Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to the questions we hear most from home bakers just getting started with sourdough.
Getting Started
Do I need a sourdough starter to use these recipes?
Yes – most recipes on this site rely on an active, bubbly sourdough starter. If you don’t have one yet, check out our free 7-lesson starter course to build one from scratch.
I’m brand new to sourdough – where do I start?
Start with our free 7-lesson starter course and/or our Starter 101 category, then move on to a beginner loaf recipe once your starter is active and doubling reliably.
What equipment do I actually need to get started?
Less than you’d think – a kitchen scale and a jar for your starter will get you through your first loaf. See our full Sourdough Equipment Guide for what’s genuinely worth having, sorted by how much it matters.
About the Recipes
Can I substitute all-purpose flour for bread flour?
In most recipes, yes, though bread flour’s higher protein content gives better structure and rise. Expect a slightly softer crumb with all-purpose flour. If you’re adjusting flour types, the Sourdough Calculator can help you recalculate hydration and ratios. For flour, fat, sweetener, salt, and starter swaps, see the full Sourdough Substitutions Guide.
Why didn’t my dough rise?
The most common causes are an under-active starter, dough temperature that’s too cool, or under-proofing. See our Sourdough Troubleshooting and Sourdough Science posts for troubleshooting guides.
Do you list ingredients in cups or in grams?
Both – our recipes list dual units inline (for example, 525 g / 4⅜ cups) so you can bake by weight or by volume. We recommend a kitchen scale for the most consistent results, especially with sourdough.
Can I make a recipe gluten-free or dairy-free?
Traditional sourdough recipes rely on gluten for structure, so gluten-free adaptations generally need a different flour blend and technique rather than a simple swap – we don’t recommend substituting gluten-free flour 1:1 in our standard recipes. Dairy is easier to adjust: where a recipe calls for butter or milk, a plant-based equivalent will usually work, though texture and flavor may vary slightly.
Sourdough Starter Care
How often do I need to feed my starter?
At room temperature, once every 12-24 hours. If you bake infrequently, store it in the fridge and feed weekly instead. Track your feeding times with the free Starter Feeding & Discard Log.
Can I leave my starter in the fridge?
Yes – refrigeration slows fermentation, so your starter only needs feeding about once a week. Bring it back to room temperature and feed it 1-2 times before baking.
Shop & Digital Products
What’s included in the Academy course?
Our Academy page outlines each course tier, from the free starter course to our in-depth Signature Course and downloadable e-books.
Do you ship physical products internationally?
Shipping availability varies by product – check the individual listing on the Shop page for details.
Orders, Shipping & Payment
What’s the difference between the Shop and your cottage bakery?
Our Shop sells baking tools, affiliate picks, and Bake-Keeper merch, which ship to you. Our cottage bakery sells fresh-baked goods for local pickup only, ordered through our local bakery store – it doesn’t ship. Visit our Shop page or our local bakery storefront depending on what you’re looking for.
How long will my personalized merch take to arrive?
Personalized and made-to-order items are produced after you order, so please allow extra production time in addition to standard shipping. Because they’re made specifically for you, personalized items are final sale except for defective, damaged, or incorrect orders – contact us and we’ll make it right.
What payment methods do you accept, and is checkout secure?
We accept major credit and debit cards and PayPal. Your payment is processed directly by our payment processor – we never see or store your full card number.
Account, Membership & Privacy
How do I manage or cancel a membership?
You can view and manage any active membership from your account dashboard. Pricing, billing terms, and cancellation details for each plan are shown before you enroll.
Do you sell my information, and how do I unsubscribe?
No, we don’t sell your personal information. Newsletter and course emails are opt-in, and every email includes an unsubscribe link. See our Privacy Policy for full details.
Still Have Questions?
Reach out any time through our Contact page – we’re happy to help.