Sourdough bread is an incredibly versatile bread that can be enjoyed in countless ways. With its chewy texture and crispy outer layer, you are sure to love it. If you’re wondering what to serve sourdough bread with, look no further. Sit back and relax as I guide you through a variety of delectable options that are sure to delight your taste buds.
From savory pairings to sweet treats, this list has something for everyone, whether you’re planning a casual breakfast, a hearty lunch, or an elegant dinner. Get ready to elevate your sourdough experience with these mouthwatering suggestions.
Growing up, my mom was always making bread. She made quick breads like Banana nut bread, she made homemade white bread, and she made Sourdough bread. Her Sourdough bread recipe was not your typical traditional Homemade sourdough bread though.
It was Sourdough bread made from a Potato Flake starter, or what some people call Potato sourdough bread. It is lighter fluffier and less chewy than traditional Sourdough or what some call San Francisco Sourdough bread. Even though I was accustomed to Potato Sourdough bread, I still love traditional sourdough bread as well.
In this post, were are going to share with you what to serve delicious sourdough bread with.
What is Sourdough Bread?
Sourdough Bread is made from a natural leavening agent. The leavening agent is fermented which gives the bread its sour flavor.
According to goodFood, sourdough is naturally leavened bread, which means it doesn’t use commercial yeast to rise. Instead, it uses a ‘starter’ – a fermented flour and water mixture that contains wild yeast and good bacteria – to rise. This also produces the tangy flavor and slightly chewy texture you’ll find in sourdough.
This is also the reason why sourdough bread is a healthier option because the fermented starter is full of probiotics, natural wild yeasts, and good bacteria.
Traditional Sourdough starters use flour and water to ferment. Wild yeasts and bacteria grow on this and this is what causes the bread to rise.
In this case, we are using an easy-to-make sourdough bread using a potato flake starter which starts with a commercial yeast called active dry yeast to get it started, but then wild yeast takes over after it has fermented.
Unique Suggestions for What to Serve Sourdough Bread With
Here we will give you a list of what we love to serve Sourdough Bread with.
#1 Sourdough Bread Accompaniments: Soups, Stews, and Chili.
My favorite way to enjoy a slice of sourdough bread is by dipping it into a bowl of Slow Cooker Beef & Bean Chili. This chili is full of protein and super easy to adjust to your liking, making it a must-try recipe if you want to spice up your dinner routine.
The tangy taste of sourdough bread goes well with the bold, spicy flavors of the chili. It adds a nice contrast that makes each bite more delicious. Sourdough bread has a chewy crust and a soft, airy inside, which pairs perfectly with the hearty, chunky texture of the chili.
It’s especially tasty when the bread is fresh. Anytime I want to know what to serve sourdough bread with, Soups, stews, and chili are going to be at the top of the list.
Sourdough bread is also great to be served with Potato soup, beef stew, chowder, Catfish Stew, and vegetable soup among many others.
#2 Sourdough Bread Sandwich Ideas
You can’t talk about sourdough bread without mentioning sandwiches. Whether it’s a classic turkey or ham sandwich, grilled cheese sandwiches, or a tuna melt on fresh sourdough bread, sourdough bread is an ideal choice.
Its unique tangy flavor enhances the taste of fillings like savory meats and fresh vegetables.
Top slices of sourdough bread with some melty cheese and melted butter for an open-face cheese sandwich. You could also top it with your favorite toppings as well. There is nothing better than cheesy sourdough bread!
The chewy crust and soft interior hold up perfectly to both hearty and delicate ingredients. Plus, sourdough’s natural fermentation process makes it easier to digest and adds beneficial probiotics, boosting its appeal as a delicious and nutritious sandwich base.
Its rustic texture also makes it a perfect canvas for peanut butter sandwiches—I love mixing peanut butter with a touch of honey and spreading it on sourdough slices for a delightful snack or meal. It also makes a great Peanut Butter and Jelly sandwich. Two of my favorite Jellys or Jams to use are this Homemade Muscadine Jelly and this Strawberry Jam.
Sandwiches are a great option when considering what to serve sourdough bread with.
#3 What to Serve Sourdough Bread with at Breakfast
Breakfast has to be my favorite meal. In the South, bread is just a natural thing to serve with breakfast. Whether you talking about Grits, eggs, bacon, and slices of toasted sourdough bread, or making sourdough French Toast or French Toast Casserole.
It pairs great with either one.
Another great option for what to serve sourdough bread with at breakfast is an avocado spread. You would use this to make the popular avocado toast that everyone is eating now.
Of course, you could make plain sourdough toast and spread some butter on top or some fresh Jam or Jelly.
#4 What To Serve Sourdough Bread with: Salads
Sourdough bread pairs wonderfully with salads, enhancing the overall dining experience with its unique texture and flavor. Its chewy texture and tangy taste provide a delicious contrast to the crisp freshness of salads, making each bite more interesting and satisfying.
Sourdough can be served alongside salads as a hearty side dish, perfect for soaking up dressings and adding a rustic touch to the meal.
For an even more delightful twist, you can use stale bread to make homemade sourdough croutons. These croutons add a crunchy texture and rich flavor, elevating the simplest garden salad to new heights.
Whether you’re enjoying a basic garden salad with fresh vegetables and a light vinaigrette or a more elaborate Caesar salad with creamy dressing and Parmesan, sourdough bread complements these flavors beautifully. Its robust texture stands up well to the creamy dressings of a Caesar salad, while its tanginess contrasts nicely with the salty anchovies and sharp cheese.
