New to homemade sourdough bread or simply improving your craft? Everyday Sourdough from Emilie Raffa’s book Artisan Sourdough Made Simple is a fabulous starting point for new sourdough bakers or simply to hone your sourdough skills. DIY a Sourdough Bread Starter to create a beautiful wild yeast sourdough loaf!
DISCLOSURE: I received a copy of Emilie’s new book and am thrilled to be able to share her fabulous book in this space (with permission). All opinions are my own.
Table of Contents
A Sourdough Journey
Prior to going to pastry school, I’d never tried making homemade sourdough bread, although I had read books about it. Intimidated by the terminology, flours, feeding schedules, shaping techniques and knowing, I never took the time or had the courage to dive in.
During pastry school I worked with yeasted bread until I could make it in my sleep. But it was naturally leavened sourdough that continued to mystify me. Only having a few opportunities in school to work with it, I never really gained the hands on knowledge I’d anticipated. So, I continued to read about it, gleaning little nuggets that would some day make me the bread baker I wanted to be.
RELATED: Make an Easy Homemade Sourdough Starter!
A friend of a friend offered some sourdough starter, knowing my interest. I promptly killed it after attempting sourdough again. Then, I carried some of my mom’s starter back to Whidbey with me after a visit to Texas.
I persisted, yet…
I couldn’t quite get the dough to its fluffy pillowy softness, the crumb to its tender-chewy texture, or the crust to its crusty bliss as I had tasted, seen in books, on Emilie’s blog and bakeries.
I tried again, still not producing the loaf of my dreams. Why is this SO hard?
I gave up sourdough baking early last winter with the hopes of starting again this fall.
Sourdough Success!
Enter Emilie Raffa’s new book Artisan Sourdough Made Simple. When I heard she was publishing a book on her sourdough method, I knew it would be my best chance yet to finally learn how to make the perfect loaf. I’ve been following Emilie’s blog, The Clever Carrot, for a while now. You may remember I introduced a cauliflower bolognese recipe from her first cookbook on the blog last year (I know, right?).
Her recipes, writing and photography draw me in, making me feel as if I’m in the kitchen with her. Practical, and not fussy, her writing nudges and encourages me along in the process.
After diving into sourdough again using Emilie’s through and approachable new book and in a short period of time, I can confidently say,
I am a sourdough baker.
You can do it too!
Artisan Sourdough Made Simple Includes
- Photography of every recipe
- Illustrations and photography for basic tools, handling, shaping, and scoring patterns
- How to make and maintain (a sticking point for me) a sourdough starter
- FAQ section – so helpful
- Sourdough terminology – explained simply
- Good to Know tips in each section
- Sweet and savory loaves
- Crusty and soft sandwich loaves
- Recipes for leftover sourdough starter (!!)
I’ve baked three everyday sourdough loaves, and a cheddar-jalapeño chive loaf (omgeeee!), and made gruyere-chive crackers and waffles with leftover sourdough starter. I love them all and can’t wait to try her basic no-knead focaccia, mighty multigrain, and cinnamon raisin swirl among so many others. I’m just getting started!
An Essential Resource
Emilie’s book is for the beginner or more advanced sourdough baker. So if you’re just starting sourdough, intrigued or have been baking for a while, this book is for you. Her recipes are approachable, creative, completely mouthwatering and clearly written for success. Her photography and gentle nudges will inform and inspire you.
Looking for a fabulous Multigrain Sourdough Bread recipe to challenge your bread baking prowess? Check out my Seeded Multigrain Sourdough Bread or my Maple Oat Sourdough Sandwich Bread recipe.
