How to make a SOURDOUGH STARTER & use it to make Sourdough Bread!

This video has been a long time coming! I’m walking you through the process of making a brand new sourdough starter, sharing all of my tips and secrets, and making 3 different starters with 3 kinds of flour so you can see what each looks like.
PART 2 OF THIS VIDEO - TROUBLESHOOTING: • How to Fix A Sourdough...
Shop my sourdough supplies here: www.amazon.com/shop/hopewellh...
Proofing Box: amzn.to/48CTqGF
I’ve got detailed blog posts written as well - including this Ultimate Guide to Making and Maintaining A Sourdough Starter: hopewellheightsblog.com/sourd...
SOURDOUGH ARTISAN BREAD RECIPE: hopewellheightsblog.com/sourd...
How to Make an Einkorn Sourdough: hopewellheightsblog.com/how-t...
How to Make a Rye Flour Sourdough Starter: hopewellheightsblog.com/how-t...
Click here to check out all of my sourdough recipes on the blog! hopewellheightsblog.com/categ...
Sourdough pancakes from this week’s video: hopewellheightsblog.com/sourd...
SOURDOUGH SUPPLIES IN THIS VIDEO
Pint jars: amzn.to/3S93zFe
Small weck jar: amzn.to/3NR8OXI
Large weck jar: amzn.to/3S3YBd4
Copper measuring cups: amzn.to/3tHasEs

[@user-py5yd1ty8v]

As a young Christian woman in this lonely modern era, your videos on life skills like this being me joy. Thank you so much, Steph. You’re living my dream. God bless you and your family!

[@gamer8622]

It's weird that you think your religion has anything to do with this type of life. As someone who thinks the belief of any religion in the modern age of knowledge and science is simpleminded foolishness, I also live this way and love learning this woman. Ppl like would bring religion into anything if they could. Yuck af

[@vladratiu9071]

I get you. I'm a dude and I get everything you just said.

[@user-py5yd1ty8v]

@@gamer8622 thank you gamer8622

[@ronscott700]

Stop it with the insults, we all just trying to get through life the best way we can.

[@cathierobbins445]

Thankfulness is a wonderful quality. Your description of yourself is fine. I get it. Keep following Jesus. He will keep you until the end. It's lovely that you are finding life-giving habits and activities to sustain yourself and others. Dear Heavenly Father. Put this young lady in a family with others. Let her grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ. In his name. Amen

[@mendipierce7284]

Came for the Laundry Soap; stayed for the Sourdough (and canning)!

[@HopewellHeights]

Woohoo!! Hoping to do lots more on canning this gardening season!

[@MostBoringNameEver]

Same!! It's the laundry soap that got me hooked ❤

[@catheriner2615]

Me too! But love all things natural living. ❤

[@anacruz3755]

Yes me too

[@kimwells8395]

I came for the sourdough and saw your comment which got me excited for the soap video and canning videos! ☺️

[@Nagaeem]

Thank you for being the only person I've found that doesn't use a scale! I don't want to use a scale either and I know they didn't have them in the olden days. I've been wanting to learn this skill for if I ever need in a survival situation but also just to do now. This was so straight forward and cut out all the complicated steps.

[@crystalgibson8058]

Yes, for sure! First person I've watched that makes it seem so simple.

[@Nagaeem]

@@crystalgibson8058 I know right? I agree

[@sacredmommyhood]

After losing a 2-year starter, I now ALWAYS keep a half-pint backup jar of starter in the fridge that I feed every couple of weeks. My current starter is now about 4 years old, and I'm not taking any chances. 😅 So glad you were able to revive Old Faithful!

[@sunshineraymond2365]

Please tell me more about keeping a starter in the fridge? How long should i take it out before baking with it? How often should i feed. I need to know more about this low maintenance starter. My adhd is struggeling to keep up with daily feedings knowing i dont bake bread every week. HELP!

[@nataliecuellar4858]

@@sunshineraymond2365 that was my question too. Also, I need to know about the discard. I have a discard in the refrig, it' hasn't been a week yet, but I need to know do I need to feed it or do I just use it as is. Also, do I take it out and let it set at room temp before baking w/it. I've watched SO many videos and I can't find one that will answer these questions. :( I am SOOOOOO NEW at this.

[@sunshineraymond2365]

@@nataliecuellar4858 so, I've been doing it for a little while now. What i do is i feed it before I put it in the fridge. And then at the end of the week usually Friday morning or afternoon, I pull it out, and let the yeast finish fermenting. I will use this hungry starter to make a loaf of bread, and usually it turns out really well. The hungry yeast gets very active during ferment and proofing.

[@teehenderson]

Your sour dough instruction was well done, and the most easily understood of the several videos I have seen on this topic. You had the forethought to do four different starter versions at the same time which was an outstanding educational moment for me. Sending you best wishes on your baby to be and thank you for putting out quality videos.

[@HopewellHeights]

Thank you! ❤️

[@withcarrington]

I started my own sourdough starter Jan 22 after watching this video and it’s still happy and strong! I’ve made pancakes, banana bread, muffins, dinner rolls, pizza dough and cinnamon buns with it so far. Discard has been a great egg replacer for me in vegan baking. Thank you so much for great videos and blog posts! Wishing you well with baby #5!❤

[@HopewellHeights]

Amazing!! 👏🏽 👏🏽

[@letifromtexas6543]

Yes! No scale! Scraping off excess starter with finger! Thank you for being realistic. It’s so easy to understand.

[@sanlen1944]

Thank you so much for sharing this step by step starter recipe , I want to do this soon . Your bread turned out beautiful .

[@danacojocariu9184]

I watched this video and i tried one more time to make a sourdough and it works! Today, after 7 days, i baked my first two breads, very tasty and beautiful! I can't belive... I tried first to make sourdough 4 years ago and all the informations were so weird and complicated but you explained everything so natural, thank you very much! My kids also loved the sourdough bread. God bless you and your family!

[@thehavenstribehomestead]

I've been baking sourdough & have had a starter for 6+ years now but I still enjoy this video 💜 I look forward to your videos every week!

[@HopewellHeights]

Thank you! ❤️

[@9snaps]

So after the 7-10 days of feeding and starting the starter how often do you have to feed it?

[@catheriner2615]

This is what I needed. You take all the complications out and explain things as I understand them. Um no longer confused with how to proceed and actually feel quite confident in proceeding now. Thank you 🙂 ❤

[@HopewellHeights]

So excited for you!

[@cschultzy]

This is the first time I've ever done this and your video was excellent! So helpful and I love that you repeated things a bunch to really help us newbies get it in our head. ❤

[@survivalhomesteadteachingfarm]

I made your Pullman sourdough sandwich bread and my husband and I ate it all! It was amazing. I really appreciate you giving me the answers to all my sourdough headaches. I am very thankful. My husbands tummy is thankful too!

[@kaseydoty3706]

I just found your channel. Your video has gave me more confidence in making sourdough bread. I started my sourdough starter on the 4th of January but yet to make bread with it. So today I am going to make my first bread. Then make a bunch of discard bagels and English muffins. I’m excited and can’t wait to see how it comes out. Thank you again.

[@missesjane]

Thank you for posting this! im a visual learner, so i needed more after i read your blog and this is perfect! alot of videos i found searching on youtube just didnt work for me lol i love how much information you give throughout your videos on your channel, they're so motivating!

[@marciainnocent6321]

Great video! I have always wanted to make sourdough starter but I thought it was so intimidating I could never succeed. You have made it look easier than I could imagine.Thanks so much!!

[@HopewellHeights]

Diving and and learning hands on is the best way to go!

[@greenrockgarden2851]

Thank you! It looks a lot easier than what I have watched. I’m encouraged to start my own now.

[@lynnomara601]

Thank you! I have watched numerous vids on what discard is and you are the only one that has explained it so that I (a complete beginner) understands it!! ❤

[@andimcd]

Wow you explained this so well. I feel like I was in my big sister's kitchen as she loved me through her instruction and advice. Please share more recipes!

[@sunshineraymond2365]

This was probably the most practical and helpful starter video ive seen so far. Thank you

[@HHHHappYYYY]

I’ve been watching this video over and over and over again for a week waiting for the perfect starter to be ready to bake your sourdough bread recipe! I made it today and it looks incredible!!! I took photos it’s so beautiful lol. This was the first time I ever grew starter and I’m so happy! If I can do it- ANY ONE CAN DO THIS! Thanks so much!!! 😘

[@janthompson8255]

Thank you so much for this step-by-step video❤ it is absolutely wonderful❤ I’ve been watching your other sourdough recipes and I am trying right now to do my starter so I really appreciate this video❤ you are very wise for your age. Keep these wonderful videos coming.

