starter recipe, you can use it to make sourdough from start to finish. Reviewer JUDY SAXBY says, "My husband loves sourdough bread. And he loved this recipe."

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8 Sourdough Bread Recipes That Use a Starter

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Sourdough Bread I

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Chef John's Sourdough Bread

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Cracked Wheat Sourdough Bread

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Sourdough Rye

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Cranberry Pecan Bread

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Long-Fermentation Sourdough Bread

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Better-Than-Bakery No-Knead Sourdough

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Chef Fillip's Sourbread

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8 Sourdough Bread Recipes That Use a Starter

1 of 8

Sourdough Bread I

1 of 8

2 of 8

Chef John's Sourdough Bread

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Cracked Wheat Sourdough Bread

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Sourdough Rye

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Cranberry Pecan Bread

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Long-Fermentation Sourdough Bread

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Better-Than-Bakery No-Knead Sourdough

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Chef Fillip's Sourbread

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Cranberry Pecan Bread 