What To Put On Sourdough Bread – 15 Best Toppings To Try Right Now

Discover the art of enhancing your sourdough bread with delectable toppings that elevate its flavors and textures. In this guide, we present 15 mouthwatering toppings to transform your sourdough bread into a culinary masterpiece. From classic combinations like avocado and tomato to creative options like caramelized onions and blue cheese, we explore a diverse range of toppings to suit every palate. Whether you prefer savory or sweet, simple or indulgent, these suggestions will inspire you to experiment and create unforgettable combinations. Get ready to take your sourdough bread to new heights with these 15 best toppings to try right now.

Table of Contents

• Why Add Toppings to Sourdough Bread?
• 15 Best Toppings For Sourdough Bread
• When Should I Add Mix-Ins to Sourdough?
• Type of Sourdough Mix-Ins
• Sourdough Bread Topping
• FAQs

Why Add Toppings to Sourdough Bread?

Adding toppings to sourdough bread enhances its taste, texture, and visual appeal. Toppings can provide a burst of flavor, complementing the tangy and complex notes of sourdough. They can add a delightful crunch, creaminess, or juiciness to each bite. Toppings also allow for creative expression, allowing you to experiment with different combinations and create unique flavor profiles.

Furthermore, toppings can provide nutritional benefits by incorporating additional ingredients like fresh vegetables, fruits, herbs, or proteins.

Whether you’re looking to elevate a simple snack or create a gourmet sandwich, toppings bring variety, excitement, and personalization to your sourdough bread experience.

15 Best Toppings For Sourdough Bread

Embark on a flavorful journey as we unveil the 15 ultimate toppings to enhance your sourdough bread. From timeless classics to inventive combinations, these carefully curated selections will tantalize your taste buds and transform your bread into a culinary masterpiece. Whether you crave savory, sweet, or a harmonious fusion of both, these toppings offer a delightful array of flavors, textures, and visual appeal.

Get ready to elevate your homemade sourdough creations with the 15 best toppings.

Avocado and Tomato

Creamy avocado slices paired with juicy tomato add freshness and a delightful combination of textures to your sourdough bread. It’s a classic and satisfying topping choice.

Smoked Salmon and Cream Cheese

Elevate your sourdough bread with the luxurious duo of smoky, silky salmon and rich cream cheese. This combination offers a perfect balance of flavors and a touch of elegance.

Caramelized Onions and Blue Cheese

The sweetness of caramelized onions beautifully contrasts with the tangy, bold flavor of blue cheese. This savory pairing adds depth and complexity to your sourdough bread.

Fig Jam and Brie

Indulge your taste buds with the sweet and slightly tangy flavor of fig jam paired with creamy Brie cheese. This combination creates a delightful balance of sweet and savory notes.

Prosciutto and Arugula

Thinly sliced prosciutto draped over peppery arugula leaves creates a fantastic blend of saltiness and freshness. This topping brings a burst of flavor and a touch of sophistication to your sourdough bread.

Honey and Goat Cheese

Drizzle your sourdough bread with golden honey and top it with creamy goat cheese. The combination of sweet and tangy flavors offers a delightful contrast that pleases the palate.

Roasted Red Peppers and Feta

Roasted red peppers add smoky sweetness, while crumbled feta cheese brings a salty tang to your sourdough bread. This pairing offers a Mediterranean-inspired twist.

Pesto and Mozzarella

Spread a layer of vibrant green pesto on your sourdough bread and top it with melted mozzarella cheese. The aromatic flavors of basil and the oozy cheese create a delicious harmony.

Sliced Turkey and Cranberry Sauce

Perfect for the holiday season or any time of year, the combination of sliced turkey and tangy cranberry sauce adds a festive touch and savory-sweet goodness to your bread.

Slather your sourdough bread with creamy hummus and top it with an array of roasted vegetables, such as zucchini, eggplant, and bell peppers. This combination brings a healthy and flavorful twist.

Hummus and Roasted Vegetables

Slather your sourdough bread with creamy hummus and top it with an array of roasted vegetables, such as zucchini, eggplant, and bell peppers. This combination brings a healthy and flavorful twist.

Peanut Butter and Banana

For a sweet and satisfying treat, spread creamy peanut butter on your sourdough bread and layer it with sliced bananas. This combination offers a delightful blend of nutty and fruity flavors.

Bruschetta

Top your bread with a vibrant mixture of diced tomatoes, garlic, basil, olive oil, and balsamic vinegar. This classic Italian topping provides a burst of freshness and Mediterranean flair.

