Do I need prior baking experience?

No previous experience is necessary—this workshop is designed specifically for beginners.

Will I get to take home the bread I bake?

Yes, you’ll take home fresh bread and cinnamon rolls baked during the class.

What if I have dietary restrictions?

Please notify the organizer ahead of time so accommodations can be made.

Is equipment provided or should I bring my own?

All baking tools and ingredients are provided; just bring yourself and enthusiasm.

Can I take the sourdough starter home?

Yes, and you’ll also receive instructions to keep it healthy and active.

What COVID-19 protocols are in place?

Current health guidelines are followed, including sanitation and social distancing as required.

Master Sourdough Baking: 2-Day Beginner Workshop with Baker Bettie in Chicago | Food Tour

Chicago’s vibrant culinary scene isn’t just about deep-dish pizza and hot dogs—it’s also home to some of the Midwest’s most creative baking artisans. For those ready to embark on a hands-on journey into the art of sourdough, the 2-Day Sourdough For Beginners Intensive Workshop with Baker Bettie offers a uniquely immersive experience that transforms flour and water into crusty, tangy bread masterpieces. Held in Chicago, Illinois, this workshop is perfect for beginners eager to understand the craft of artisan sourdough from the ground up. Guided by Kristin “Baker Bettie” Hoffman, a passionate and knowledgeable head chef, participants dive into the essential steps that make sourdough so special—starting with nurturing your own starter culture and progressing through shaping loaves and baking cinnamon rolls with flair. Chicago’s bustling food culture forms the perfect backdrop to this workshop, offering participants both an urban vibe and tangible connection to historic baking traditions gaining new life in today’s kitchens. Baker Bettie’s approach emphasizes tactile learning, with plenty of hands-on time so you’re not just watching but doing—from mixing dough to timing fermentation. Alongside practical skills, attendees enjoy light refreshments and leave with a collection of freshly baked treats to savor at home, plus a detailed recipe workbook designed to support ongoing baking after the class concludes. The workshop shines because it demystifies sourdough, offering clear techniques often hidden behind complex terminology. This makes it not only a creative weekend escape but a practical foundation for elevating home baking. It’s also a rare chance to connect with a local artisan whose teaching style is approachable, encouraging curiosity and confidence. For Chicago visitors or locals, this experience is a standout way to engage with the city’s food scene beyond restaurants, stepping into the kitchen with an expert. Whether you’ve never kneaded dough or are an enthusiastic novice, the workshop invites you into sourdough’s delicious science, distinct flavors, and rewarding rituals. If you’ve ever wanted to bake bread that sings with character and know-how, Chicago's Baker Bettie workshop is your gateway.

About Bettie's Chicago

Bettie's Chicago is a hands-on bakery and cooking studio in Chicago led by head chef Kristin “Baker Bettie” Hoffman. The studio offers a wide range of classes, workshops, and take-and-bake options for home bakers, food lovers, and groups. Participants learn techniques for breads, pastries, pies, and savory dishes with a focus on practical skills, approachable recipes, and small class sizes that enable personalized instruction.

Classes include introductions to bread baking, sourdough intensives, focaccia art, French breads, artisan pizza, homemade pasta, and seasonal favorites like pumpkin cinnamon rolls and apple cider donuts. Specialty workshops cover cookie pickups, cupcake and cake decorating, macaron making, and multi-day sourdough courses for intermediate bakers. Private events and corporate team-building sessions are also available by request.

Bettie's Chicago emphasizes hands-on learning: students mix, knead, shape, and bake during sessions and often take finished products home. The studio highlights ingredient quality, clear step-by-step guidance, and reproducible recipes so attendees can recreate results at home. Classes specify age recommendations and duration, and many allow dietary accommodations or vegan-friendly options.

The business is suitable for beginners through experienced bakers seeking focused technique work or creative culinary experiences. Reviews and event listings on reputable city guides and The Adventure Collective spotlight consistent class offerings and seasonal specialties. Booking information, class schedules, and pre-order pickup options are available through the studio’s online listings and partner platforms.

Gift certificates, group discounts, and private lesson packages make Bettie's Chicago a flexible option for celebrations, team building, and hands-on culinary education across skill levels.