18 Southern Living Sourdough Starter Recipe They're Simply Irresistible!
Published on: Mar 24, 2024
Sourdough bread has been a staple in the South for centuries, with its tangy flavor and chewy texture. But many people shy away from making their own sourdough starter, thinking it's a complicated and time-consuming process. However, with this easy and foolproof Southern Living sourdough starter recipe, you'll be making your own delicious homemade sourdough bread in no time.
Main Ingredients: Active Dry Yeast, Warm Water, All Purpose Flour
Sourdough starter is the key ingredient for making delicious, tangy sourdough bread. It’s a natural leavening agent made from flour and water, which captures wild yeast and bacteria in the air. This creates a bubbly, fermented mixture that gives sourdough bread its unique flavor and texture. Making your own sourdough starter may seem intimidating, but it’s actually quite easy and only requires a few simple ingredients and a bit of patience.
2of 20
Sourdough Starter II
Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Warm Water, Active Dry Yeast
If you’re new to making sourdough starter, this recipe is a great place to start. It uses equal parts flour and water, making it easy to remember and measure. You’ll need to feed your starter regularly to keep it alive and active, but don’t worry, we’ll walk you through the process step by step. With a little time and attention, you’ll have a thriving sourdough starter ready to use in all your bread and baked goods.
3of 20
Lazy Sourdough Starter
Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Whole Wheat Flour, Active Dry Yeast
For those who don’t have the time or patience to tend to a traditional sourdough starter, this lazy version is a great alternative. It requires minimal effort and only needs to be fed once a week. This starter may take a little longer to become active, but it’s worth the wait for its delicious, tangy flavor. Plus, you can use it to make all sorts of breads, pancakes, waffles, and more!
4of 20
Basic Sourdough Starter
Main Ingredients: Warm Water, Active Dry Yeast, Sugar, All Purpose Flour
This basic sourdough starter recipe is perfect for beginners. It uses just three ingredients and requires minimal effort. All you need is flour, water, and a little bit of patience. This starter may take a little longer to become active, but it will give you a delicious, tangy flavor that’s worth the wait. Once your starter is ready, you can use it to make all kinds of sourdough breads and other baked goods.
5of 20
Homemade Sourdough Starter
Main Ingredients: Dry Yeast, Lukewarm Water, All Purpose Flour
Why buy sourdough starter when you can make your own at home? This homemade sourdough starter recipe is easy, budget-friendly, and only requires a few simple ingredients. It may take a little time and attention to get your starter going, but once it’s ready, you’ll have a delicious, tangy base for all your sourdough bread and baked goods. Plus, making your own starter is a fun and rewarding kitchen project.
6of 20
Simple Sourdough Starter And Bread
Main Ingredients: Bread Flour, Sourdough Starter, Water, Salt
If you’re looking to make delicious, homemade sourdough bread, you’ll need a starter. This simple recipe will teach you how to make both a sourdough starter and bread with just a few easy steps. You’ll need to feed your starter regularly to keep it active and healthy, but it’s a small price to pay for the tangy, flavorful bread you’ll get in return. Plus, there’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of baking your own sourdough from scratch.
7of 20
Jalapeno Cheese Grits (Southern Living)
Main Ingredients: Water, Salt, Quaker Quick Grits, Cream Cheese, Crushed
If you’re a fan of Southern cooking, you’ll love this recipe for jalapeno cheese grits from Southern Living. It’s a delicious and creamy side dish that’s perfect for any meal, whether it’s breakfast, lunch, or dinner. The combination of spicy jalapenos and creamy cheese adds a unique twist to classic grits. It’s easy to make and will quickly become a family favorite.
8of 20
A Beginner's Basic Sourdough Starter
Main Ingredients: Warm Water, Active Dry Yeast, All Purpose Flour
If you’re new to sourdough baking, this beginner’s recipe is a great place to start. It uses just three simple ingredients and requires minimal effort. With a little patience, you’ll have a healthy and active sourdough starter that you can use to make all sorts of delicious breads and other baked goods. Once you taste the tangy, flavorful results, you’ll never want to go back to store-bought bread again.
9of 20
Amish Friendship Bread Sourdough Starter
Main Ingredients: Instant Potato Flakes, Sugar, Warm Water, Active Dry
This Amish friendship bread sourdough starter recipe is perfect for sharing with friends and family. The starter is made with just a few basic ingredients and can be passed along to others to make their own bread. It’s a fun and delicious way to spread the love and introduce others to the world of sourdough baking. Plus, the resulting bread is always a hit with everyone who tries it.
10of 20
Herman Sourdough Starter
Main Ingredients: Active Dry Yeast, Warm Water, All Purpose Flour, White
Herman sourdough starter is a unique variation on traditional sourdough starter. It’s made with a combination of flour, sugar, and water, and is then fed with additional sugar and milk. This creates a sweet and tangy starter that’s perfect for making a variety of sweet breads and baked goods. It’s a fun and delicious twist on traditional sourdough starter that’s sure to be a hit with your family and friends.
11of 20
Gluten Free Sourdough Starter
Main Ingredients: Buckwheat Flour, Brown Rice Flour, Water, Apple
If you’re following a gluten-free diet, you may think that sourdough bread is off limits. But with this gluten-free sourdough starter recipe, you can enjoy all the tangy, delicious bread you want. It’s made with gluten-free flour and doesn’t require any special ingredients. Once your starter is ready, you can use it to make a variety of gluten-free sourdough breads and other baked goods.
