Baking sourdough bread at home is a rewarding experience, and using a starter gives each loaf a unique tang and texture you just can’t get from store-bought bread. These 8 easy sourdough bread recipes are perfect for bakers of all levels, whether you’re just feeding your starter for the first time or already have a bubbly, active one ready to go.
Start with a classic artisan sourdough loaf, crusty on the outside with a soft, airy crumb inside. For something hearty, try whole wheat sourdough, packed with nutty flavor and extra fiber. Sourdough rye bread offers a darker, richer taste that pairs beautifully with savory toppings like smoked salmon or cheese.
If you love variety, seeded sourdough adds sunflower, sesame, and flax seeds for extra crunch and nutrition. For a sweeter twist, raisin and cinnamon sourdough makes a fragrant breakfast bread that’s perfect toasted with butter. Garlic and herb sourdough turns a simple loaf into a savory side for soups and pastas, while sourdough sandwich bread delivers a softer, more uniform crumb ideal for everyday use.
Finally, for a show-stopper, try sourdough focaccia, dimpled with olive oil and herbs, perfect for sharing at gatherings. With simple ingredients and the magic of fermentation, these starter-based sourdough recipes will have you baking like a pro and filling your kitchen with irresistible aromas.
Sourdough Bread
“Most people say that this kind of bread takes soooo long to make, but actually it takes no longer than other bread, you just have to spread your activities out over 2 days instead of a solid half an hour. No matter what, it is worth it,” says reviewer yogamommy. Join over 300 home cooks who have made this classic recipe.
Chef John’s Sourdough Bread
This is a great recipe for first timers! Chef John lays out in detail how to make sourdough bread: “Making your own sourdough bread does take a while, but the amount of actual work is minimal–and the bread you’ll get is spectacular! See the footnote link to how to make the sourdough starter.”
Cracked Wheat Sourdough Bread
“A hearty grain and seed filled sourdough bread. Any good sourdough starter will work in this bread,” says recipe creator JACLYN. Reviewers agree, but some added a pinch of salt.
Sourdough Rye
“Since I’ve been given a sourdough starter, I’ve been making sourdoughs like crazy so the starter doesn’t take over my fridge. This is the best of the whole wheat ones I’ve tried,” says reviewer MACKALLEN. “It rose nicely, but that probably has something to do with me kneading the heck out of it and also me being patient with the dough.” Sourdough rye makes a perfect sandwich bread.
Cranberry Pecan Bread
Recipe creator Janic says, “Dried cranberries and pecans are added to a basic bread fermented with a sourdough starter. We love to make French toast with it.”
Long-Fermentation Sourdough Bread
Good sourdough bread takes time to make, and this recipe could take a couple of days depending on how long you allow for the two rises.
Better-Than-Bakery No-Knead Sourdough
“This crusty, chewy, tangy bread can’t be beat. You’ll be shocked at how simple it is to create such a professional loaf at home. Glossy, crunchy crust. Resilient, airy crumb. Baking inside a Dutch oven (set in your kitchen oven) does an excellent job simulating the effects of a professional bread oven.” —hrabbot
Chef Fillip’s Sourbread
This sourdough recipe includes its own starter recipe, you can use it to make sourdough from start to finish. Reviewer JUDY SAXBY says, “My husband loves sourdough bread. And he loved this recipe.”