In a Greek salad, sourdough bread’s tangy notes harmonize with the briny olives, feta cheese, and juicy cherry tomatoes, adding depth and satisfaction to the dish. The bread’s ability to absorb the flavors of the dressing and ingredients without becoming soggy makes it a perfect accompaniment.
Additionally, sourdough bread can be transformed into a delicious panzanella, a traditional Italian bread salad. Combining chunks of sourdough with ripe tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, and a balsamic vinaigrette creates a refreshing and hearty salad that showcases the bread’s versatility.
When considering what to eat with sourdough bread, its unique characteristics make it an excellent partner for a wide variety of salads. Its chewy texture, tangy flavor, and versatility allow it to be transformed into crunchy croutons or integrated into bread salads, enhancing depth and satisfaction and making your meal more enjoyable and memorable.
#5 What To Serve Sourdough Bread with: Spreads and Dips
Sourdough is the perfect bread for spreads and dips because its tangy flavor and sturdy texture significantly enhance the taste experience and hold up well against thick or creamy toppings. The chewy crust and soft interior of sourdough provide a satisfying base that complements a wide range of spreads and dips without becoming too soggy.
This makes it perfect for enjoying everything from savory hummus and creamy cheese spreads to tangy tapenades and rich guacamole.
Garlic Butter Spread
One delightful option is to make a spread from garlic butter. The richness of the butter combined with the aromatic garlic pairs beautifully with the tanginess of sourdough, creating a luxurious and flavorful bite. Spread this mixture generously over a slice of sourdough for a simple yet indulgent treat.
Hummus
Hummus is another excellent option for spreading on sourdough bread. Its creamy, smooth texture and savory flavor complement the bread’s unique taste, making for a delicious and healthy snack or appetizer.
Olive Oil For Dipping Bread
For a more sophisticated dip, consider a combination of high-quality olive oil, fresh herbs like basil or parsley, a sprinkle of black pepper, a little sea salt, and a splash of balsamic vinegar. This mix makes a wonderful dip for sourdough bread, highlighting its flavors and providing a fresh, vibrant contrast.
Cheese Spreads
Creamy cheese spreads such as herb goat cheese or classic cream cheese are also fantastic with sourdough bread. The creamy, tangy cheese enhances the bread’s texture and flavor, creating a rich and satisfying combination.
Another great spread is an Olive tapenade made from olives, capers, and anchovies. This salty, umami-rich mixture pairs perfectly with sourdough’s chewy texture and tangy taste, creating a delightful and complex flavor profile.
Guacamole
Guacamole, with its creamy texture and fresh, zesty flavor, also pairs wonderfully with sourdough bread. The combination of ripe avocados, lime juice, and cilantro spread over a slice of sourdough makes for a refreshing and satisfying snack.
Incorporating sourdough bread into your repertoire of spreads and dips allows for endless culinary creativity. Its unique flavor and texture can elevate even the simplest spreads, making every bite a delightful and memorable experience.
#6 What to Serve Sourdough Bread With: Sweet Treats and Desserts
While sourdough bread is not traditionally associated with desserts like cakes or pastries, it can add an interesting twist to sweet dishes, bringing complexity and a satisfying texture. If you have a sweet tooth, don’t overlook sourdough bread as a dessert option.
For instance, a loaf of sourdough can be transformed into a rich and flavorful bread pudding. The tangy notes of the bread complement the sweet, creamy custard, creating a dessert that is both comforting and sophisticated.
Additionally, sourdough bread makes an excellent base for sweet sandwiches. Spread Nutella between two slices for a decadent treat, or try a combination of peanut butter and honey for a classic yet delightful flavor pairing. The slight chewiness and robust flavor of sourdough enhance these fillings, making each bite more enjoyable.
You can also experiment with French toast made from sourdough. The bread’s hearty texture holds up well to the egg mixture, resulting in a dish that is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Top it with fresh fruit, whipped cream, or a drizzle of maple syrup for a breakfast that’s as indulgent as it is delicious.
Incorporating sourdough bread into desserts allows for creative and delicious possibilities. Knowing what to serve sourdough bread with can enhance its unique flavor profile and texture, elevating simple sweet dishes and offering a new and exciting way to enjoy this beloved bread.
How To Make Sourdough Bread
I typically make sourdough bread from a Potato Flake starter. Before you can make sourdough bread using a potato flake starter, you must first have the starter.
The starter takes a few days to make but once it is put together, you just maintain it by feeding it every few days, then remove the starter you need to make your bread. Here is everything you need to know about making a Potato Flake Starter.
This starter is versatile in that you can make Sourdough bread but you can also make these wonderful Sourdough Cinnamon rolls or even Sourdough Pancakes from it. After this, you will have your sourdough starter to use anytime you wish.
Once you have your starter made, it is now time to make the bread. Making the bread is easy but it does take some time to prepare. Everything you need to learn about how to make you will be found in this post on Homemade Sourdough Bread from a Potato Flake Starter.
Whether you’re enjoying it with savory dishes, using it creatively in desserts, or savoring it on its own, sourdough bread offers a unique culinary experience. Its tangy flavor, chewy texture, and versatility make it a favorite among bread lovers and chefs alike.
From hearty meals to sweet treats, knowing what to serve sourdough bread with adds depth and character to every bite. So, whether you’re baking it fresh at home or picking up a loaf from your favorite bakery, embrace the delicious possibilities that sourdough bread brings to your table. Enjoy every slice!