Grilled Chicken and Pesto Mayo

Grilled chicken combined with a zesty pesto mayo creates a delicious protein-packed topping for your sourdough bread. It’s a flavorful and satisfying option for a hearty sandwich.

Spinach and Feta

Sauteed spinach paired with crumbled feta cheese brings a combination of earthy and tangy flavors to your sourdough bread. This topping is a great choice for a light and refreshing option.

Nutella and Strawberries

Indulge your sweet tooth by spreading creamy Nutella on your sourdough bread and topping it with fresh, juicy strawberries. This dessert-like combination is a delightful treat for any time of day.

When Should I Add Mix-Ins to Sourdough?

Mix-ins can be added to sourdough at various stages depending on the desired outcome:

1. Autolyse: Some bakers choose to incorporate mix-ins during the autolyse phase, which is the initial rest period after combining flour and water. Mix-ins like seeds, grains, or chopped nuts can be added at this stage to hydrate and soften them before the bulk fermentation.
2. Bulk Fermentation: Mix-ins can also be added during the bulk fermentation phase, after the initial rise of the dough. This allows for better gluten development and distribution of the mix-ins throughout the dough. It’s advisable to add delicate mix-ins like dried fruits or chocolate chips during this stage to avoid overmixing and excessive breakage.
3. Pre-shape or Shape: For mix-ins that may be prone to excessive gluten development or breakage, such as larger nuts or chunks of cheese, you can incorporate them during the pre-shape or shaping stage. Gently fold or roll the dough to distribute the mix-ins evenly without compromising the dough’s structure.
4. Folds: Alternatively, mix-ins can be added during the folding process in between the bulk fermentation stages. This allows for better incorporation and distribution of the mix-ins while strengthening the dough through the folding action.

Type of Sourdough Mix-Ins

There are numerous mix-ins you can add to your sourdough bread to customize its flavor, texture, and appearance. Here are some popular types of sourdough mix-ins.

Seeds

Sesame seeds, poppy seeds, flax seeds, sunflower seeds, or pumpkin seeds can add a crunchy texture and nutty flavor to your bread.

Grains

Whole grains like rolled oats, cooked quinoa, barley, or cracked wheat can provide a hearty and wholesome texture to your sourdough loaf.

Nuts

Chopped or whole nuts such as walnuts, pecans, almonds, or hazelnuts can add richness, crunch, and a delightful nuttiness to your bread.

Dried Fruits

Raisins, dried cranberries, apricots, dates, or figs can bring sweetness and chewiness to your sourdough bread, adding bursts of flavor.

Cheese

Shredded or cubed cheese like cheddar, Gruyere, Parmesan, or feta can infuse your bread with savory and melty pockets of goodness.

Herbs and Spices

Fresh or dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, basil, or oregano can impart aromatic flavors to your sourdough. Spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom can lend warmth and depth.

Vegetables

Roasted garlic, caramelized onions, sun-dried tomatoes, or sautéed mushrooms can provide savory notes and interesting textures to your sourdough.

Chocolate

Chunks or chips of dark, milk, or white chocolate can transform your sourdough into a decadent treat with pockets of melty sweetness.

Citrus Zest

Grated zest from lemons, oranges, or limes can infuse your bread with bright and tangy citrus flavors.

Sweeteners

Honey, maple syrup, molasses, or agave nectar can add sweetness and depth to your sourdough, enhancing its flavor profile.

Caramelized Nuts

Candied or caramelized nuts like candied pecans, caramel-coated almonds, or honey-glazed walnuts can add a sweet and crunchy element to your bread.

Olives

Chopped or sliced olives, such as Kalamata or green olives, can bring a briny, savory flavor to your sourdough loaf.

Herbed Butter

Incorporating softened herbed butter, such as garlic butter or herb-infused butter, into your dough can infuse it with rich and aromatic flavors.

Cereal or Granola

Sprinkling a handful of cereal or granola on top of your dough or incorporating it into the mixture can lend a crunchy texture and added nutritional value.

Caramel or Butterscotch

Drizzling caramel or butterscotch sauce over the dough and incorporating it during shaping can create a gooey and indulgent treat.

Sourdough Bread Topping

The art of topping sourdough bread opens up a world of culinary possibilities. From savory to sweet, simple to indulgent, the right combination of toppings can take your sourdough bread from ordinary to extraordinary. Enjoy the classic pairings or prefer to experiment with unique flavors? Either way, toppings provide an opportunity to personalize and elevate your bread to suit your taste preferences.

So, let your creativity run wild, explore different combinations, and delight in the endless variations of toppings that can transform your sourdough bread into a true masterpiece.

For more articles like this, try the crispy sourdough crostini recipe + 7 topping ideas!

FAQs