Bake, Bond & Benefit: Fun Sourdough Recipes for the Whole Family

Baking together as a family is an excellent way to bond while creating delicious homemade treats. With a hands-on activity like baking sourdough recipes, everyone can pitch in—little hands help knead the dough, parents share their baking wisdom, and the result is always a warm, satisfying loaf to enjoy together.

In this blog post, we share three fun and simple sourdough recipes that the whole family can make. Whether you prefer classic loaves or a sweet treat, these dishes will make your kitchen a center for creativity and joy. So grab your apron and get ready to bake!

 

Why Sourdough?

Homemade sourdough is a healthy alternative to store-bought bread, as the natural fermentation helps with its nutritional value. It is made with flour, water, and salt, which makes it clean and easy to digest. Unlike store-bought bread, there are no additives or preservatives in sourdough recipes. The fermentation process helps break gluten, making it easier for the digestive system and those with sensitive stomachs. Also, its lactic acid promotes gut health and improves nutritional absorption. With its rich flavor and health benefits, homemade sourdough is a staple at any home!

 

The Benefits of Baking with Your Family

Baking together as a family is more than just creating tasty treats—it’s an opportunity to strengthen bonds and create lasting memories. Here are a few reasons why baking with your loved ones is such a unique experience:

 

Learning Together

When you bake with your family, everyone learns something new! Baking is a hands-on lesson in science, patience, time management, and teamwork. It is also the perfect opportunity for parents to pass on tips and tricks to the next generation!

 

Quality Time

Planning quality time together can be tricky. But away from screens and distractions, baking offers a chance to slow down and enjoy each other’s company. As you knead the dough or wait for the bread to rise, you make moments to talk, laugh, and share in the excitement of the process.

 

Building Confidence

Things can get messy, but kids get a chance to be proud of their creations. When children help create something from scratch, they build a sense of achievement. There is nothing like enjoying the food you helped prepare from beginning to end!

 

Encouraging Healthy Habits

Baking provides a perfect opportunity to talk about healthy eating and the benefits of homemade foods. By choosing natural ingredients, the family can enjoy knowing what is in their food. Plus, baking can promote mindfulness and gratitude for your meal.

 

Sourdough Recipes

Ready to start baking? These three easy and fun sourdough recipes are perfect for families of all ages. From a classic loaf that’s great for everyday meals to kid-friendly pizzas and cinnamon rolls for a sweet treat, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Plus, they’re simple enough to make together, turning your kitchen into a creative space where everyone can pitch in!

 

Sourdough Starter

An essential ingredient when making sourdough loaves is the sourdough starter. This element makes baking each loaf easier. Remember that your sourdough starter requires daily feeding to stay healthy and active. Consider establishing a feeding schedule to develop consistency. Follow this simple starter recipe: 

 

Ingredients:

• 6 cups (720 g) organic all-purpose flour
• 3 cups (360 g) organic whole wheat flour

 

Instructions:

• Mix 6 cups of all-purpose flour with 3 cups of whole wheat flour and store in an airtight container. 
• On Day 1, add 1 cup of flour and ½ cup of water to a clean jar. Stir the mixture thoroughly and cover the jar with a lid. Place the container in a warm location for 24 hours.
• On Day 2, stir the starter and cover again for another 24 hours in a warm spot.
• Each day, every 24 hours, discard all but 2 tablespoons of the starter and feed it with ½ cup fresh flour and ¼ cup water. Mix thoroughly until well combined. 

 

Classic Loaf

This simple, rustic bread is perfect for beginners and experienced bakers alike. It is made in 10 easy steps and is ideal for everyday uses such as toast or sandwich bread!

