La Brea Bakery
Menu

Search

Sourdough Starter

September is for sourdough.

Since 1989, we’ve believed great sourdough is worth the wait. It started with Nancy Silverton in a small Los Angeles bakery—with a starter, simple ingredients and a love for the craft. Over 37 years later, we still give our sourdough the time and care it deserves, because the quality of the bread we share with you is worth it.

The Rise: Secrets Behind La Brea Bakery

  • The Starter of it All
  • Time is the Secret Ingredient
  • The Perfect Crust Every Time
  • Benefits of Sourdough

From Starter to Finish…our 24-Hour Artisan Process

  • SOURDOUGH STARTER
  • SHAPING & MIXING
  • FIRST FERMENTATION
  • SCORING THE BREAD
  • SECOND FERMENTATION
  • BAKING THE BREAD
  • COOLING OR FREEZING

The Craft Behind Our Sourdough

Tip 1

It Starts With Starter

In 1989, Nancy Silverton spent more than a year nurturing wild yeast from grape skins to create the sourdough starter that started it all. More than 37 years later, we’re still baking with that same starter—giving every loaf a connection to where we began and the distinctive flavor that makes our sourdough, ours.

Tip 2

Give It Time

Great artisan sourdough can’t be rushed. We give ours 24 hours and two stages of fermentation to slowly develop the flavor, aroma and texture that make each loaf distinctly La Brea Bakery.

Tip 3

Taste the Difference

The result? Sourdough with a crisp, golden crust, an airy interior and a balanced, approachable tang. Full of character without overpowering whatever you pair it with—just good artisan bread, made the way it should be.

Our True Sourdough Story

Every delicious La Brea Bakery loaf begins with our original sourdough starter, a living culture of wild yeast that makes our sourdough true sourdough. Flour, water, and time.

Tip 1

Naturally Delicious

True sourdough gets its distinctive flavor and health benefits from wild yeast, simple ingredients, and time. Long fermentation builds deep, rich flavor, while resting the dough creates a golden, crispy crust and a soft, airy center.

Tip 2

Better for You

Not only delicious, but real sourdough plays a role in your overall health.

  • Easier to digest
  • Less gluten
  • Prebiotic properties
  • Lower glycemic index
  • Higher fiber
Tip 3

What Makes Real Sourdough?

There are many sourdough claims out there, but true, authentic sourdough contains:

  • Minimal ingredients: Flour, water, and salt
  • A slow-rise process (at least 12 hours)
  • No dough conditioners
  • No vinegar or sugar

Explore Sourdough Loaves and More

Our Breads

Find Your Next Favorite Recipe.

Explore

For more seasonal ideas and behind-the-scenes bites, follow us: