Here Are Your Must-Have & Nice-to-Have Sourdough Shopping Lists! 

Every great sourdough loaf starts with the right foundation, and that includes having the proper tools on hand. Whether you’re a beginner or refining your technique, this curated list will help you bake better bread.

Must-Haves:

These are the go-to tools and ingredients we recommend for baking consistently excellent sourdough bread:

Ingredients: 

• Active Sourdough Starter: The heart of every sourdough loaf.

• Flour: Use bread flour for a lighter texture, or a blend of bread flour and whole grain flour for a heartier flavor and more complex crumb.

• Bottled or Filtered Water for Starter Feeding: The Chlorine or chloramine in tap water can inhibit the natural yeast and bacteria in your starter.

• Sea Salt or Kosher Salt: Enhances flavor, develops gluten, and regulates fermentation.

Tools: 

• Digital Scale: Precision is essential; baking by weight ensures accuracy.

• Mixing Bowl: For mixing or resting your dough.

• Proofing Box/Basket (Banneton): Supports dough in final proofing stage, helps to maintain its shape.

• Challenger Bread Pan or Dutch Oven: Crucial for trapping steam, even heat distribution, and essential for achieving crispy crust.

• Bench & Dough Scrapers: For shaping, handling, and dividing.

• Bread Lame: To score the dough before baking, for controlled bread expansion or decorative patterns.

• Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking and ensures smooth transfers.

• Oven Gloves: For safety during baking, oven gloves offer improved dexterity and heat protection.

• Starter Jars: Glass or plastic containers with room for growth and activity tracking. 

Nice-to-Haves:

While not essential, these tools can improve your sourdough journey:

• Food Thermometer: Monitor dough temperature for better fermentation control.

• Bowl Scraper: Helps clean bowls efficiently with minimal waste.

• Tea Towels: For covering dough or lining proofing baskets.

• Serrated Bread Knife: A clean, even slice makes all the difference.

• Danish Dough Whisk: Excellent for initial mixing.

Tips and Tricks: 

It’s important to understand starters, and the role they play as the leavening agent in bread. A healthy starter is your first step to becoming a sourdough master. We’re here to help you understand everything you need to know about creating, maintaining and storing starters while on your sourdough journey. Learn more about Sourdough Starter Basics.