Sourdough scoring is not only essential for the proper expansion of the bread, but it can be a great creative outlet! When I first started making sourdough, trying new scoring patterns was one of my favorite hobbies.

I’ve gotten a little lazy lately and typically just do a single slash down the middle. I’m in desperate need of some inspiration, and maybe you are, too!

Here are 12 simple scoring ideas for the round-shaped sourdough loaves, called boules.

simple scores

Simple Boule Scores for Beginners

Don’t get me wrong; I love watching videos of sourdough experts doing intricate scoring designs with scissors, strings, and toothpicks, but we all have to start somewhere.

In my opinion, here are some of the most basic scoring designs that also just so happen to look the most stunning. Sometimes, simple is best!

1. Cross (X)

cross

The basic cross score is easy to do and looks great on a boule! It’s symmetrical and is easy to build on, too.

If you want to add some more frill to it, you can do little leaf designs in each of the four corners, but it’s not necessary.

2. Spiral

spiral

The spiral score is easiest to do with a lazy Susan, but you can make do without it.

I feel like it looks really impressive, but it’s not actually that hard to achieve!

3. Pie Slices

pie

This scoring design looks like pie slices to me (hence the name)!

These are long scores that span the entire length of the boule, which gives a really beautiful effect when baked.

4. Clamshell

clamshell

The clamshell scoring design is fairly new to me, but I tried it this week and loved how it turned out. It really does look like a shell!

5. Twinkling Star

twinkling star

The star design is an expansion on the simple cross (X) score.

Just add four slashes, one in each of the four sections, and you have a pretty twinkling star design.

6. Side Slash with Wheat Stalk

side slash with wheat stalk

Wheat stalks are really beautiful on sourdough loaves, and they’re actually pretty simple to do!

The design example I show here has just one wheat stalk, but you can add as many as you want. Get creative with it!

7. Square

square

A square score may seem kind of boring, but it looks really pretty out of the oven.

Plus, it’s the perfect base for any decorations you want add inside the square. As an example, I did an American flag design for the 4th of July.

8. Shining Cross

This scoring pattern looks like a shining cross to me – it’s really stunning!

shining cross

It’s one of the many ways you can dress up a basic cross score.

9. Diamond Crosshatch

diamond crosshatch

The diamond crosshatch is a little bit harder to perfect, though the actual scoring isn’t that difficult.

If the depth of the scores aren’t even, some of the diamonds stretch more than others, making an uneven result out of the oven. Nonetheless, it’s a fun one to try and work on.

10. Square with Cross (X)

square with cross

To build on the basic square design, you can add a small X to the center. Again, it’s so simple but the result is gorgeous!

11. Cross (X) with Trees

cross with trees

While this design looks more complex, it’s so simple that I did it on my third loaf ever and it came out beautiful!

This is definitely one of those designs that looks harder than it is.

12. Circle

circle

Finally, we have the circle score. This one is easier with a lazy Susan so you can turn the bread as you score, which will give you a more perfect circle.

The end result is so cool-looking – it’s like the bread has a top hat!

FAQs

What is the best way to score a boule?

The best way to score a boule, in my opinion, is probably the cross (X) scoring design. It’s easy to do, yet also simple to build on. You can add in lots of fun decorations as you get more comfortable with scoring.

Can you score an ear on a boule?

Yes, it’s totally possible to get a nice ear on a boule; it’s all about the angle of your score. Aim for a 45° angle when scoring (a nice tilt), and consider scoring the same spot again after about 6 minutes in the oven, focusing on raising the flap up and away from the rest of the dough.

How to score bread without a lame?

While a bread lame is a useful tool, you can easily score bread with a razor blade or sharp knife.

How deep should you score sourdough?

You should aim to score your sourdough about 1/2 inch deep, which will give the dough enough room to expand in the oven.

Conclusion

Scoring your sourdough boule serves an important purpose, but it can also be your chance to express creativity.

Start with some of these basic scores and add on from there! Be sure to email me your latest boule design – I’d love to see it!

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