My Sourdough Toolkit (affiliate links):
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- 7 Quart Dutch Oven
- 10″ Cast Iron Skillet with Deep Dish Skillet for a lid
- Bench Scraper
- Parchment Paper
- Food Thermometer
- Lame – for scoring the dough
- Banneton(s)
- Digital Scale
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More Sourdough Recipes to Love
- Sourdough Pita Bread
- Sourdough Discard Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Soft Sourdough Dinner Rolls
- Sourdough Pizza
- Sourdough Hamburger Buns
- Fluffy Sourdough Banana Muffins – discard recipe
- Sourdough Oat Pancakes – discard recipe
- Easy Sourdough Biscuits Recipe – discard recipe
- Strawberry Shortcake with Sourdough Biscuits – discard recipe
Emilie’s Everyday Sourdough Recipe
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup (50g) Sourdough Starter previously fed, active and bubbly
- 1 1/3 cup + 2 tablespoons (350g) Warm Water about 80f (26c)
- 4 cups (500g) Bread Flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons Fine Sea Salt
Instructions
- Make the Dough: In the evening, whisk the starter and water together in a large bowl with a fork. Add the flour and salt. Combine until a still dough forms, then finish mixing by hand to fully incorporate the flour. The dough will feel dense and shaggy, and it will stick to your fingers as you go. Scrape off as much as you can. Cover with a damp towel and let rest for 30 minutes. Replenish your starter with fresh flour and water, and store according to preference. After the dough has rested, work the mass into a fairly smooth ball. To do this, grab a portion of the dough and fold it over, pressing your fingertips into the center. Repeat, working your way around the dough until it begins to tighten, about 15 seconds.
- Bulk Rise: Cover the bowl with a damp towel and let rise overnight at room temperature. This will take about 8-10 hours at 70F (21C). The dough is ready when it no longer looks dense and has doubled in size. (Traci's Note: Mine generally takes 12-13 hours to rise, but I have a chilly kitchen!).
- Shape: In the morning, coax the dough into a lightly floured work surface. To shape it into a round, start at the top and fold the dough over towards the center. Turn the dough slightly and fold over the next section of dough. Repeat until you have come full circle. Flip the dough over and let rest for 5 to 10 minutes. Meanwhile, line an 8-inch (20cm) bowl with a towel (or use a banneton) and dust with flour. With floured hands, gently cup the dough and pull it toward you in a circular motion to tighten its shape. Using a bench scraper, place the dough into the bowl, seam side up.
- Second Rise: Cover the bowl and let rest for 30 minutes to 1 hour. The dough is ready when it looks puffy and has risen slightly but has not yet doubled in size. Preheat the oven to 450F (230C). Cut a sheet of parchment paper to fit the size of your baking pot leaving enough excess around the sides to remove the bread. **UPDATE (5.20)** Place a sheet pan on an oven rack directly under the oven rack you'll be baking the bread on. This protects the baking vessel from the intense heat of the oven and helps prevent a too-dark or burnt bottom. (See notes for more information).
- Score: Place the parchment over the dough and invert the bowl to release. Sprinkle the dough with flour and gently run the surface with your hands. Using the tip of a small, serrated knife or a razor blade, score the dough with a cross-cut pattern about 1/3" (8mm) deep and about 2-3" (5-7cm) on the top or any way you like. Use the parchment to transfer the dough to the baking pot.
- Bake: Bake the dough on the center rack for 20 minutes, covered. Remove the lid and continue to bake for 30 minutes. Then, carefully remove the loaf from the pot and bake directly on the oven rack for the last 10 minutes to crisp the crust. (To check if the bread is ready, check the internal temperature of the loaf. It should read between 190F-205F when done.) When finished, transfer to a wire rack. Cool for 1 hour before slicing. Sourdough is best consumed on the same day it's baked. To maximize freshness, cool completely and store at room temperature in a plastic bag for up to one day (My sourdough is generally storing for between 3-4 days.)
Mary Ann | The Beach House Kitchen
I’ve seen a lot of loaves of bread in my day Traci but I have to say this one is by far the prettiest! I’ll definitely need to get Emilie’s new book! Bread making is something I need to work on!
Traci
Thaaank you Mary Ann! You’d love Emilie’s book! It’s THE PLACE to start! xo
Denimo
Sourdough bread! Just makes you say yummmmmmmmmmmmm! I’d like to start making some bread but am still a bit gun shy. Silly I know. :)
Traci
LOL! I know… I HEAR you, Denimo! Not silly at all, and I totally get it. Emilie will show you how.. really. Her book is SO good!
Dee Johnson
Sourdough is my hubby’s favorite bread. I would love to read this book! Thanks for the chance.
Traci
Welcome, Dee! I know he’d love a loaf made by you! Thank you for entering the giveaway!