[@stephaniewalp5458]

Thank you for simplifying sourdough! My starter is 6 months old but the recipe I followed has a lot of weighing and stretch and fold. I can’t believe how quickly yours comes together and made absolutely beautiful loaves. Making another two tonight

[@sharonn7488]

After watching many sourdough videos, this is by far, the best explanations of sourdough! Thank you for taking the time, to explain so thoroughly!

[@tammykeefer3992]

Thank you sooooo very much!! ❤ I'm new to baking and wanted to try sour dough but thought it was extremely complicated. I appreciate all the reminders and extra advice that you give to us newbies! Today is day 1 of my very first starter and I am super excited to start making my own bread. 😊 Have a blessed day!!

[@julianamcnaught1852]

I’m so grateful I found your channel. I’ve just started on my sourdough starter and I was reading so many conflicting posts, I was totally confused 🫤 but I’ve started exactly as you did so hopefully it’s all good. I’m on day 4 and things look great. Thank you again, I’m sticking around for future videos ❤

[@susanvelez6534]

I think you’re wonderful ! I think you’re doing a great job in repeating and repeating. As we spoke about on your last video after feeding my starter, for six months, not knowing what I was doing 🤷🏻‍♀️. I finally made my first and for Christmas my daughter bought me the Batten I guess they’re called batten baskets with a score and I was just so excited !!!! It’s the little things that make me happy now that I’m 62❤️❤️❤️❤️🙋🏻‍♀️

[@HopewellHeights]

It really is so exciting!!

[@karleighdye6403]

Thank you I watched other start videos that were too in depth for no reason. Love how you talked it out x

[@SamanthaK_92]

Thank you for this! Just made my starter and feeling much more confident now 🥰

[@Ivelinka]

Thank you for the detailed video. I just made my first ever sourdough starter and your video is really helpful, I will follow it till my starter is complete!

[@laurelpetty9212]

Your video is the most helpful one I’ve found!! I like how you compared the different flours.

[@glendabyford8074]

I made your sourdough dumplings recipe tonight for dinner... My family absolutely loved it.. thank you so much for that recipe

[@lynnomara601]

So cosy watching your vids- it’s a dreary, rainy day here in England- your vids have brightened my day! ❤

[@Wildfloracottage]

This came at the perfect time! It’s been 7 days with my AP starter and it’s gone flat. Hooch and not much bubbles. Thank you for the info. I’ll start feeding it more and every 12hrs too! I think I’m also going to experiment with some rye in a new starter. Loved this in depth video!! I’ll be watching part two right after this! Thank you ❤

[@nellie1rene642]

I've watched alot of videos by very reputable sourdough gurus and girl you just gave me the BEST TIP I'd never ever seen before!!!! plopping some presumably ready to use starter in some water to see if it floats? AMAZING!! love it! thank you so much! I'm a first timer to your channel and your 🤯 tip, your lovely kitchen, and your calm manner made me a subscriber! Thank you for your time and efforts, I can't wait to see more! Happy New Year to you and yours 🎉

[@GetElevatedWithMe]

I got mine started on Tuesday and I cannot wait! I almost missed a feed today but remembered thank god! Ahhh I’m so excited and thankful how thorough you were in this video. I thought I’d have to watch 10 videos to get the info and luckily I found yours!

