Alton Brown Sourdough Starter Recipe

This Alton Brown Sourdough Starter Recipe is a simple and effective method, which uses all-purpose flour and filtered water. It’s a classic, foolproof recipe, ready in just over 8 days.

Alton Brown Sourdough Starter Recipe Ingredients

To Begin:

• 3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons all-purpose, unbleached flour
• 1/2 cup filtered water, at room temperature

For Daily Feeding:

• 2/3 cup plus 1 tablespoon all-purpose, unbleached flour
• 7 tablespoons filtered water, at room temperature

How To Make Alton Brown Sourdough Starter Recipe

1. Create the initial mixture: Combine 125 grams flour and 125 grams filtered water in a medium glass bowl. Mix with a clean hand. Cover with a tea towel and leave at room temperature for 2–3 days until bubbly and nearly doubled in size.
2. Start the feeding process: Once bubbles form, transfer 50 grams (20%) of the starter to a clean jar. Discard the rest.
3. Feed the starter: Stir in 100 grams flour and 100 grams filtered water. Loosely screw on the lid and keep at room temperature for 24 hours.
4. Repeat daily feedings: Discard all but 50 grams of the starter each day and feed again with 100 grams flour and 100 grams water. Repeat this for 5 days.
5. Check for readiness: After 5 days, the starter should smell sweet and yeasty with a mild tang. It’s now active and ready to use in sourdough recipes.

Recipe Tips

• How to know when the starter is ready:
  Look for a bubbly texture and a pleasant sour aroma after the 5-day feeding process.
• Why discard part of the starter each day?
  This keeps the culture healthy and prevents it from growing too large too quickly.
• Can I use tap water instead of filtered?
  It’s best to avoid tap water if it contains chlorine, which can harm the starter.
• What if my starter smells bad?
  A strong smell early on is normal. If it smells rotten or shows mold, start over.
• What container works best?
  Use a wide-mouthed glass jar with a loose-fitting lid to allow airflow while keeping out contaminants.

What To Make With Sourdough Starter

Once your starter is active, try using it in:

• Classic sourdough bread
• Sourdough pancakes or waffles
• Sourdough pizza dough
• Sourdough biscuits
• Sourdough discard crackers

How To Store Sourdough Starter

Refrigerate:
After the starter is active, store in the fridge and feed once a week.

Freeze:
You can freeze a portion of starter for long-term storage. Thaw and resume feedings to reactivate.

Sourdough Starter Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 90 (per 1/4 cup)
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Protein: 3g
• Fat: 0g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sodium: 2mg

Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and feeding frequency.

FAQs

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose?
Yes, whole wheat flour can be used and may even help the starter activate faster.

How long does it take for sourdough starter to be usable?
Typically 7–8 days with regular feedings.

Why isn’t my starter bubbling?
It might be too cold or not getting fed enough. Make sure it’s at room temperature and feed it consistently.

Do I have to feed it every day forever?
Only when kept at room temperature. Refrigerated starters can be fed weekly.

Try More Recipes:

• Alton Brown Roast Chicken Recipe
• Alton Brown Potato Salad Recipe
• Alton Brown Buttermilk Biscuits Recipe