Claudia
I was intimidated by bread for many years. Then I took a bread class and became more confident. Now I want to learn about sourdough bread and master it. Sounds like Emily’s book would be excellent for me. If you ever get hold of the sourdough pancake recipe from Liz@FloatingKitchen, please pass it on!
Traci
It’s easy to be intimidated.. and I get it, Claudia. But see, you’re on your way! Sourdough is simply the next step in your journey! I’ll share your sentiments with Liz… I’d like to see that one too :D
Asha Shivakumar
This my dear is one of the most well shot, step by step and stunning post every. That sourdough is perfection, that crumb, omg!!.
I am a convert, Emilie’s book has me addicted. Such a lovely book with easy instructions. It’s a stunning book and you did absolute justice and YOU ARE A SOURDOUGH MAKER.
Hugs
Traci
Thank you so much Ash! It’s been fun seeing your Instagram stories too… while you’re making this bread… indeed, I’m a little obsessed with Emilie’s new book! Hooray for being a sourdough baker! xo
Shannon Rowley
Sounds heavenly. Thanks for the latest recipe and I would love a copy of your book. For now, I’ll try your newest recipe. Really enjoy making a quality bread and dipping it in homemade soup.
Traci
Thank you for entering the giveaway, Shannon! Emilie’s book is available anywhere books are sold! Dipping that crusty bread in a bowl of soup is so satisfying!
jan
Your bread looks over the top amazing! I’m making this tomorrow!
Traci
Thaaank you Jan! Oooh sounds great!
jacquie
your bread looks wonderful. I have been wanting to learn how to work with sourdough for a number of years now but haven’t gotten up the nerve so i would love to win the book to find out how to do it successfully.
Traci
Thaank you Jacquie! I know, I’ve been there! Don’t give up! I hope you’ll give Emilie’s method a go…!
Pat
I’ve tried to make sourdough starter, got a good start but then was afraid to use it because it “didn’t look quite right.” I’d love to learn the right way! Thanks for the opportunity!!
Traci
I’m with you, Pat! I’ve been there… Emilie shows us how it’s done! Thank you for joining the giveaway!
Kara
This post is great! I am just getting started in Sourdough baking. Youve got me hooked, I have got to get my hands on this new book!
Traci
Thank you so much Kara! Emilie’s book is SO helpful! You’re going to love it!
Liz
Traci this is BEAUTIFUL! And I need this book in my life! I received some sourdough starter from my mother-in-law back in August and I’m been baking almost weekly since— it’s my new favorite weekly ritual :)
Traci
I saw your sourdough on IG, Liz! It’s so meditative… and it’s better than any bread you can buy – unless you’re close to a sourdough bakery.. but still it’s even better because you made it! You’d love Emilie’s book, then!
Haejin
I’d love to win this book! Thanks for the giveaway!
Traci
Thank you for entering, Haejin!
Michael
Commercial sourdoughs that I have tried are all too mild for my taste so I guess I’m going to have to make my own to get what I want… :-)
Traci
It’s time, then Michael! You know what I’ve found… depending on how long and the temperature at which the bread is fermented and/or proofed, you can tweak that sour flavor! I’ve already discovered this in a short period of time. I’ve been playing the process and it’s noticeable! For example, instead of proofing for 30 – 60 minutes at room temp, I toss it in the refrigerator overnight. This seems to have an impact on flavor – maybe slightly, but it makes a difference! Thank you for entering the giveaway, Michael!
Daela Muñoz
My partner and I have been talking about learning to bake bread together for a few months now. We really appreciate a good sourdough and lately have been making little spreads of sourdough, vegan cheese, nuts, olives, and fruit as an easy dinner…SO good. Enjoyed seeing you make it over the past couple weeks.. would love to try to make it myself!
Traci
What a fun thing to do together, Daela… learning together to hone a new craft is so rewarding! Enjoying together too… for those easy dinners! Thank you for your note on my stories.. those are fun to make (still figuring out video angles) ;) Thank you for entering the giveaway, Daela!
Michelle (Supper with Michelle)
I adore both you and Emilie and this looks amazing! I definitely would love to start making more bread at home. ☺️❤️
Traci
You’re the best! I know you’d appreciate her book, Michelle!
