Coronavirus lockdown is the perfect time to create your sourdough starter.
You have lots of time to care for it and it means you can create lots of baked goods without scouring the shops for yeast.
If you aren’t sure how to make one, you can follow our handy guide. You need flour and water, a jar or container and one week.
But for those of you who are already well on your way to creating a new sourdough friend, we’ve put together some ideas for things you can make beyond just a loaf of bread.
There’s only so much sourdough bread you can eat so mix it up by trying a different type or by creating a sweet treat like doughnuts.
Sourdough can basically be used in place of yeast in any recipe but it will create a slightly different taste. It does take a lot longer to rise but you’re staying at home so you have plenty of time to keep an eye on it.
We’ve picked out some of our favourite sourdough recipes from food blogs and Instagram but there are lots more things to try with your new starter.
Sourdough doughnuts
There are few things that can beat the smell and taste of hot doughnuts rolled in sugar and you can’t get much fresher than cooking them at home yourself.
Gourmet bakery chain Crosstown actually use sourdough in all their doughnuts. It adds a deeper flavour along with the sweetness.
This recipe by pastry chef Eileen Gray is perfect, and although it is American, she handily converts all recipes into grams so it’s easier for international followers to try.
Sourdough bagels
Bagels are really fun to make as you boil them in water before baking them and watch them float to the top.
Sourdough adds to the chewy dense flavour of a bagel, and this recipe by Hobbs House bakery is a good place to start.
You can keep them plain or use whatever toppings you have around.
Sourdough pizza dough
Earlier this week, we brought you an easy two-ingredient pizza dough but if you fancy something a little more complex, this sourdough pizza recipe, also from Hobbs House, is delicious.
You can make up a batch and freeze the extra dough to defrost another time so you always have some on hand for a quick dinner.
Sourdough focaccia
Focaccia is a delicious alternative to the standard sourdough loaf. Add whatever toppings you fancy to change it up.
Great British Bake Off winner David Atherton is doing a sourdough focaccia live on Instagram today and it’s worth following along for some tips (even if you can’t make it today).
Sourdough brioche
Brioche is a beautiful buttery rich loaf and of course, brioche buns now surround fancy burgers everywhere.
To make your own at home, try this recipe by Sourdough and Olives. They describe it as the King of Sourdough Bread.
Sourdough pitta
A pretty simple bread but once you try fresh pitta, store bought stuff will never be the same. Like most sourdough bread, this one by Dad in the Kitchen takes a little time to rise but the actual process is straight forward so you can make it around your work from home breaks.
Sourdough tortillas
You can make some delicious Mexican food with things you already have in the cupboard. Make your own spice mix, add chicken, onion and peppers to make fajitas. If you don’t have tortilla wraps, make your own.
Sourdough adds some extra flavour and you can just use the stuff you discard when you feed the starter so you aren’t throwing it away.
Pies and Tacos has a great recipe using storecupboard ingredients.
Sourdough English muffins
Craving an Eggs Benedict at home? If you can manage to poach some eggs, then you can try these muffins too.
This recipe on The Lemon Apron doesn’t need any kneading but again, you need some time for that slow sourdough rise.
Sourdough croissants
Another recipe by Eileen at Baking Sense, croissants are a trickier bake but worth giving a go with all this time on your hands. Impress whoever you are in isolation with by presenting them with freshly baked sourdough croissants one morning. It’s sure to ease any tension you’re facing after all this time at home together.
Sourdough waffles
Another breakfast treat, try these sourdough waffles by The Perfect Loaf if you are lucky enough to have a waffle machine. Again, it uses up the sourdough starter you discard when you feed it.
Sourdough crackers
And finally, for a sourdough based snack, try making sourdough crackers. Love & Olive Oil has a recipe for crackers using up the discard again and just a few other ingredients.
MORE: How to make a sourdough starter to bake bread and more if you don’t have yeast
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