Simple Tools You Need to Bake Sourdough Bread at Home
** Affiliate Disclosure** Links in this post may be affiliate links. If you purchase from my links I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for your support!
**December 1, 2024 Edit: The Sourdough: A Beginners Guide is now available!
Sourdough baking is truly an art form—and for me, it’s also a therapeutic ritual. There’s something incredibly satisfying about kneading the dough by hand, connecting with the process, and creating something not only delicious but also nourishing for my family. The rhythm of the process, from mixing to folding to baking, allows me to slow down and focus on the simple pleasure of making bread. And of course, the added benefit of sourdough’s gut-healthy qualities makes it all the more rewarding.
However, if you’re new to the world of sourdough baking, I know it can feel a bit overwhelming. The vast amount of information and tools out there can make it hard to know where to begin. But trust me, you don’t need to rush out and buy every gadget you see online!
I always recommend starting with what you already have in your kitchen. There’s no need to splurge on fancy equipment right away unless you’re in need of essentials, like a good baking vessel or heat-resistant gloves for handling your hot loaves! The beauty of sourdough is that it’s incredibly forgiving, and you can start with basic tools while you get comfortable with the process.
That said, there are a few key tools that will make your sourdough journey easier and more enjoyable. Below, I’ve put together a list of sourdough essentials that I use and recommend for beginners.
If you’re just starting your sourdough journey and need a starter, you can find high-quality dehydrated sourdough starter in my Etsy shop! I’m also excited to announce that I’m putting the finishing touches on my Sourdough Baking Guide, which will be available in the shop soon—be sure to check back for that!
One of the most important things you’ll need after getting your starter going is a container to store it in. I’ve included several jar options that work great for this. It’s key to choose a straight-sided container, which will allow you to easily monitor the growth of your starter and ensure it’s doubled in size.
Let’s dive in and get your sourdough baking adventure started—together!
Now that we have your starter contained, let’s check out what other sourdough essentials you will need for your new baking adventure.
If you would prefer a kit with all the things included instead, here are a few options!
Sourdough kit with starter jar
Sourdough kit with silicone liner and bread bag
Kitchen Scale: Helps with proper weighing of ingredients.
Round and Oval Bannetans: Used for proofing doughs.
Bench Scraper: Helps with moving bread and scraping dough.
Danish Whisk: Used for mixing dough.
Bread Lame: Used for scoring dough before baking. You want a sharp edge.
Cotton Tea Towels: Used to cover doughs between stretch and folds, wrapping your dough up after baking or covering while proofing!
Ceramic Mixing Bowls: Used for mixing doughs of any sort. The large size is great for it rising so it doesn’t go over the sides!
Unbleached Parchment Paper: Perfect for lifting dough into the hot Dutch Ovens or used as a liner between your pan and dough to prevent sticking.
Dutch Oven: the perfect multi-purpose vessel for baking! It can cook all shapes of dough for the perfect loaf.
Stainless Steel cooling rack: Place hot bread on the racks for cooling. Stainless steel is best for the healthiest option to ensure no flaking of coating sticks to your hot bread.
High Heat Oven Mitts: The Dutch ovens hold heat very well. These are necessary to prevent burning!
Bread Knife: Ready to try the delicious bread you’ve spent hours on? The heirloom-style knife is a great way to slice your bread!
I hope this list helps you get started with your new sourdough-baking adventure!
Did you enjoy this post? PIN IT and save it for later!
You must be logged in to post a comment.