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Gluten-Free Sourdough Bread Baking Class | Beginner Friendly

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$12900
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Date

Welcome to your introductory class on Gluten Free Sourdough.

Gluten-free sourdough has a reputation for being tricky. This class is where that reputation ends.

In GF Sourdough Basics, you'll get a clear, practical introduction to gluten-free sourdough — no commercial yeast, no guesswork, no overwhelm. Just simple technique and real results you can repeat at home in your own kitchen.

About

Your instructor is Sharon Munyak, founder of Culinary by Hobby Hill. Sharon didn't come up through culinary school — she learned to cook and bake in her grandmother's kitchen in New Jersey, where food was how you showed up for people. She's been teaching classes for over 12 years, starting with five core classes through Parks & Recreation and growing to 100+ distinct class experiences. Four years ago, when sourdough became the thing everyone was struggling with and no one could explain clearly, Sharon stepped in — and hasn't stopped since. Her students describe her as patient, endlessly generous with her knowledge, and the kind of teacher who makes you feel like no question is too small. She's available to you before, during, and after class — because getting you to consistent results is the whole point.

This class is for anyone who's wondered if consistent GF sourdough is actually possible — it is, and we'll show you exactly how. We move at your pace, and we're available to you even after class is over.

What you'll do:

  • Meet your gluten-free starter — learn what it looks like when it's healthy, active, and ready to use
  • Mix your own GF sourdough dough by hand and get a feel for the right consistency
  • Understand the bulk rise and cold ferment options so you can work around your real-life schedule
  • Taste freshly baked GF sourdough in class — so you know exactly what you're aiming for
  • Leave with your mixed dough shaped and ready to proof, bake same day, or cold ferment for up to several days

What you'll take home: You'll leave with a portion of freshly fed GF starter (bring a 1-qt glass jar), your mixed dough in a banneton ready for proofing, and clear written instructions for baking at home. This class is completely dairy-free and egg-free.

Class runs approximately 2 to 2.5 hours — and this is your time. We're here as long as you need us. 🍞

⚠️ Allergen note: Gluten-free. Contains no wheat, dairy, or eggs. Please check our Resources page for the specific ingredients and supplies we use in class.

 

Questions Before You Book

Q: Is this class actually for gluten-free beginners, or will I be lost if I've never made GF sourdough?

A: This class is built for beginners and for people who have tried GF sourdough and hit a wall. You don't need any prior experience. Sharon starts from the beginning and explains things in plain terms — no assumed knowledge, no skipped steps.

Q: I've tried several GF sourdough recipes and nothing has been consistent. Is that normal?

A: Yes, and it's not your fault. Gluten-free sourdough is often taught like a modified version of wheat baking — but it's actually a different system entirely. When you're given pieces without a framework, everything feels unstable. This class gives you the framework so you can understand what's happening and why, instead of following steps and hoping for the best.

Q: I've wasted a lot of expensive flour blends on failed attempts. What are the chances this actually works?

A: Very high — and here's why. In class, you make your dough from scratch with Sharon right beside you. If something looks or feels off, she catches it in the moment. You won't leave without understanding exactly what you're doing. And the written instructions you take home are detailed enough to repeat the process confidently.

Q: Why does my GF sourdough always collapse or come out dense?

A: Structure is the core challenge in gluten-free sourdough because there's no gluten network to hold things together. In class, Sharon explains how to build structure differently — using fermentation, hydration, and timing in ways that actually work for GF flour. It's one of the first things she addresses.

Q: Is this class truly gluten-free, dairy-free, and egg-free?

A: Yes. The class is completely gluten-free, dairy-free, and egg-free. Check the Resources page on our website for the specific flour blends and ingredients used so you can verify anything you need to before you come.

Q: What do I take home?

A: You'll leave with a portion of freshly fed GF starter in a 1-qt glass jar, your mixed dough in a banneton ready for proofing, and clear written instructions for baking at home. Your dough can be baked same day or cold fermented for up to several days — whichever fits your schedule.

Q: I've almost given up on GF sourdough. Is it worth trying one more time?

A: That's exactly the student Sharon loves working with. The frustration almost always comes from methods that weren't designed for GF baking in the first place — not from anything you did wrong. Students who come in having nearly given up tend to leave surprised at how manageable it actually is when the approach fits the ingredients. Sharon has seen it happen over and over.

Q: Can I reach Sharon after class if things go sideways at home?

A: Yes — always. Sharon is available by phone, text, or email after class. She wants to know how your first home bake goes, and she'll troubleshoot with you if anything feels uncertain. Getting you to a reliable result is the whole point.