[@marilynmainwaring9978]

This was so incredibly helpful! You have no idea 😊Thank you! 🙏🙏🙏

[@siarafarnsworth684]

Loved this video! I’m a new stay at home mom looking to learn more about the homemade lifestyle for my family & I. Can’t wait to try this out❤️

[@snjezanasnjezana8332]

Thank you so much for this video, you are the first person then I run into who explains all the details about starter. Looks so easy, just need to be consistent. Btw. I started watching your content just 3 days ago and I love it. 🙌👌

[@nicolewatters4062]

I'm going to start today with my starter. I've been making bread for a while, but I've been scared of sourdough. You made it look easy. Ty❤

[@user-us3dy4xm8p]

Followed this during my starter journey!! Happy to report I have fabulous starter now! Thank you for all the tips ❤😊

[@TRoysAdventures]

Best explanation and tutorial I’ve seen, thanks so much for the taking the time to help us noobs! I love sourdough bread, just made a starter myself after watching!🤞

[@thepricklyonesbyyanawhelan]

Thank you soo much for this informative and amazing video. I am new to the sourdough bread-making and starter process. I love how you simplify this process. I do it a little differently but at this point in my sourdough journey more instinctively. Some need this explained in soooo much detail. It’s not that complicated

[@Casaaventura]

Thank you so much for the brake down and thoroughly explaining all the steps, as a newbie I really appreciate you ❤ love your channel ❤

[@Lisa-de2vw]

I love your videos . I been searching for a good video to help with my sourdough adventures so I think you are the one :) yay

[@Hoguehollerhomestead]

So glade you made this video because last week i also baked my year old starter trying to get it active faster in the oven😢. After watchinf other videos was gonna wait until i can get to the store and gwt some rye but whole wheat looks great also. Thanks for always making great videos!

[@victoriamendez5326]

Thank you! I have been wanting to learn how to bake bread, and this sourdough lesson is just so interesting from start to finish! Thank you, you have a new subscriber for life..

[@lindacook9300]

Awesome. I've been wondering about this process. Maybe one day I'll give it a try. Thank You!

[@carolerogers5944]

Thank you so much for this video. You explained it perfectly. I’ve watched so many others and they seemed so confusing. You now have a new follower from Beverley in England

[@SkyexEcho]

You are a wealth of knowledge! Thank you so much for sharing. You make it all make sense!

[@selaeubanks9345]

First time making starters so appreciate the repetition 😊

[@pattyobrien5637]

Bless your heart. You saved some starter! Six years old makes it like family….I’m so happy for you! It was your attitude that saved it! 🕊🔥💎

[@user-ws8zp6fb3d]

Thank you for the video. Very informative and you took the intimidation out of sourdough starters for me.

[@mapache505]

I’ve watched this video so many times lol. I tried a few years ago to make starter and failed because the others and their recipes did not work for me! u truly made it super easy and now my starter is alive and well for 1 week now ❤

[@itzelmend5421]

Wow! Amazing explanation. I’ve been interested in starting a started but was confused on what it was etc. I loooove how detailed you were and cleared up my questions. Definitely will subscribe. ❤

[@Saint.Monica]

Yes, thank you! I haven't made bread. Ever. But I'm feeling closer to confident! God bless you and your lovely family. ☦️🙏🏾

[@taniaortiz6555]

Out of all the videos I've seen on starting a sourdough starter you explained it the best! Thank you!

[@HopewellHeights]

Glad it was helpful!

[@anthonygiron9604]

Great video and instructions, I’ll be starting my starter this weekend with your instructions. Thank you for the video and your bread looked amazing at the end.

[@Kindlyone777]

I’m a new subbie because you explain the process in simple terms, no annoying music,you worked with the AP flour that had hooch, you showed us what can happen to a starter that’s been overheated/ neglected (for lack of a better word). You turned All of it into lessons and What to do when things like this happen. I’m feeling more confident. Where did you get the beautiful bread baking pot? Thank you so much!

[@lindabeauchamp2991]

Thank you Steph. You are so inspiring.God bless you and your family❤❤

[@HopewellHeights]

Thank you! ❤️

[@ksmegs6786]

Love this video! Thank you for explaining.

[@ourwildflowerhaus]

diving into all things sourdough is on my to do list, thank you so much for making this video!

[@HopewellHeights]

You’re going to love it!

[@SarahsOctoberHome]

Thanks for the tips, Steph!

