Sourdough Techniques
Master essential sourdough techniques: folding, shaping, scoring, and more. Step-by-step guides to improve your bread.
Great sourdough isn't just about the recipe—it's about technique. These fundamental skills will transform your baking.
Each guide includes detailed instructions and tips to help you master the method.
Featured
Dough Development
Shaping
Scoring & Baking
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Autolyse: The Rest That Transforms Your Bread
Learn what autolyse is and why this simple resting step improves your sourdough. Better gluten development, easier handling, and improved flavor—all from doing nothing.
Baking Sourdough Without a Dutch Oven
Learn how to bake sourdough bread without a Dutch oven. Alternative methods for creating steam and achieving great crust at home.
Basic Shaping: How to Shape a Boule
Learn how to shape a round sourdough loaf (boule) with proper surface tension. Step-by-step guide to creating a tight, well-shaped loaf that holds its form.
Batard Shaping: How to Shape an Oval Loaf
Learn how to shape a batard (oval sourdough loaf). This technique creates beautiful elongated loaves perfect for sandwiches and slicing.
Coil Fold Technique
Learn the coil fold technique for high-hydration sourdough. This ultra-gentle method preserves air bubbles while building dough strength.
Lamination Technique for Sourdough
Learn the lamination technique for sourdough bread. Perfect for building strength in high-hydration doughs and evenly distributing add-ins like cheese, seeds, or chocolate.
The Poke Test: Knowing When Your Dough Is Ready
Master the poke test to know when your sourdough has proofed enough. The simple technique that helps you nail perfect fermentation.
Scoring for an Ear: Creating Beautiful Blooming Scores
Learn how to score sourdough bread for a dramatic ear. Master the angle, depth, and technique for scores that bloom beautifully in the oven.
Creating Steam in Your Home Oven
Complete guide to creating bakery-style steam in a home oven for sourdough bread. Multiple methods for better oven spring and crust.
Stretch and Fold Technique
Master the stretch and fold technique for sourdough bread. This gentle method builds gluten strength without kneading, creating better texture and structure.
Surface Tension: The Secret to Well-Shaped Bread
Understanding surface tension in sourdough shaping. Learn why it matters, how to create it, and how to troubleshoot when your loaves spread flat.
The Windowpane Test: Checking Gluten Development
Learn how to perform the windowpane test to check if your sourdough has developed enough gluten for a good rise.