Sourdough Troubleshooting
Solutions to common sourdough problems. Whether your bread is flat, dense, or not rising, find out what went wrong and how to fix it.
Sourdough baking has a learning curve, and even experienced bakers encounter problems. The good news? Most issues have straightforward solutions.
Find your problem below and learn what causes it and how to fix it for your next bake.
Featured
Rise & Structure Problems
Crumb Issues
Crust Problems
Flavor Issues
Dough Handling
All Articles
Bland Sourdough: Getting More Flavor
Why your sourdough bread tastes bland and how to develop more flavor. Tips for longer fermentation, salt, and flour selection.
My Sourdough Bread Didn't Rise
Find out why your sourdough bread didn't rise and learn how to fix it. Common causes include inactive starter, under-proofing, and temperature issues.
Why Did My Sourdough Spread Flat?
When your sourdough loaf spreads flat like a pancake instead of holding its shape. Causes include over-proofing, weak gluten, and poor shaping technique.
Large Holes vs Tight Crumb: Getting the Crumb You Want
Control your sourdough crumb structure. Learn how to get open, holey crumb or tight, even crumb depending on your preference.
Dense, Heavy Sourdough Bread
Why is your sourdough bread dense and heavy like a brick? Learn the common causes and fixes for dense crumb and improve your next loaf.
Dough Won't Hold Shape
Why your sourdough dough spreads and won't hold shape. Solutions for slack dough including fermentation fixes and gluten development.
Why Didn't My Score Open? Fixing Flat Ears
Troubleshoot sourdough scores that don't bloom into ears. Causes include wrong angle, over-proofing, and lack of steam.
Gummy Crumb: Why Your Sourdough is Wet Inside
Fix gummy, sticky sourdough interior. Common causes include cutting too soon, under-baking, under-fermentation, and excess hydration.
No Oven Spring: Why Your Bread Didn't Rise in the Oven
Troubleshoot lack of oven spring in sourdough. Causes include over-proofing, insufficient steam, and cold oven. Learn how to get dramatic rise.
My Sourdough Isn't Sour Enough
How to increase tang in sourdough bread. Longer fermentation, cooler temperatures, and starter management for more sour flavor.
Over-Proofed Sourdough: Signs, Causes, and Prevention
Learn to recognize over-proofed sourdough and how to prevent it. Signs include flat loaves, weak structure, and excessive sourness.
Pale Crust: Why Your Sourdough Isn't Browning
Fix pale, anemic sourdough crust. Common causes include low oven temperature, too much steam, and over-proofing. Get golden brown results.
Sticky Dough: How to Handle Wet Sourdough
Tips for handling sticky sourdough dough. Learn when stickiness is normal, when it's a problem, and techniques for working with wet doughs.
Thick, Hard Crust on Sourdough Bread
Why your sourdough crust is too thick and tough. Causes include over-baking, low hydration, and excessive dry heat. Get a thin, crackling crust.
My Sourdough is Too Sour
How to reduce sourness in sourdough bread. Adjust fermentation time, temperature, and starter management for milder flavor.
Under-Proofed Sourdough: Signs and Solutions
How to identify and fix under-proofed sourdough bread. Learn the signs of insufficient fermentation and how to get better results.