Sourdough bread, with its distinctive tangy flavor and delightful chewy texture, is more than just a loaf; it’s a culinary adventure waiting to happen. If you’re wondering “What To Serve With Sourdough Bread” to elevate your meals, you’ve come to the right place. It’s a staple in our farmhouse kitchen, and we’re always finding new and exciting ways to enjoy it, ensuring that every slice is as exciting as the first.
Why Sourdough Bread is a Fantastic Choice
Before we dive into pairings, let’s appreciate why sourdough is so special. Beyond its unique taste, sourdough offers a depth of flavor that mass-produced breads simply can’t match. This is all thanks to the natural fermentation process, a labor of love that involves nurturing a sourdough starter. While it takes dedication to create and maintain a sourdough starter, the reward is well worth the effort.
Health Perks of Sourdough
Sourdough isn’t just delicious; it’s also good for you. The fermentation process unlocks a range of health benefits:
- Improved Digestion: Fermentation reduces antinutrients like phytic acid, making sourdough easier to digest.
- Nutrient Absorption: It boosts enzyme activity, enhancing the absorption of vital nutrients from grains.
- Blood Sugar Balance: Sourdough has a lower glycemic index, preventing rapid blood sugar spikes.
Frequently Asked Questions About Serving Sourdough
loaf of multigrain sourdough bread on a cutting board with two sliced sliced off
Can you toast sourdough bread?
Absolutely! Toasting sourdough enhances its texture and flavor. Soft sandwich sourdough or multigrain sourdough become wonderfully crispy when toasted, perfect with butter and jam or avocado for a quick breakfast or snack. Sourdough French bread transforms into exceptional garlic bread when toasted with butter and garlic.
What types of bread can you make with sourdough starter?
The versatility of sourdough is astounding. From the classic sourdough boule to soft sandwich bread, sweet breads, and quick breads, the possibilities are endless.
Is sourdough bread a healthy bread option?
Yes, sourdough is considered one of the healthiest breads. Its fermentation process contributes to better digestion, nutrient absorption, and a lower glycemic index compared to commercial yeast breads.
What are the essential tools for making sourdough bread?
The most crucial element is an active sourdough starter. You can learn to make your own starter here and find tips for maintaining it here. Other helpful tools include:
- A sharp knife (especially a serrated knife for softer loaves)
- Lame or razor blade for scoring
- Mixing bowls
- Banneton basket for proofing
- Dutch oven for baking
Delicious Ways to Serve Sourdough Bread
Now, let’s get to the exciting part: what to serve with sourdough bread to truly make it shine!
four slices of multigrain sourdough with a tablespoon of butter on each all sitting on a black cooling rack on a white kitchen counter
Sourdough Bread as a Star on Its Own
Sometimes, sourdough needs no accompaniment to be enjoyed. A simple slice can be incredibly satisfying, especially when topped with something delicious. Here are some easy topping ideas for sourdough toast, perfect as a snack or side:
- Homemade herb butter: Elevate simple butter with fresh herbs.
- Grass-fed butter and strawberry jam: A classic sweet and creamy combination.
- Mashed avocado with black pepper: Creamy, healthy, and flavorful.
- Smoked salmon or trout slices: A touch of luxury and rich flavor.
- Basil walnut pesto: A vibrant and savory Mediterranean twist.
- Spreadable cheese like goat cheese: Tangy cheese complements sourdough’s flavor profile beautifully.
pesto in a white ramekin with a spoon on a white countertop with walnuts basil, a stripped towel and a vintage blue and white salt box in the background
Best sourdough bread for toppings: Toasted soft sandwich bread for a softer base or a no-knead boule for extra crunch.
Sourdough Bread for Breakfast Bliss
Start your day right with sourdough! Beyond avocado toast, sourdough can be the base for hearty and flavorful breakfast dishes:
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Sourdough Breakfast Strata: A comforting and make-ahead breakfast casserole that’s perfect for feeding a crowd. The tangy sourdough adds depth to the savory strata.
Best bread for strata: Crusty Artisan Sourdough Loaf . -
Breakfast Sandwich : Elevate your breakfast sandwich game with sourdough. The robust flavor and texture hold up beautifully to fillings like eggs, bacon, and cheese.
