What to Put on Sourdough Bread to Elevate Every Bite

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Few things rival the simple pleasure of a perfectly baked loaf of crusty sourdough bread. Its tangy flavor and rustic texture make it a quintessential staple in any kitchen. What truly sets sourdough apart is the endless array of delectable toppings that can take it from a simple loaf to a gourmet snack. From creamy avocado and heirloom tomatoes to tangy goat cheese and honey-drizzled figs, the possibilities for what to put on sourdough bread are as vibrant and diverse as the golden state itself.

Related: what does sourdough bread taste like, how to reheat sourdough bread, sourdough bread breakfast sandwich

Whether you’re crafting a quick snack or hosting a brunch gathering, a slice of artisan sourdough bread serves as the perfect canvas for creativity that embodies California’s farm-to-table ethos.

What is Sourdough Bread?

Sourdough bread is a timeless classic crafted through a natural fermentation process involving lactic acid bacteria and wild yeasts. This unique method imparts a distinctively tangy and complex flavor profile to the bread, setting it apart from other types of bread.

Central to the sourdough-making process is the active sourdough starter, a mixture of flour, water, and yeast that matures over time. Regular feeding is essential to maintain its vigor and unique characteristics. Some sourdough starters have been passed down through generations, showcasing their resilience and ability to develop rich, sour flavors and a delightful chewy texture in the bread.

Types of Sourdough

Although all sourdough bread is made with a sourdough starter, not all sourdough is the same. From baguettes to boules, sourdough comes in all different shapes, but it also comes in many delicious flavors. 

Bakers can alter the flavor of their favorite sourdough bread recipe by using an older starter; the longer the starter has aged, the more sour flavor it will have. Another great way to add flavor is by changing the mixture of flour, incorporating fun sourdough add-ins like poppy seeds, or adding a sprinkle of salt and sesame seeds to the  top of the dough before baking.

Common Sourdough Flavors

Aside from the many different loaf shapes that sourdough can come in, there are also some common flavor choices for this classic bread. Here are some of the best types of sourdough:

• Whole Wheat Sourdough: This traditional bread uses only whole wheat flour and has a mild, wheaty sweetness.
• Rye Sourdough: Baking sourdough with rye flour adds a delicious nutty flavor to the bread.
• Herbed Sourdough: Some bakers add interest to their bread by folding herbs like rosemary and thyme into the bread dough.
• Raisin Sourdough: The sweet chew of raisins makes the ideal complement to the sour flavor of classic sourdough. 

What to Put on Sourdough Bread

No matter what type of sourdough you like, the best way to amp up the flavor is by topping your bread with something delicious. 

There are two basic categories of options for what to put on sourdough bread: sweet and savory. Let’s take a closer look at some of the best sourdough bread toppings in both categories. 

Best Sweet Toppings for Sourdough Bread

• Apple or Pear Slices – If you want the perfect simple, sweet sourdough, try pear or apple slices. There is something about the mild sweetness and floral fragrance of apples and pears that just works with sourdough. Try fresh apple or pear slices on raw or toasted sourdough. This fruity sourdough topping also pairs perfectly with honey, cheese and nut butter. 
• Fresh Peaches – Delectably juicy peaches are one of the best toppings for bringing sweetness to a slice of homemade sourdough bread. The sour notes in the bread make the sweetness of the fruit shine through. Try peaches on top of crusty sourdough with a little honey, butter, or goat cheese.
• Dates – Dates are superfruits that are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth! Putting dates on sourdough brings a sweet, molasses flavor that cannot be beaten. To make the perfect date-topped sourdough, try toasting the bread and topping it with chopped dates or date spread. This yummy pairing goes well with cured meat.
• Jam or Marmalade – One delicious thing to put on sourdough bread is fresh jam. This fruity spread comes in so many delicious varieties that there is sure to be a flavor that matches your personal tastes. Smear some sweet strawberry jam on toasted sourdough for a summer-inspired bite, or try a little marmalade on your favorite sourdough raisin bread.
• Nut Butter – The natural tart and tangy flavors of sourdough make it the ideal match for sweet spreads like nut butter. There are so many directions you can go with this nutty topping. Indulge with some sweet peanut butter, a sprinkle of mini chocolate chips and apple slices on toasted sourdough. Alternatively, you can mix it up by spreading some almond butter and dates on your slice. 
• Honey – Honey is a wonderfully versatile ingredient to use on sourdough. It makes sweet toppings sweeter and adds balance to extra salty toppings. Use your favorite local honey to top warm sourdough toast. Add some fresh pear slices, a piece of gorgonzola and you have the perfect snack!
• Figs – Figs have a short season, but when they are fresh, figs make one of the most delicious toppings for a slice of good sourdough bread. Figs have a natural syrupy flavor that delightfully complements the sour, fermented notes in the bread. Try fresh figs on your favorite types of sourdough. They taste great on both raw and toasted bread. When fresh figs are out of season, try delicious fig jam and a little arugula on your sourdough. 

