Troubleshooting

15 questions bakers asked about troubleshooting, most-asked first, each with the answer and the chapter it comes from.

How do I fix sticky sourdough dough? Sticky dough is most often underdeveloped gluten rather than too much water, so build more strength: knead l …
Why is my sourdough starter not bubbling and has liquid on top? It sounds like your starter is producing hooch, which is a sign it's hungry, so go ahead and stir that liqui …
Are small pin pricks on the surface of rye bread normal? Rye bread does indeed tend to have a denser crumb because of its low gluten content, which can lead to those …
Can I still bake sourdough dough that has become runny and overproofed? If your dough is runny, it might be overfermented. Try using a loaf pan for baking. Grease it well, transfer …
Can I still bake sourdough that was left out all day and over-proofed? If your dough has over-proofed, it might be a bit too airy, but you can still bake it. Try gently shaping it …
Can I use whole wheat flour to absorb excess moisture in sticky sweet sourdough dough? Using whole-wheat flour can help absorb more moisture due to its higher enzymatic activity. Try replacing 20 …
Can an overly sour starter cause loose dough even at lower hydration? A starter that's too sour makes the dough slack fast, even at 68%. Give your fridge starter two or three dai …
Can high-protein flour cause hard and thick crumbs in sourdough bread? A hard, thick crumb can result from underfermentation. Try extending your bulk fermentation to 8-12 hours. U …
Can overproofed dough still rise without feeding? If your dough is overproofed, it means the gluten has broken down, making it hard to rise again. Feeding is …
Can overproofed dough that has collapsed be saved or reshaped? Doubling in 8 hours is a sign it overfermented, and once it has collapsed it will not usefully rise again, w …
How can I fix flat sourdough with poor oven spring? For your flat loaf, making sure your starter is mature is key. Try feeding it daily at a 1:5:5 ratio for the …
How can I fix overly wet soupy sourdough dough? You might want to give the bassinage method a try: start with 60% hydration and slowly add water until the d …
How can I get airier sourdough in a cold climate? Cold kitchens are the usual reason loaves come out tight, because fermentation slows right down and it is ea …
How do I improve a weak sourdough starter when just starting out? Most early struggles trace back to the starter, so keep it at room temperature and feed it daily at 1:5:5 (o …
How do I know if my sourdough starter has gone bad and needs to be thrown out? A healthy starter is very hard to spoil, because its acidity keeps pathogens out; a dark liquid on top (hooc …

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