Taylor Swift’s 5 Tips for the Best Sourdough Bread

If you were the biggest pop star in the world, you would think that there would be no time for hobbies. But after an ultra-successful tour and before announcing her twelfth studio album The Life of a Showgirl, Taylor Swift proves that she can do it all, self-care included. 

On the recent viral podcast episode of New Heights, Swift sits alongside Kansas City Chiefs tight end and beau Travis Kelce in conversation with his brother and former Philadelphia Eagles star Jason Kelce to reveal more about her upcoming album. But in the midst of the project promo, the 14-time Grammy winner shares what she does in her free time.

“I’d say all my hobbies could be categorized as like, hobbies you could have had in the 1700s,” Swift explains on the podcast. This includes sewing, painting, cooking and baking—the latter of which she says includes her current “sourdough obsession,” and she describes her intricate yet delicious hobby in detail.

Reading between the lines, we learned quite a few tips from Swift about how to perfect and preserve a gorgeous, gut-healthy, homemade loaf of sourdough bread. If the singer/songwriter has inspired you to get started (or rather, get a starter), here are five tips you should know as you take on the life of a sourdough baker.

1. Take Notes from Pros

Even the multi-talented Taylor Swift cannot magically know how to make the perfect sourdough loaf without seeking advice. She admits that she gets a lot of her tips and tricks from a dedicated online community.

“I’m on sourdough blogs, there’s a whole community of us…this is an underworld,” Swift says. Using the tips and tricks from professional bakers or sourdough experts will only help your skillset. If you need a place to start, take a look at our guide to making your own sourdough starter at home.

2. Test Different Methods

Swift shares that she’s been experimenting with several variables on different loaves (see below that she’s “workshopping” flavors), and this includes adjusting the rise of the bread in order to perfect the density. She says she sends different loaves to her friends to see which methods work best, truly dedicating herself to the hobby.

It’s OK if your first or second attempt at making sourdough doesn’t work out as planned. Baking is a science, and sometimes trial and error is necessary. Similar to tip no. 1, don’t be afraid to get advice from professionals in your life or from a community online to help you with your next loaf.

3. Get Creative!

There’s nothing wrong with regular sourdough, but if bread making is your hobby, why not have a little fun? Swift describes the different flavor combinations she’s been testing out: blueberry lemon (Travis’ favorite), cinnamon swirl, cinnamon raisin, and she’s currently “workshopping” a Funfetti sourdough for Jason’s kids, which will have rainbow sprinkles mixed in.

While Swift tends to make sweet concoctions, there are some savory flavors you can try as well. Think: jalapeño cheddar, garlic herb, even standard sourdough used as a vessel for avocado toast or as the bread for your next panini. The opportunities are endless.

4. Use Plastic Wrap to Preserve Freshness

Obviously a loaf of fresh baked bread is not something you’d typically consume in one sitting (although I’m willing to take on the challenge), so it’s important to preserve the freshness for the next time you want a slice. Or, if you’re in a long-distance relationship with a professional athlete, packing the bread so it’s still fresh once delivered is crucial. 

“[Travis] asked me to send him two loaves of sourdough at training camp, I’m wrapping sourdough loaves in Saran wrap,” Swift says. Whether you use plastic wrap, plastic bags or an airtight container, make sure there are no air pockets to prevent the bread from getting stale. 

Another way to keep bread fresh for longer is by popping it in the refrigerator or freezer. This may be preferred if you’re going to slowly make your way through the sourdough instead of finishing it up in a few days.

5. Ask for Help

While she’s usually a one-woman show, Swift shares that she does get some help when tediously preparing her sourdough loaves, from proofing to baking.

“We’ve set it up where it’s like, I’ve got a station and [Travis has] a station, and he’s done all of it, so he’s actually baked too,” she shares. Baking with loved ones can not only help with the workload, but it also creates memories. Next time you’re baking, whether it be sourdough bread or holiday cookies, invite your family or friends in the kitchen to help out, in ways big or small.

With these five tips, you’re ready to take on sourdough just like Taylor. Just make sure you call your starter or loaves Swift-inspired names—the singer suggests “Flour Song,” “It’s a Loaf Story, Baby Just Say Yeast” and “Are You Bready for It?” to name a few.