Bread options for sandwiches: From soft einkorn sandwich bread to a crusty no-knead loaf or sourdough English muffins.
sourdough breakfast sandwich made with sourdough English muffins, thick slices of bacon, cheese, and an over easy egg on parchment paper
- French Toast : For a truly decadent breakfast, sourdough French toast is a must-try. Sourdough Brioche is exceptionally soft and sweet, making it ideal for soaking up a rich custard.
Sourdough Bread as a Delightful Appetizer
Warm up your guests’ appetites with sourdough-based appetizers:
- Cheesy Sourdough Pull Apart Bread: Transform a simple sourdough boule into a crowd-pleasing, cheesy, garlicky delight.
sourdough pull apart bread fresh from the oven on foil
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Sourdough Cheese Bread: Soft sourdough twisted with cheese and baked until golden and gooey – an irresistible appetizer.
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Sourdough Baguette with Roasted Red Pepper Hummus: The crispness and tang of a sourdough baguette are perfect for dipping into creamy, smoky hummus. An Italian olive oil dip is another fantastic option.
red pepper hummus in a bowl with roasted red peppers, olive oil, and sourdough flat bread surrounding the bowl
Sourdough Bread for Sandwich Perfection
Elevate your sandwiches from ordinary to extraordinary by using sourdough bread. The right sourdough can make all the difference:
- Sourdough Ciabatta: Its airy texture and robust crust make it ideal for holding hearty fillings without getting soggy.
- Soft Sourdough Sandwich Bread: Perfect for classic sandwiches, offering a tender crumb and subtle tang.
- Crusty Sourdough Boule slices: For open-faced sandwiches or heartier fillings that can stand up to a robust crust.
Sourdough Bread as a Dinner Companion
Sourdough bread is an excellent side dish to complement your dinner:
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With Soups: Sourdough and soup are a match made in heaven. The bread’s texture is perfect for soaking up flavorful broths and stews.
- French Sourdough Bread: Pairs wonderfully with classic tomato soup.
close up picture of two sourdough French breads on a parchment lined baking sheet-
Sourdough Baguettes: Ideal for dipping into split pea soup.
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Sourdough Artisan Bread: Perfect for heartier soups like chicken noodle soup, offering a satisfying crunch.
loaf of artisan sourdough bread on a white countertop with a blue and white checked towel on top- Sourdough Bread Bowls : For a fun and impressive presentation, serve your favorite soup in homemade sourdough bread bowls.
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Garlic Bread Side Dish:
- Sourdough Garlic Bread: The tangy sourdough base elevates garlic bread to a new level of deliciousness.
a half loaf of sourdough garlic bread sliced on parchment paper -
Dinner Rolls:
- Easy Sourdough Dinner Rolls : A delightful alternative to sliced bread, especially for holidays and gatherings.
Sweet Sourdough Indulgences
Sourdough isn’t just for savory dishes; it can also satisfy your sweet tooth:
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Babka with chocolate filling: A rich and decadent treat, sourdough babka is a delightful combination of tangy dough and sweet chocolate.
slice of sourdough chocolate babka sliced off of the loaf of bread on a white countertop with a black and cream stripped towel to the left -
Sourdough Bread Pudding: Made with brioche dough, sourdough bread pudding is a comforting and flavorful dessert, perfect for using up slightly stale bread.
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Chocolate Bread : A chocolate sourdough boule is a unique and irresistible dessert, offering a delightful contrast of textures and flavors.
sourdough chocolate bread baked in a dutch oven lined with parchment paper
Making the Most of Stale Sourdough
Don’t let stale sourdough go to waste! Transform it into something new:
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Sourdough breadcrumbs: Homemade sourdough breadcrumbs are superior in flavor and texture to store-bought versions. Use them in coatings, toppings, or fillings.
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Croutons: Upgrade your salads with crunchy, flavorful sourdough croutons. They add a wonderful texture and depth of flavor to any salad.
cream colored bowl filled with salad and topped with homemade gluten free croutons on a wooden table. More croutons on a parchment lined baking sheet are in the background
Embrace the Versatility of Sourdough
From simple toppings to elaborate dishes, sourdough bread is incredibly versatile. Experiment with these ideas and discover your own favorite ways to serve and enjoy this amazing bread. Whether you’re looking for a quick snack, a hearty meal, or a sweet treat, sourdough has something to offer for every occasion.