 

Ingredients:

• 4 cups bread flour
• ½ cup active sourdough starter
• 2 tsp salt
• 1½ cups water

 

Instructions:

• Combine the flour and water in a large bowl. Mix until just incorporated, and let it rest for 30 minutes.
• Then add the sourdough starter and salt and mix well until fully incorporated.
• Stretch and fold the dough 4 times, spacing them 30 minutes apart over 2 hours.
• Cover and let the dough rise at room temperature for 6–8 hours or until it has doubled in size.
• Shape the dough into a round and place it in a floured bowl lined with a kitchen towel. Cover and refrigerate overnight to allow it to cold-proof, which helps develop flavor.
• The next day, preheat your oven to 475°F with a Dutch oven inside for at least 30 minutes.
• Remove the dough from the fridge, carefully turn it onto a piece of parchment paper, and score the top with a sharp knife.
• Transfer the dough to the hot Dutch oven, cover it, and bake for 20 minutes. 
• Remove the lid and bake for another 20–25 minutes until golden brown.
• Let the bread cool on a wire rack before slicing.

 

Kid-Friendly Sourdough Pizza

Combine everything, and you’re set to go!

 

For the dough:

• 2 ½ cups of water
• ½ cup of sourdough starter
• 2 tsp salt
• 2 cups all-purpose or bread flour

 

For the pizza:

• 2 tablespoons tomato sauce
• 1-2 oz mozzarella
• Drizzle olive oil
• Any toppings of your choice.

 

Instructions:

• To bake the pizzas, prepare by setting your oven to 550ºF
• Mix the starter, salt, and water in a large bowl.
• Add the flour and mix again until the flour is completely incorporated
• Transfer to a bowl, cover with a cloth, and let stand for 30 minutes.
• After 30 minutes have passed, stretch and fold 8 to 10 times.
• Cover with a towel and set aside to rise at room temperature for 4-8 hours.
• Transfer to a countertop and shape the dough into a rough ball, using as much flour as needed. 
• Divide the dough into 4 equal portions and sprinkle each portion with flour. 
• With floured hands, roll each portion into a ball. Transfer each dough round to a plastic container, cover, and store in the fridge for at least 6 hours. 
• Pull a round or more dough from the fridge one hour before baking. 
• Let kids top their pizza with tomato sauce, cheese, and their favorite toppings.
• Bake for 12–15 minutes or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbling.
• Let it cool slightly before digging in!

 

Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls

A soft, sweet, and naturally leavened treat the whole family will love!

 

Dough:

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup active sourdough starter
• ¾ cup milk
• ⅓ cup butter, melted
• ¼ cup sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp salt

 

Filling:

• ½ cup brown sugar
• 2 tsp cinnamon
• ¼ cup butter, softened

 

Glaze:

• ¾ cup powdered sugar
• 2 tbsp milk
• ½ tsp vanilla extract

 

Instructions:

• Mix all the dough ingredients in a bowl until a rough dough forms. 
• Knead until smooth and elastic. (This step is fantastic for getting the kiddos involved!)
• Cover and let ferment at room temperature for 6–8 hours or until doubled in size.
• Roll out the dough into a rectangle about ¼-inch thick.
• Spread the softened butter over the dough, then evenly sprinkle the brown sugar and cinnamon.
• Roll the dough tightly into a log and slice into 12 equal rolls.
• Place the rolls in a greased baking dish and let them rise for another 2–3 hours until puffy.
• Preheat the oven to 375°F and bake for 20–25 minutes or until golden brown.
• Mix the glaze ingredients until smooth, then drizzle over the warm rolls before serving.

 

Final Thoughts

Baking sourdough recipes as a family is about making memories, learning new skills, and promoting healthy habits. Whether you make classic bread, a fun pizza, or a sweet treat, the kitchen becomes a space for connection and creativity. Additionally, with all the health benefits of sourdough, your family can enjoy wholesome, nourishing goodies together.

If you want to make more positive changes in your family’s lifestyle, take the next step. Call one of our doctors to discuss how you can support your family’s health. Or explore our family and wellness articles for more tips on living a healthier, happier life. Your journey to wellness begins in the kitchen and continues with the care and resources we are here to give!