 

  • Allergens
    Rice,Sorghum,Millet
  • What to Bring
    A 3-qt container for mixing your dough in class, a banneton to take your shaped dough home for proofing, and a 1-qt glass jar for your freshly fed starter.
  • Gluten Free
    Yes
  • Location
    2652 Anderson Highway, Powhatan, VA 23139
  • Does 1 Ticket cover 2 people?
    No
  • 5 stars: 11 (100%)
  • 4 stars: 0 (0%)
  • 3 stars: 0 (0%)
  • 2 stars: 0 (0%)
  • 1 star: 0 (0%)
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Jennifer S Jackson
Delicious GF bread hot out of the oven!

I have always been intimidated about trying to make my own gluten free bread. There were so many flours and I worried that I would just end with a bland hockey puck. Then I found Culinary by Hobby Hill. I LOVE the way Sharon has figured out how to cover all facets of the gf sourdough making process in a single class - starting with trying the final product to get you excited about how delicious you own bread will be! I loved getting to practice each stage of the process even though it would normally happen over nearly a 24 hour period! I went away confident in next steps and made another loaf from start to finish a couple days later. Sharon has such a passion for what she does. It is infectious and I can't thank her enough for making herself available after the class for questions and encouragement as we sent pix of our first loaves! After twelve years of being gluten free I finally have fresh out of the oven, delicious bread. Thank you so much! I will definitely be back for your other gf classes!!

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Therese Dodge
Fun and learned so much

Sharon did a great job instructing and teaching us about gluten sourdough bread. She took us from starter to a beautiful loaf of delicious bread.
I learned so much and was surprised it was so easy. I will be taking more classes from Sharon.

Thank you so much for the review. I loved sharing time with you showing the beginning stages of making great bread. The journey has just begun and the options are so extensive. Looking forward to seeing you in more classes. Happy Baking! ~sharon

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Elena
Great class and amazing GF bread

Sharon is a great teacher and made the process of making your own gluten free bread so much fun and easy. The bread is delicious, the best gluten bread I ever have.

Thank you Elena - So glad you enjoyed your experience and that your Boyfriend enjoyed the bread you made just for him.Please let us know how things are going on your sourdough journey. Here to help ~sharon

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Jennifer B
Perfect evening

My daughter and I took the GF Sourdough class together. We learned so much so quickly and have been nurturing our starters and baking a few loaves a week.
I would highly encourage this class to anyone.

Thank you Jennifer. So enjoyed you both. She is going to be a great addition to your baking team. It's a new error for bread and I am so happy to have been part of your journey.

~sharon

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Debra Brown

Instructor was knowledgeable and helpful. I would recommend this class to those facing gluten challenges.

Thank you Debra. So many options available in the Gluten Free arena at Culinart by Hobby Hill. Just finishing up on the Online option for our Sourdough Discard class. Perfect option for anyone who wants to take one recipe at a time. ~sharon

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Sue Haupert-Johnson
A wonderful afternoon!

Enjoyed learning the process of making sourdough bread with a patient teacher and a fun group.

I'm so glad you had the opportunity to join us for this class. It can be a game changer. There are so many options out there that you literally could make a different bread every day for months. Maybe a new challenge for you? Let me know if you need any assistance. Happy Baking ~Sharon

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Hannah W
Gluten Free Sourdough Class!

Sharon’s gluten-free sourdough class was an absolute delight! Her passion for baking and deep knowledge of gluten-free techniques made the experience both educational and inspiring. She explained each step clearly, from starter care to baking the perfect loaf, and offered plenty of hands-on guidance. The class was well-paced, beginner-friendly, and full of helpful tips that made gluten-free baking feel approachable and fun. Plus, the bread we made was delicious—crusty on the outside, soft and tangy on the inside. Highly recommended for anyone looking to master gluten-free sourdough!

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Suzanne
Incredible class and bread!

Hands on class was fun and very helpful. I’m an experienced baker and had tried GF bread many times and failed. I learned key techniques and gained an incredible recipie and method that produces amazing bread. I’m so so so glad I took the class, will pay dividends with my GF baking for many years. THANK YOU.

Hi Suzanne! We are so happy to hear that you enjoyed our Gluten Free Sourdough Basics class and were able to learn some key techniques and gain a delicious recipe. We are always here to help and are glad we can contribute to your GF baking success. Thank you for choosing our class and we hope to see you again soon! Happy Baking ~Sharon

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Darlene Anthony
Gluten Free Sourdough

Great class - learned alot!!

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Sheila Franco
Fabulous Gluten Free Starter Class

This class led by Sharon was beyond my expectations! I highly recommend this class to not only have gluten-free starter for the future but learn from a pro.

A
Andrea Spriggs
Great experience and teacher

Sharon is an amazing teacher! She was patient, engaging, and made the class so much fun. I’ve used her gluten-free sourdough bread recipe multiple times, and it always turns out perfectly. It was a fantastic experience, and I can’t wait to take another class with her!