[@bobbiewood7179]

Thank you so much for making a basic simple sour dough starter video for us newbies. I loved this video so much felt like a science experiment. Excited to try out a starter this week! A follow up video on how you keep and maintain Old Faithful would be neat. I’ve heard some people let it sit in the fridge like when they are gone for a few days or such. Thank you again for your amazing content and simplicity

[@abcdefghijklmno51112]

Thank you! I tried a starter a couple of weeks ago and it didn’t work😢 but now that I’ve found you I’m inspired again!!! Praying that it works ❤

[@carlabundy563]

I am new to sourdough. I love your video. It doesn’t scare me to try it now! Thanks so much for sharing!☺️

[@faithreyes8797]

I love this! This is a great video for beginners for sure! I made your Sourdough Chocolate Chip Cookies today. So good!!!❤ thanks:)

[@maryannhaller3273]

Finally after so many months I finally have a rye sourdough starter. I have not made a recipe yet. I will follow you and hopefully, you will make a rye bread with my starter.

[@marthatapia5080]

Thank you for this video. I am new at this and not a baker but want to learn. you explained everything do well.

[@jeanettemorales8488]

I have watched this video at least 3 times. And I am finally starting my sourdough starter!!! I failed miserably trying to follow other people’s instructions. You explained this so well that it made me want to try again 😊as of Saturday I have been working on it!

[@kristassewcrafty8304]

You have convinced me to try making my own sourdough starter. Thank you!

[@firefighter2009100]

Welp, that was informative and encouraging as well. Now off to the store to get my flour. Looking forward to trying it for myself. Thank you for such a great video on how to do this. Seemed intimidating before I watched your video. Now I feel empowered to try it out.

[@EternallyLoved92]

Thank you so much for this video! I've been wanting to try sourdough but I've been so intimidated by it. You made it seem so easy.

[@HopewellHeights]

It really is so easy once you dive in and get started!

[@littleplantaddict]

Wow this is super helpful. I can’t wait to try this out tomorrow.

[@maritzapadilla8165]

Encontré este canal y, me encanta, vi muchos otros sobre como hacer la masa madre, pero tengo que decir que como tú, ningún otro canal, explicas como si le estuvieras enseñado a niños pequeños y, eso es perfecto para quienes no tenemos suerte con este procedimiento aparte muestra paso a paso, gracias por ser tan inteligente, que Diosito, te de muchas bendiciones a ti y, a la bebe por venir muchaa salud. Gracias gracias gracias.

[@asiajo1010]

I went and bought that same dutch oven from aldi’s after your post about it.. glad I did. needs a little elbow work sometimes to get clean but it’s a the go to item here. thanks for that heads up!

[@adelegrossi5003]

Thank you, Thank you for this video...I have been wanting to make a sourdough starter for a while but have been put off as I thought it was too complicated. I feel now I have the confidence to give it a go. 😊

[@AussieAngeS]

Hi I just found your channel, I really loved how you explained the process of beginning your starters, thank you very much. The sourdough loaf looked fantastic in the end and your son is super adorable 🥰🫶🏻

[@jessiefair7391]

Thank You! So so much. I've watched so many videos made difficult. You are the best Thanks

[@keledoran1528]

Great video for a newbie!! Thank you!

[@juliaw6129]

A great video with precious footage (for the old faith)!!! I just started my sourdough starter journey, hope everything will be fine since it's a whole new things to me! BTW, your little one is absolutely adorable!!!

[@traceyparker1407]

I did the same experiment because, I wanted to know why all the newbies were having such difficulty getting their starter's going. Started Jan 7, 2024 & baked my loaf Jan 14. I posted it on a sourdough FB group hoping to help someone who was having trouble. Boy, oh boy did they chew me up & spit me out!!! "You are gonna die", "you are not following the science", "the experts", "there's bad bacteria in there", on & on!!! Just so you know, I had the exact same results as you & my bread was fabulous. There are so many that seem to be trying to make sourdough bread making difficult!!! I don't get it? They turned off the comments on my post saying I was giving out misinformation. I went ahead and deleted it. I hope they didn't come after you. I love your channel ❤❤❤

[@CreativeTrish]

Some people 🤦🏻‍♀️…. I’ve watched a bunch of starter videos. “Back then” I’m certain they didn’t measure & let nature take over. I’m on day 5 with my nonorganic unbleached AP flour, butter milk & well water. I’m getting activity. Worst case is I have to start over. It still smells “fresh” 😂 I think that’s a good sign😂

[@Leelee-ny9lt]

"They" don't want you to make sourdough, because it's better for your gutt biome. Thus, keeping you healthier and you know what's in your bread!!! These people!!!!!