Best Savory Toppings for Sourdough Bread

• Butter – Sometimes the best flavors are the most simple ingredients and nothing compares to the simply delicious taste of buttered sourdough. Rich, creamy butter brings an indulgent dairy flavor to the bread that is pure deliciousness. Finish it off with a drizzle of honey or our simple fig syrup recipe for the ideal sweet, buttery bite of sourdough. 
• Hummus – Balanced, creamy, and earthy hummus cannot be topped in the flavor department! This protein-packed topping pairs with so many different flavors, including sourdough. Plus, hummus is a great alternative spread for vegan and allergy-conscious sourdough lovers! Spread some plain hummus on toasted sourdough and then top it with fresh greens and a drizzle of olive oil for a filling snack or try garlic hummus and sun-dried tomatoes. No matter how you finish your hummus-topped sourdough, it will always taste tangy, earthy, and downright delicious.
• Cheese – No duo is as iconic as sourdough and cheese. This fantastic pairing has everything you want in a bite, from great texture to loads of great flavor! Plus, there is a wide variety of cheeses out there that you really can’t go wrong using it as a topping. Some classic cheese choices to consider are parmesan, gruyere, brie, and cheddar. Although the mentioned choices all pair nicely with sourdough, you could also go for something less expected like chevre or a cream cheese spread.
• Caramelized Onions – Caramelized onions add a rich, sweet flavor and a hint of savory depth that complements the tangy notes of sourdough bread. 
• Avocado – Adding creamy avocado is one of our favorite ways to enjoy sourdough bread. Whether it’s sliced, mashed or made into guacamole, this superfood was made for sourdough! Make your mornings a little more flavorful by preparing avocado toast with sourdough bread. Sourdough toast makes a great base for those trendy and delicious avocado toasts. Use fresh avocados and all your favorite toppings to build a light, balanced dish.
• Vegetable Slices – If you’re craving a nutritious and filling bite, then you should try sourdough with veggie slices. Freshly sliced vegetables are a great addition to raw or toasted sourdough, offering boundless flavor combinations that cater to your personal taste buds. Toast a slice of sourdough and top with a layer of hummus, slices of carrots, cucumbers, and a sprinkle of black pepper and sea salt for the ideal veggie-forward meal. Another timeless veggie pairing is a slice of sourdough adorned with ripe tomato slices, fresh basil leaves and a drizzle of balsamic vinegar.
• Pesto – When you’re tired of the same old sandwich spread, it’s time to try pesto. Spreading pesto on a slice of good bread like sourdough, infuses it with rich Italian-inspired flavors. It works great as a condiment for sourdough because it complements so many other flavors. After spreading the pesto, top your slice with mozzarella, tomato slices, fresh greens, or sliced turkey.
• Deli Slices – If you want a savory sourdough topping with plenty of protein, look no further than the deli case. Fresh deli slices or charcuterie are both amazing ways to top fresh sourdough bread. Elevate your meaty snack by adding a little cheese, pesto or a bed of greens. 
• Salad – Fresh and easy are always the best ingredients a chef can use. Whether your favorite salad is made with mixed greens or more of a salsa with diced tomatoes and corn, the hearty texture of sourdough holds up well to these ingredients. Get creative with your sourdough salad and use a fresh mix of greens and veggies. Toss in some extra flavor with cherry tomatoes or salty green olives. Remember to include some fun textures like sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds or chopped nuts. To add a boost of protein, consider topping off your sourdough with our savory and zesty sardine salad recipe.

What to Do with Leftover Sourdough Bread

Got some stale bread lying around? Don’t toss it just yet! Here are some creative ways to breathe new life into your leftover sourdough loaf:

• Sourdough Croutons: Cut the bread into cubes, toss with olive oil and seasoning, then bake until crispy for homemade croutons to top salads or soups.
• French Toast: Stale sourdough makes excellent French toast. Soak slices in a mixture of eggs, milk, and spices, then fry until golden brown.
• Bread Pudding: Transform stale sourdough into a decadent bread pudding by soaking it in a mixture of eggs, milk, sugar, and spices, then baking until set. Check out our chocolate chip bread pudding recipe!
• Sourdough Stuffing: Cube the bread and use it as the base for a flavorful sourdough stuffing, perfect for accompanying roast poultry or as a standalone side dish.
• Sourdough Breadcrumbs: Grind the bread into breadcrumbs and store them in the freezer. They’re handy for breading meats, topping casseroles, or thickening soups and sauces.

Finishing Touches

Next time you’re wondering what to put on sourdough bread, remember that the possibilities are endless! Whether you’re crafting a classic sourdough recipe or simply indulging in a warm, freshly baked loaf of bread, trying out different toppings and spreads can enhance the flavors of your food.

Share your favorite, delicious sourdough bread toppings with us in the comments below!