Bread & Beyond: Mastering the Fundamentals of Sourdough

For ages 13 & up

Discover the fascinating world of sourdough with Central Market’s own Chef Zach Porter, Bakery Manager at our Lovers Lane location. In this flavorful and informative class, you’ll explore the science, flavor, and tradition behind naturally fermented bread while tasting five distinctive sourdough varieties accompanied by homemade spreads and butters, meats, and cheeses.

In this class, Chef Zach will walk you through the fundamentals of fermentation, including the important roles of wild yeast and lactic acid bacteria. You’ll learn how fermentation influences flavor, texture, volume, and shelf life; discover how time and temperature affect dough development; and gain practical knowledge for creating, feeding, and maintaining a healthy sourdough starter at home.

While there won’t be any baking during class, you’ll get a hands-on introduction to one of the most important elements of sourdough: the starter. Each guest will create their own sourdough starter and take it home in a glass sourdough crock, ready to nurture and use for future baking adventures.

Come ready to taste, learn, and leave with the foundation you need to begin your own sourdough journey.

Demonstration. You will not be cooking in this class.

For ages 13 & up. Attendees not yet 17 years old must be accompanied by an adult. Each attendee must purchase a ticket. 21 or older? You'll enjoy a glass of wine during class.

ABOUT CHEF ZACH PORTER:

For more than 15 years, Chef Zach Porter has dedicated his career to the art and craft of artisan bread, from long fermentations and hand-shaped loaves to perfectly developed crusts and complex flavors. A graduate of Oklahoma State University, Zach further honed his skills at the prestigious San Francisco Baking Institute, where he trained in the traditional techniques behind naturally leavened breads, European-style loaves, and precision baking.

Today, Zach serves as Bakery Manager at Central Market’s Lovers Lane location, leading a talented team of bakers while upholding the high standards of craftsmanship and quality behind every loaf. His approach to baking is equal parts science, patience, and passion, transforming simple ingredients like flour, water, and salt into something truly special.

With a deep respect for tradition and a genuine enthusiasm for sharing his knowledge, Zach is as passionate about teaching and mentoring as he is about baking. Whether he’s nurturing the perfect sourdough starter, developing a beautifully fermented loaf, or inspiring the next generation of bakers, Zach believes exceptional bread takes time, technique, and care, and that the results are always worth the wait.

• Five Artisan Sourdough Breads with House-Made Spreads & Butters, Artisan Meats and Cheeses

Safety & Precautions

• At check-in, you will be asked to sign a waiver before entering the Cooking School.

• For that reason, we ask that all attendees arrive at least 5 minutes prior to the confirmed start time of the class.

For more information about our classes, please click on the links below:

Find FAQs about our in-store classes here.

Find FAQs about your private classes here.