Jack Skellington Sourdough Recipe

If you’re a fan of Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas, then you know Jack Skellington is more than just the Pumpkin King—he’s a Halloween icon. This Jack Skellington Sourdough recipe takes the wholesome flavor of homemade sourdough bread and gives it a creepy-cute makeover perfect for spooky season.

This artisan-style loaf is decorated to resemble Jack’s iconic face, making it the perfect centerpiece for your Halloween table. While the design looks elaborate, the recipe is beginner-friendly with clear steps for shaping and scoring the dough to create Jack’s signature look.

Whether you’re hosting a Halloween party, making themed treats for your kids, or just want to add some creative flair to your baking, this recipe is both fun and delicious. Let’s bring a little haunted charm to your sourdough game!

🍞 Cooking Time & Servings

• Prep Time: 12-14 hours (including bulk fermentation and proofing)
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: ~14 hours
• Servings: 1 large loaf (serves 8–10 slices)

🧂 Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 500g (4 cups) bread flour
• 100g (½ cup) active sourdough starter
• 350g (1½ cups) filtered water
• 10g (1¾ tsp) fine sea salt

For Decoration:

• Rice flour (for dusting the dough)
• Black cocoa powder or activated charcoal (optional, for dark accents)
• Sharp scoring blade or lame
• Small brush (optional for detail work)

👩‍🍳 How to Make Jack Skellington Sourdough

Step 1: Mix the Dough

1. In a large bowl, combine the active sourdough starter with water and mix until cloudy.
2. Add the bread flour and mix until no dry flour remains. Let it rest for 30 minutes (autolyse).
3. Add salt and knead gently until incorporated.

Step 2: Bulk Fermentation (4–6 hours)

1. Cover the bowl and leave it at room temperature.
2. Perform stretch and folds every 30 minutes for the first 2 hours to strengthen the dough.

Step 3: Shape the Dough

1. After bulk fermentation, turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface.
2. Shape into a tight round boule. Place it seam-side up into a floured banneton or bowl lined with a towel.
3. Cover and refrigerate overnight (8–12 hours) for cold proofing.

Step 4: Preheat and Score

1. Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C) with a Dutch oven inside.
2. Turn the dough out onto parchment paper. Lightly dust the surface with rice flour.
3. Use a lame to score Jack Skellington’s face: large round eyes, small nose holes, and a wide stitched mouth.
4. Optional: Mix a small amount of cocoa powder with water to make a paint and darken the eyes and mouth with a brush.

Step 5: Bake

1. Place the dough into the hot Dutch oven. Cover and bake for 20 minutes.
2. Remove the lid and bake another 20–25 minutes until golden brown.
3. Cool completely on a wire rack before slicing.

📝 Notes

• Use rice flour for dusting—it won’t burn in the oven and gives a clean contrast for scoring.
• Don’t over-score! The design will open more in the oven, so keep strokes shallow and precise.
• Want a darker look? Add 1 tbsp black cocoa powder to your dough for a shadowy effect.
• For a soft crust, wrap the bread in a towel as it cools.

❓ FAQs

Can I make this without a Dutch oven?
Yes! Use a baking stone and cover the loaf with a metal bowl or tray to trap steam.

How do I know my starter is ready?
Your starter is ready when it doubles in size within 4–6 hours of feeding and passes the “float test.”

Can I freeze the bread?
Absolutely! Slice and freeze in a zip-top bag for up to 2 months.

Can I use whole wheat flour?
Yes, you can substitute up to 20% of the bread flour with whole wheat, but it may affect texture and rise.

🧮 Nutrition Information

Nutrient	Per Loaf	Per Slice (1 of 10)
Calories	~1650 kcal	~165 kcal
Carbohydrates	330g	33g
Protein	50g	5g
Fat	5g	0.5g
Fiber	10g	1g
Sodium	1950mg	195mg
Sugar	2g	<1g

Values are approximate and based on standard bread flour. Additions like cocoa or charcoal may slightly alter nutrition.

⚠️ Disclaimer

This recipe is for general enjoyment and should be eaten in moderation as part of a balanced diet. Always check ingredients for potential allergens such as gluten. If you have dietary restrictions, consult a health professional before trying new recipes.