Spyros
So excited about this book. There’s no bread like sourdough bread!
Traci
I’m with ya, Spyros! Thank you for entering the giveaway!
MaryB
Oh, my. That bread looks fantastic. I’ve got to work with sourdough!
Traci
Thank you MaryB and for entering the giveaway!
Theresa Krier
This bread looks amazing, oh yum! Thanks for the chance to win.
Traci
Thank you Theresa and for entering the giveaway!
Mary
This looks heavenly. I would love to try some more sourdough recipes. I have a starter hibernating in the fridge. Hoping I can bring it back to life okay. Thanks for sharing this book with us.
Traci
Hi Mary. Thank you for entering the giveaway! Sounds like you’re ready to goooo!!
De
This would be so awesome! My mom’s favorite bread is sourdough, but we don’t know anyone to give us a starter, and aren’t confident we’d be able to keep it alive if we did have one! I’ve tried some cheater sourdough recipes (with like greek yogurt) and they were good, but not quite right. It would be great to have such a good starting point as with this book and starter!
Traci
Sounds like Emilie’s book would be a great starting point for you, De! Thank you for entering the giveaway!
Jenny
Would love a copy!
Traci
Thank you for entering, Jenny! Good luck!
Yvonne
Thank you–I have some sourdough starter in my fridge and the temperatures seem to finally be falling! Good one to try this weekend. :-)
Traci
Hooray! You’re set! I hope you enjoy the recipe, Yvonne!
Lauren Miller
This looks great, can’t wait to try it!
Traci
Thank you Lauren!
Stephan
SO inspired to make bread again. So many tries, so many dense breads! This looks amazing!
Traci
I hear you Stephan! No more dense bread… you can DO IT! :D
Karen @ Seasonal Cravings
This bread is gorgeous and you really make me feel like I can do it. I’m not great with yeast but I want to try it. What a beautiful addition to the holiday table this would be!
Traci
Thank you Karen.. and YOU CAN DO IT!!! Indeed…. a beautiful loaf of sourdough.. forget the cornbread! lol! xo
Traci
Ohhh once you’ve had sourdough, you just don’t want anything else! Emilie’s book is a fantastic place to start your journey Denny! Good luck!
Traci
Ooooh, sourdough challah!? Divine, Debra!
Jade DaRu
I would love to learn to make my own artisan bread and I admit I have been afraid to try on my own. My mother used to make bread when I was a kid and I miss that. Maybe it is time to start a new old tradition.
Traci
A new, old tradition…. I think it’s a great idea, Jade. It intimidated me for far too long.. the best way to learn is to get in there and give it a go! Thank you for entering and good luck!
Emily
Yes yes yes! I would love to try!
Traci
Love your enthusiasm! Good luck, Emily!
Renee
I would like to be a sourdough baker too!
Traci
Hooray! And you can do it my dear!
grace
id LOVE to win this starter—ive has lots of bad luck with starting my own. :/
Traci
Oooh I know that’s frustrating! Best of luck to you, Grace!
deborah bernstein
Your loaves are stunning and I bet they taste amazing. Kudos to you and Emilie!
Traci
Hiiii Deb! Thank you my dear! You know I’d love to try your sourdough…!!
Sue Ellen
This book looks fantastic! Sourdough bread is my family’s favorite.
Traci
Thank you Sue! Ours too… love that crusty crust!
Hannah
Just joined your blog. I am a baker by trade but have yet to master sourdough. Well done!
Traci
Thank you so much Hanna! Welcome :D ! No better time to start your sourdough journey!
Tom M.
Wow, that bread looks amazing, and the “leftover” recipes sound so delicious. Your photos make me want to start baking today! Congratulations to Emilie on the new book. Sourdough has long been a favorite of mine but I’m not a bread baker though have always wanted to get started. Great opportunity for me, right?!
Traci
Thank you, Tom! The leftover recipes ARE fabulous and make me feel better about having to ‘throw out’ the excess when feeding my starter. I hope you’ll give sourdough a go… it IS a great opportunity and her book is a fantastic place to start!
ali
i LOVE sourdough and would LOVE to win a copy of this book!!! Your loaves look beautiful :)
Traci
Thank you for your kind words, Ali! Good luck!
