Homemade Sourdough Bread and Biscuits 101: Recipes and Tips

Homemade Sourdough Bread and Biscuits 101: Recipes and Tips

There’s nothing quite as satisfying as baking from scratch, especially when it comes to sourdough bread and biscuits. The aroma of freshly baked goods wafting through your home, the crisp crust, and the soft, airy inside—it’s like a warm hug in every bite. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned baker, mastering sourdough bread and biscuits is easier than you think. Here’s a complete guide to help you get started, with recipes and tips to ensure you achieve the perfect loaf of bread and flaky, buttery biscuits every time.

➡ The Basics of Sourdough Bread

Sourdough bread is different from regular bread because it’s leavened naturally with wild yeast and lactic acid bacteria rather than store-bought yeast. This gives it a distinct tangy flavor and chewy texture that’s hard to beat. While making sourdough bread takes patience and practice, the results are well worth the effort.

↪ Ingredients for Sourdough Bread:

1 cup sourdough starter (active and bubbly)

1 ½ cups warm water

3 ½ cups all-purpose flour

1 ½ teaspoons salt

1 teaspoon honey or sugar (optional)

↪ Directions for Sourdough Bread:

1. Prepare the dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the sourdough starter, warm water, honey (if using), and 2 cups of flour. Stir until well combined. Add the remaining flour and salt, stirring until the dough comes together.

2. Knead the dough: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic.

3. First rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 4-6 hours, or until it doubles in size.

4. Shape the dough: Once the dough has risen, gently punch it down and shape it into a round or oval loaf.

5. Second rise: Let the dough rise again for about 1-2 hours, or until it’s puffy and slightly risen.

6. Preheat your oven: While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). If you have a Dutch oven, place it in the oven to heat as well.

7. Bake the bread: Once the oven is ready, carefully transfer the dough to the preheated Dutch oven or a baking sheet. Score the top of the dough with a sharp knife or razor blade to allow it to expand while baking. Cover with the lid or a baking dish and bake for 20 minutes.

8. Finish baking: After 20 minutes, remove the cover and bake for an additional 25-30 minutes, until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.

9. Cool: Let the bread cool on a wire rack for at least 1 hour before slicing.

➡ Tips for Perfect Sourdough Bread:

Make sure your starter is active and bubbly before you begin.

If your dough is too sticky, add more flour gradually.

The longer you let the dough rise, the more complex the flavor will be.

Use a kitchen scale to weigh your ingredients for better accuracy.

➡ Buttery, Flaky Biscuits 101

Biscuits are a Southern classic that’s as comforting as it is versatile. Whether you enjoy them with gravy, jam, or as a side to your favorite meal, homemade biscuits are always a hit. With the right technique, you can achieve those perfect, flaky layers every time.

↪ Ingredients for Biscuits:

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 tablespoon baking powder

½ teaspoon salt

6 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cubed

¾ cup buttermilk (or regular milk with a splash of vinegar)

↪ Directions for Biscuits:

1. Preheat your oven: Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.

2. Mix dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.

3. Cut in the butter: Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to cut the butter into the flour until it resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized pieces of butter.

4. Add the buttermilk: Pour in the buttermilk and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overwork the dough. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour.

5. Knead the dough: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and gently knead it 3-4 times, just until it comes together. Pat the dough into a 1-inch thick rectangle.

6. Cut the biscuits: Use a floured biscuit cutter or the rim of a glass to cut out biscuits. Press straight down to avoid flattening the dough.

7. Bake: Arrange the biscuits on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are close together. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown on top.

8. Serve: Let the biscuits cool for a few minutes before serving with butter, honey, or your favorite spread.

➡ Tips for Perfect Biscuits:

Keep the butter as cold as possible to create flaky layers.

Don’t overwork the dough, or the biscuits will be tough.

For an extra tall rise, stack the dough and cut out more biscuits from the layers.

You can freeze unbaked biscuits on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer bag for later baking.

➡ Why Homemade Sourdough Bread and Biscuits Are Worth the Effort

Baking your own sourdough bread and biscuits isn’t just about saving money—it’s about creating something with your own hands, something that tastes better and feels more special. Whether you’re enjoying the tang of sourdough or the buttery layers of a freshly baked biscuit, you’re experiencing the joy of baking from scratch. Plus, the aromas that fill your kitchen are sure to make every moment spent in the kitchen worth it.

So, grab your apron, fire up your oven, and embrace the art of baking. These homemade sourdough bread and biscuit recipes are sure to become family favorites that you’ll return to time and time again.