Sourdough Starter for Friendship Bread Recipe

Written by
Carroll Pellegrinelli
Expert baker and published author, Carroll Pellegrinelli shares her knowledge of bread baking and desserts.
Learn about The Spruce Eats' Editorial Process
Carroll Pellegrinelli
Updated 08/13/19
Sourdough Bread
Katarina Lofgren/Getty Images
Prep: 45 mins
Cook: 0 mins
Total: 45 mins
Servings: 3 servings
Nutritional Guidelines (per serving)
157 Calories
4g Fat
26g Carbs
4g Protein
See Full Nutritional Guidelines Hide Full Nutritional Guidelines
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 3
Amount per serving
Calories 157
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 4g 6%
Saturated Fat 1g 5%
Cholesterol 0mg 0%
Sodium 475mg 21%
Total Carbohydrate 26g 9%
Dietary Fiber 3g 11%
Protein 4g
Calcium 83mg 6%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)

Here is the recipe for the ​sourdough starter needed to make Friendship Bread. This sourdough starter can be kept indefinitely, just as long as it's replenished every 10 days to 2 weeks.

"Friendship Bread" earned its name because people are known to share their sourdough starter and pass it around to family and friends.

Ingredients

  • 1 package active dry yeast (1/4 ounce envelope)
  • 2 and 1/2 cups warm water (110 to 115 degrees) divided
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon sugar or honey

Steps to Make It

  1. Dissolve yeast in 1/2 cup warm water. Stir in remaining 2 cups warm water, flour, and sugar. Beat until smooth.

  2. Cover with cheesecloth and let stand at room temperature 5 to 10 days or until bubbly, stirring mixture 2 to 3 times each day. A warmer room speeds up the fermentation process.

  3. To store, transfer the starter to a jar, cover with cheesecloth and refrigerate. Do not cover jar tightly with a metal lid. It will explode.

Tips

  • To Use Starter: Make sure to bring the desired amount to room temperature before adding it to the sourdough bread recipe.
  • To Replenish: Stir 3/4 cup all-purpose flour, 3/4 cup warm water and 1 teaspoon granulated sugar or honey into the remaining amount. Cover, and let stand at room temperature at least 1 day or until bubbly. Refrigerate for later use.
  • If the starter isn't used within 10 days, stir in 1 teaspoon sugar or honey. Repeat every 10 days until used.
  • The Friendship Bread recipe calls for 1 cup of starter, which will make 2 loaves.