12of 20
How to Make Sourdough Starter
Main Ingredients: All Purpose Plain Flour, Active Dry Yeast, Warm Water
If you’ve always wanted to make your own sourdough starter but didn’t know where to start, this recipe is for you. It breaks down the process into easy-to-follow steps and uses just a few basic ingredients. You’ll need to be patient and give your starter time to develop, but the resulting bread will be well worth the wait. Once you get the hang of making sourdough starter, you’ll never want to buy store-bought bread again.
13of 20
Sourdough Starter III
Main Ingredients: Cubed Potatoes, Warm Water, All Purpose Flour, White
This is another great sourdough starter recipe for beginners. It’s simple, straightforward, and uses just three ingredients. With a little time and attention, you’ll have a healthy and active starter that’s perfect for making all kinds of delicious breads and other baked goods. Plus, this recipe provides tips for maintaining and storing your starter, so you can keep it going for years to come.
14of 20
Perfect Mashed Potatoes
Main Ingredients: Yukon Gold Potatoes, Salt, Butter, Half And Half, Cream
No meal is complete without a side of creamy, buttery mashed potatoes. This recipe for perfect mashed potatoes is simple and foolproof. It uses just a few basic ingredients and can be easily customized to suit your taste preferences. Whether you’re serving it alongside a Sunday roast or as a side dish for Thanksgiving, these mashed potatoes are sure to be a hit with everyone at the table.
15of 20
Easy Peach Cobbler
Main Ingredients: Unsalted Butter, All Purpose Flour, Sugar, Baking
When fresh peaches are in season, there’s no better dessert than peach cobbler. This easy recipe uses canned peaches, making it a quick and convenient option for any time of year. The topping is made with just a few basic ingredients, and the end result is a warm, gooey, and delicious dessert that’s perfect for sharing. Serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate comfort food experience.
16of 20
Martina McBride's Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup
Main Ingredients: Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts, Kosher Salt, Black
Country music superstar Martina McBride is known for her delicious recipes, and this creamy chicken tortilla soup is no exception. It’s a hearty and flavorful soup that’s perfect for cold winter nights. The addition of cream cheese gives it a rich and creamy texture, while the tortilla strips add a satisfying crunch. This soup is sure to become a family favorite in no time.
17of 20
Fire Crackers
Main Ingredients: Saltine Crackers, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Black
If you’re looking for a spicy and addictive snack, fire crackers are the answer. These crunchy, seasoned crackers are perfect for parties, game nights, or anytime you’re craving a spicy treat. They’re easy to make and can be customized with your favorite seasonings. Serve them with ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping and watch them disappear in no time.
18of 20
Chicken and Sausage Jambalaya
Main Ingredients: Canola Oil, Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs, Smoked
This classic Cajun dish is a one-pot wonder that’s perfect for feeding a crowd. Made with chicken, sausage, and a variety of vegetables and spices, this jambalaya is bursting with flavor. It’s a hearty and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Serve it with a side of cornbread for a true Southern feast.
19of 20
Classic Baked Macaroni and Cheese
Main Ingredients: Elbow Macaroni, Milk, Butter, All Purpose Flour, Salt
No comfort food list would be complete without a recipe for classic baked macaroni and cheese. This version is made with a creamy, cheesy sauce and topped with a buttery breadcrumb crust. It’s a simple and delicious dish that’s perfect for any day of the week. Serve it as a main course or as a side dish alongside your favorite protein.
20of 20
Activating Sourdough Starter
Main Ingredients: Sourdough Starter, Water, Flour
Before you can use your sourdough starter to make bread, you’ll need to activate it. This process may seem daunting, but it’s actually quite simple. This recipe provides detailed instructions for activating your starter and keeping it alive and healthy. With a little patience and attention, you’ll have a thriving sourdough starter that’s ready to be used in all your sourdough recipes.
Why Make Your Own Sourdough Starter?
Southern living is all about embracing tradition and making things from scratch, and making your own sourdough starter is no exception. By making your own starter, you have control over the ingredients and can ensure that your bread is made with high-quality, natural ingredients. Plus, there's something special about using a starter that has been passed down through generations, giving your bread a unique and nostalgic flavor.
The Ingredients
To make your own sourdough starter, you'll need only two ingredients: flour and water. Make sure to use high-quality flour, such as organic or stone-ground flour, for the best results. You can also add a pinch of salt to help kickstart the fermentation process.
The Process
To begin, mix together equal parts of flour and water in a large bowl. For example, one cup of flour and one cup of water. Mix well until there are no lumps and the consistency is similar to pancake batter. Cover the bowl with a clean dish towel or plastic wrap and let it sit at room temperature for 24 hours.
After 24 hours, you should see some bubbles forming on the surface. This means that the natural yeasts in the air have started to interact with the flour and water, creating the fermentation process. This is what gives sourdough bread its characteristic tangy flavor.
For the next 5-7 days, you'll need to "feed" your starter by discarding half of it and adding equal parts of flour and water. This process helps to strengthen the yeast and bacteria in the starter, making it more active and flavorful. After a week, your starter should be ready to use in your sourdough bread recipe.
Storing Your Starter
Your sourdough starter can be stored in the fridge for up to a week, or in the freezer for longer periods of time. Just make sure to feed it regularly to keep it active and alive.
Final Thoughts
Southern living is all about taking the time to make things from scratch, and making your own sourdough starter is no exception. With this easy and delicious recipe, you'll have a starter that you can use for years to come, creating homemade sourdough bread that will be the envy of all your friends and family.