[@watchmansduty]

you rock thank you learning the old ways for the times to come.. Even learning how to do this with fruit. god bless you

[@ashlicollazo5384]

God bless you! Needed this video!!! Thank you! ✨❤️

[@sasha_roman]

This video was So Helpful! Thanks ❤

[@n11421]

Thank you for your tips. I am starting my new sourdough starter through your tips. No scale. So hopefully by day 7 i can make my first sourdough bread. I gave up on my old one so i am starting fresh and this time added notes.

[@allisonanderson1780]

Started mine tonight with King Arthur All Purpose! Fingers crossed, ha ha. Excellent video. As a newbie, this really explains it. Thank you!

[@One_Crazy_Dog_Mum]

🤦‍♀️ why didn’t I find your channel last week when I thought I’d failed with my starter’s, I had a super active spelt starter then I transferred to another jar when it overflowed the jar on day 4 then it stopped being active so I threw it out. Now I’ve started again and I’m so glad I found you to know how to keep it simple. Michelle 🇦🇺

[@cherylbowen-hay827]

I’m so excited that you are doing this. I’ve been wanting to know how to make a starter. Thank you!! Yea your 6 yo starter survived 😊

[@jessicamcvay2285]

You are the best, thank you! ❤

[@caytlinshreve3821]

This is incredibly helpful thank you SO much!!

[@MMA_Latina]

I’m sooo intimidated to try this but it’s one of my goals this year. I just think it’s such a cool skill to have. Loved the video and the way you explained everything! ❤

[@brooklynringer9623]

QUESTIONS: How do you maintain a mature starter? Do you have to keep feeding it? Where do you store it? How long can you store it when you’re not using it?

[@JanaShakespeare]

It depends on your baking. If you are baking regularly through the week, you can just keep it on your counter and feed it daily. Many just take what they need for their bake and just feed what was taken. If you are making less bread, put a lid on it and keep it in the fridge. Many will feed it weekly, but some feed it less. Once it's mature, it's easier to go longer.

[@tsilbaugh5314]

“A Little terminology there”. lol loved this video!!!! Thank you so much!!!

[@tsilbaugh5314]

I really appreciate you repeating certain words and instructions over again! We need that!

[@athomewithpatriciavvieyra6709]

I adore bread, as a portugese women our culture eat lots of bread , but i was so afraid of starting a sour dough starter .thank you so much for sharing. This was the est easy to follow video ive seen. 😊

[@HopewellHeights]

I’m so glad it was helpful!

[@kimd8rh15]

Today was my first sour dough bread,, I followed everything u taught us,, but I don’t have the tools and the baskets,, any wheeew,, I even followed another recipe that said to put a tray of water under the bread,, and it spilled all over the bottom 😞,, but I still continued your recipe,, I had company over,, but I stuck to what u taught me,, I just cut that bread that I was so doubt full for my first attempt,, and omg,, even with the water spill,, and the dough stuck to my towel😂😂,, it is the most amazing thing I have made all year🤩🤩🤩I could eat the whole thing😅 and this is now my future,, can’t thank u enough❤❤❤❤

[@paytondavis0702]

Came here to learn how to make sourdough starter and after this video, I subscribed! I love your style and personality! ☺️❤

[@HopewellHeights]

Thank you and welcome!

[@ashleyporter9330]

Great video! I have an einkorn sourdough starter going as we speak!

[@mcloud7426]

Greetings from Ft Bragg, NC area! This video came just in time. I had just minutes before pulled my starter out to feed it and saw that liquid "hooch" you were talking about. I had put it in my microwave overnight and it got super warm. I think that's why it was so "hungry". I was about to throw it out. But, after what you said, I fed it some Einkorn and a little rye. I can report that it is up and bubbling again.

[@mvdhcvargas5486]

24:51 Thank you for this comment. I’m definitely one of those that needed the constant repetition in phases and directions. I’ve been in a rabbit hole 🕳️ of learning how to make a starter, use it and keep it going but still feeling lost till now. Yes the is long and have watched all of it and thank you for this video!! I’m ready to try now!

[@maryfreitas6484]

Thank you so much for making this easier!!! I've been so stressed out trying to get starter to work.

[@HopewellHeights]

You got this!