Sourdough Bread Workshop with Tastings in Scottsdale, AZ

If you’ve ever wanted to get your hands dirty and learn how to craft your own sourdough bread, this workshop in Scottsdale offers a practical and tasty experience. Designed for both beginners and seasoned bakers, it promises to teach you the secrets behind creating crusty, flavorful loaves in a friendly, no-pressure environment.

What we love about this class is how accessible it makes the art of sourdough, demystifying the fermentation process and giving you real skills you can replicate at home. Plus, the tasting portion with gourmet spreads makes it a delightful break from sightseeing. On the downside, it’s a 2.5-hour session, so it does require a modest time commitment, and it’s not suitable for children under ten, which might matter if you’re traveling with small kids.

This experience is perfect for home bakers eager to refine their skills, food lovers wanting a hands-on culinary adventure, or groups looking for a fun, interactive activity that results in delicious bread. Whether you’re staying in Scottsdale for a few days or simply want to learn a practical skill, this workshop offers value and an authentic taste of local craft baking.

• Hands-on learning: You’ll actively participate in mixing, shaping, and scoring your own loaf.
• Expert guidance: Instruction is provided by knowledgeable teachers familiar with sourdough’s science and art.
• Tasting experience: Enjoy a sample of three sourdough loaves paired with gourmet spreads, cheeses, and dips.
• Take-home starter and dough: Leave with organic, live sourdough starter and a prepared dough to bake at home.
• Focused environment: Limited class size ensures personalized attention.
• Suitable for beginners and home bakers: No prior experience is necessary, but those looking to improve will find it valuable.

Introduction to Sourdough in Scottsdale

This workshop offers a chance to understand sourdough bread-making from the ground up. Scottsdale’s Bread Board Boutique hosts a class that caters to those curious about the natural fermentation process, teaching the fundamentals in just over two hours. It’s ideal for travelers wanting a practical skill and a tangible souvenir—fresh bread you’ve made yourself.

What sets this experience apart is its approachability. Whether you’ve never baked bread before or you’ve tried a few times at home, the instructor’s guidance is designed to make the process clear and achievable. There’s no intimidating jargon or complex equipment—just real techniques that yield satisfying results.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Itinerary and What to Expect

Once you arrive at the designated meeting point (the exact address provided after booking), you’ll be welcomed into a warm, supportive environment. The class begins with an explanation of the science behind sourdough, including how natural fermentation works and why it’s beneficial for flavor and nutrition. This foundational knowledge helps you appreciate each step, transforming baking from a mystery into a manageable craft.

Next, you’ll get a close look at how to care for and maintain a 19-year-old sourdough starter. That’s quite a legacy! The instructor’s passion for the starter’s history and its care makes the learning more engaging. You’ll learn how to feed, stir, and keep your starter healthy—crucial skills for future bread baking.

The hands-on portion begins with mixing ingredients. You’ll combine flour, water, salt, and your starter, then practice stretch-and-fold techniques. This method strengthens the gluten network, developing the dough’s structure. The instructor emphasizes shaping your loaf, guiding you through creating a tight, round boule or bâtard, depending on your preference.

After shaping, the class covers scoring—the artful slashes that control how your bread rises and give it that artisan look. You’ll learn about fermentation timing, including how to bulk ferment and cold-proof, so your bread develops flavor without rushing.

By the end, you’ll have a dough ready to bake at home, along with instructions for storing it overnight and baking it the next day. The process is designed to be practical, so you can confidently replicate it at home, perhaps turning your kitchen into a mini bakery.

Tasting and Learning

During the workshop, you’ll have the chance to taste three different sourdough loaves, paired with gourmet spreads, cheeses, and dips. This tasting showcases the variety that proper fermentation and baking techniques can bring to a loaf. Many reviews highlight how enjoyable and educational this part is—it’s not just about eating but learning how subtle differences in fermentation and ingredients affect flavor and texture.

The instructor’s passion shines through here. One reviewer noted, “The tasting gave us a real appreciation of how fermentation impacts flavor,” reinforcing that this is a culinary journey as much as a baking lesson.

The Take-Home Experience

Perhaps the most memorable part is the take-home starter and dough. You’ll leave with an organic, live sourdough starter—something you can nurture and keep alive long after your trip ends. The instructor provides detailed step-by-step instructions, so you can recreate the process at home, whether you want to bake a fresh loaf for dinner or impress friends with your newfound skills.

The loaf you shape during class is yours to bake the next day. The guidance on storing and baking ensures you’re set up for success. Imagine waking up to the smell of freshly baked bread—an experience that makes this workshop well worth the price.

Group Size, Price, and Overall Value

The class is limited in size, which allows for personalized attention. This intimacy is appreciated by participants who want to ask questions and get hands-on help. The cost reflects the value of instruction, tastings, and the starter kit, making it a good investment for those serious about sourdough.

While the price might seem higher than just buying bread from a bakery, the practical skills you’ll gain—plus the fun of making bread yourself—offer considerable value. Learning how to care for a starter and shape loaves can save money over time and enrich your culinary repertoire.

More Great Tours Nearby

Who Will Love This Workshop?

This experience is perfect for beginners curious about sourdough, home bakers eager to improve their technique, and groups or families seeking a creative activity. Since children under 10 aren’t suited to the class, it’s better for older kids or adult participants. If you enjoy hands-on cooking classes, this workshop ticks the box for both fun and education.

The combination of knowledgeable guides, a relaxed environment, and delicious bread tasting makes this a standout experience. Participants consistently mention the warm, supportive atmosphere and the clarity of instruction as highlights. This is not a rushed class but an opportunity to truly understand and practice the craft.

The focus on natural fermentation and care for the starter also gives you a deeper appreciation for traditional baking techniques—a craft that’s increasingly rare in the commercialized bread world. Plus, with the option to book private classes, it can be tailored for special occasions or team-building.

If you’re in Scottsdale and eager to learn a useful, rewarding skill, this sourdough bread workshop offers a compelling blend of education, fun, and tasty results. It’s especially suited for those who want more than just a snapshot of local food, but a genuine craft experience that leaves you with a product you can enjoy long after the class ends.

For anyone who loves bread, appreciates good company, and enjoys hands-on activities, this workshop provides excellent value. You walk away with not only the knowledge needed to bake perfect sourdough but also a memorable experience in a friendly, engaging setting.

Is prior baking experience necessary?
No, the workshop is designed for beginners and those new to sourdough baking. The instructor provides step-by-step guidance to help everyone succeed.

What’s included in the price?
The fee covers the class, tasting of three sourdough loaves, gourmet spreads, cheeses, dips, your organic, live sourdough starter, and your prepared dough to take home.

How long is the class?
The workshop lasts about 2.5 hours, making it a manageable half-day activity. It’s perfect if you’re looking for a focused, educational experience without taking up your whole day.

Can I book a private session?
Yes, private classes are available and are ideal for celebrations, team-building, or special groups wanting a personalized experience.

Is this suitable for children?
Children under 10 are not recommended for this class, but older kids or adults will find it engaging and fun.

Do I need to bring anything?
All necessary materials are provided. The class includes instruction, ingredients, and the starter kit. You’ll just need to arrive ready to get a little flour on your hands.

What if I need to cancel?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility if your plans change.

This sourdough workshop in Scottsdale offers a genuine chance to master a craft that’s both practical and delicious. With expert guidance, tasty tastings, and a tangible skill to take home, it’s a worthwhile addition to any culinary adventure in the desert Southwest.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby