Where to find bread baking classes on Long Island

Sourdough bread baking has been all the rage since the COVID-19 pandemic allowed people working from home to dive into the complex process that requires ample time and attention.

But if terms like starter, feeding, fermentation, autolyze and folding sound intimidating, fear no more. You can learn the art and science of sourdough baking at home or on-site in a bread-baking workshop.

You will learn the secrets of creating sourdough, a special bread that utilizes beneficial bacteria to form its chewy texture and pungent flavor. With the right guidance and a little bit of patience, almost anyone can master it.

Alli Katz, 35, a new mom seeking a new hobby, learned how to make sourdough bread a couple of years ago. The Farmingdale resident became enamored of the process, as well as the delicious outcomes. So much so that she started selling her tangy, crusty loaves at farmers markets on Long Island, calling her endeavor Flour Girl Microbakery. She now shares her wisdom and passion through in-home workshops.

“My classes are designed for all levels,” Katz said. “I teach the basics such as using a scale, shaping, scoring, making and feeding a starter and so on. Everyone leaves with a loaf of bread and a jar of starter.”

Allie Kelsey, 23, of Wantagh, arranged for a Flour Girl sourdough baking class at her own home with a group of family and friends after learning about the workshop on social media. She said she’s now hooked.

“We just had the class a few days ago and I’ve baked two loaves since,” she said.

As a true beginner who didn’t even know what a Dutch oven was before the lesson, Kelsey said she learned so much in the couple of hours of hands-on instruction.

“Alli was very prepared. She answered all of our questions and continues to check in with us at home,” said Kelsey. “We all walked away with so much knowledge. And it was so convenient — all I needed to provide was water!”

Although you won’t leave the workshop an expert, said Katz, you will certainly leave with enough know-how to continue your sourdough journey on your own.