Stephanie J. Schiltz
I love sourdough! I have made it. It’s on my baking rotation. Would love to win Emilee’s new book.
Traci
Hooray Stephanie!! What a journey, right? And there’s so much to explore still in Emilie’s book. Everyday sourdough is SO good, but just wait till you check out her multigrain, artichoke spinach cheese braided loaf, and so much more!
Diane Schulert
Oh, how I would love to successfully make sourdough bread for my family!
Traci
And you WILL do it, Diane!! It is such a gift to those who receive it.
Emilie @ The Clever Carrot
YOU ARE A SOURDOUGH BAKER! What a beautiful, beautiful loaf, Traci. You are 100% absolute proof that sourdough does not have to be complicated. Just look at these photos! That crumb! I truly believe that the process can be accessible to anyone who wants to learn (and eat amazing bread, of course). Thank you so much for sharing this post; I’m glad that you have found the book helpful. I hope your new starter thrives on Whidbey Island! Love + hugs, xx E
Traci
Yayaya! I still can’t believe these loaves are coming out of MY kitchen! OMG! That starter (Claire) is thriving and looking as beautiful as ever. Thank you for showing me the way and congratulations to you my dear! This is a new resource in my kitchen and one I’ll always recommend! xo
kesha
I love sourdough bread but have never been able to make it! I would love to have this book to make a perfect sourdough bread. Your bread is beautiful and looks delicious.
Traci
Thank you so much Kesha! This book is no fuss. She teaches the basics and moves you on! It has changed my sourdough world and I know it would help you too! Thank you for entering the giveaway!
Ashley
Thank you very much for the chance to win!
Traci
You bet Ashley!
Nan Strain
Looks like great recipe. Thanks
Traci
Thaaank you Nan!
lisa flores
YESSSS!!! i would LOVE to be able to make sourdough bread successfully….and crackers with leftover starter…..yes please!!!
the pictures of your loaf are absolutely STUNNING!!! sure wish i had some now with a little butter & salt….to go with my coffee!! (:
Traci
Oh my goodness, those crackers, Lisa… I mean, dunked in soup! SO good! Thank you for kind words and entering the giveaway!
Angelica
Congratulation for the book. I would like to start making sourdough bread. So far, I just use active dry yeast, but sourdough is another more exciting world.
Traci
You’re so right Angelica… sourdough is completely different than active dry yeast. But if you have that feeling of fully fermented dough, then that’ll help support your efforts in your sourdough journey! It IS so exciting!
Amaryah
Sounds like a wonderful resource! I have made sourdough a few times, and even made the starter myself, but then it died after awhile and I only ever tried one particular recipe anyways. Would love to learn more ways to use it!
Traci
You said it Amaryah! Not just a cookbook, but a resource to turn to again and again. It’s never to late to start again!
Liz @ Floating Kitchen
OMG I would love to win a copy of her book! She is such a gem and her recipes and photos are so beautiful! Sourdough always reminds me of my grandfather who had the same starter for sourdough pancakes for as long as I could remember. It was such a treat to have those pancakes! And he lived to 101, so much have been some goodness in that starter! Lol. Glad you’re feeling confident in sourdough baking! XOXO!
Traci
Sourdough pancakes?!!? OMGeee!! I’d love to know his recipe! Sounds like we all need some sourdough pancakes! You’re going to love Emilie’s book, Liz! xo
Becky Ford
I am so excited to read this book. It is going on my Christmas list! Hmmm, may not can wait that long!
Traci
Never too early to start that list, Becky! It’s a page turner!
Emma
I love sourdough bread!!! you’re loaf looks perfect.
Traci
Thank you so much Emma!
Anu
Congrats!
I was a sourdough baker about ten years ago but due to a long non bread baking period I somehow have lost the touch. I’d love to get back to it..
Traci
It’s like getting on a bike again… you’ll get that touch back! Thank you, Anu!
Annette
Congratulations! I want to say, “I”m a sourdough baker,” too. :) I have been intimated and afraid to try. Like you I killed a starter, but of a different bread. I’m older and more determined to do it, now.
Traci
LOL!!! “I killed a starter, but of a different bread.!!” LMAO!! Thank you dear and yes, you CAN do it!! xo