Eager to jump into the world of sourdough but not sure where to start? You might think you need an arsenal of fancy tools, but in reality just a few key items can make your entry into sourdough baking successful. Having started with no sourdough baking supplies, I quickly found there were a few key tools that made my experience so much easier and more successful.
My Top 5 Sourdough Baking Supplies That I Use Every Time I Bake
1. Bread Whisk: Your Sourdough Best Friend
A bread whisk, also known as a Danish dough whisk, is designed with a long wooden handle and a uniquely shaped metal loop that perfectly combines ingredients without overworking the dough. This tool is a must-have for mixing your sourdough starter.
Why I love it
This is probably my all time favorite bread baking tool. Without a bread whisk, I found it was so hard to incorporate the flour and water plus it was SO messy. A bread whisk makes the mixing process simpler and way less messy. Unlike traditional whisks, a bread whisk cuts through thick dough easily, and gently incorporates ingredients which is key in preserving the delicate structure of your sourdough starter.
2. Mason Jar: Cultivating Your Sourdough Starter
A mason jar, or any clear tall glass jar with a screw-top lid, ideal for growing and storing your sourdough starter. Its transparency lets you see the starter’s growth and bubbles, which are indicators of its readiness.
Why I love it
Having used plastic to-go containers and regular drinking glasses to store my sourdough, I’ve found that these get messy and dirty quickly. When you are new to baking sourdough bread, monitoring your starter’s development is crucial. A mason jar makes it easy to keep an eye on your starter and the lid keeps it free from contaminants.
3. Lame: Scoring Your Bread Like a Pro
A lame (pronounced “lahm”) is a tool used for scoring dough just before baking. It typically consists of a sharp blade/exacto knife attached to a handle, allowing for precise cuts.
Why I love it
I’ve tried using knives to score my bread and they (pun intended) don’t cut it. Knives tend to be too thick or not sharp enough. Scoring dough helps control the expansion of the bread as it bakes. Using a lame ensures clean, beautiful cuts that not only enhance the bread’s appearance but also improve its texture.
4. Proofing Buckets: The Ideal Rising Environment
Proofing buckets are typically made from plastic and come with marked measurements. They provide a controlled environment for dough to rise. You can buy them in multiple sizes, I recommend a large (x) size to start.
Why I love it
When starting out, I used a giant bowl for mixing and proofing which did not allow me to accurately measure the size of the dough expansion. Especially for beginners, controlling the proofing environment can drastically improve the quality of sourdough bread. Proofing buckets allow you to accurately measure your dough’s rise and ensure consistent results.
5. Shaping Bannetons: Crafting the Perfect Loaf
Shaping bannetons are baskets used to contain the dough during its final proof. Usually made from rattan, with optional liners, they help the dough maintain its shape and impart a beautiful pattern on the crust.
Why I love it
When I was starting out, I tried using tupperware with not much success. I couldn’t get the loafs to shape correctly and they often got stuck before baking. Bannetons support the dough’s structure as it proofs, which is particularly helpful for wetter doughs typical of sourdough. They also contribute to the artisanal look with their spiral patterns, making your homemade loaves as attractive as they are delicious.
With these essential tools for baking sourdough bread in your kitchen, you’re well-equipped to begin your baking adventures. These tools not only simplify the process but enhance the overall experience and outcome of your homemade sourdough bread. Embrace the journey of becoming a skilled sourdough baker, starting with the very best sourdough starter kit you can assemble.