11 Foods You Can Have With Sourdough Bread

Sourdough bread has seen a major resurgence in popularity over the last few years. With its tangy, complex flavor and chewy texture, artisan sourdough has become a favorite among home bakers and foodies alike. The sourdough fermentation process creates bread with a wonderful depth of flavor that pairs perfectly with many foods. 

Making sourdough can be intimidating for beginners, but with some patience and practice, home bakers can cultivate their own starter and begin crafting beautiful loaves. Feeding and maintaining a sourdough starter requires only flour and water, making it an affordable and natural way to leaven bread. For those short on time, high-quality pre-made starters are also available. 

Pairing Foods with Sourdough Bread

When it comes to pairing foods with sourdough, there are endless possibilities. The mild acidity of sourdough balances rich, fatty ingredients while also complementing fresh produce and light proteins. Its great flavor and sturdy yet pliable texture also make it perfect for holding hefty sandwich fillings.

From breakfast to dessert and everything in between, here are some delicious ways to enjoy sourdough bread with a variety of foods.

Sourdough Baked Spaghetti 

Consider pairing sourdough with a Easy Baked Spaghetti recipe. This classic food combination can soon become the favorite dish for your family members. Instead of the usual garlic bread, use a thick slice of toasted sourdough slathered with garlic butter. Its tangy undertones can be a brilliant contrast to a rich baked spaghetti in the crockpot. The strong flavors of the sourdough hold up well when sopping up those extra bits of sauce from the spaghetti, making your meal even more delectable.

Avocado Toast

Creamy, smooth avocado and tangy sourdough are a match made in heaven. Simply toast or grill slices of sourdough bread, then top with mashed avocado seasoned with salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, or anything else you love. 

For a complete meal, add proteins like bacon, smoked salmon, or fried egg. Fresh tomatoes, arugula, pickled onions, and feta cheese also taste wonderful atop avocado toast.

Nut Butter and Jam 

Slather slices of sourdough bread with nut butter and fruit jam for a nostalgic breakfast or snack. The sweet jam and creamy nut butter pair perfectly with the mild sourness of the bread. For ultimate enjoyment, allow the nut butter and jam to soak into the interior of the bread while the exterior remains crispy. Peanut or almond butter with strawberry, raspberry, or apricot jam is a classic combination.

Baked Brie with Sourdough 

Few things satisfy like dipping freshly baked sourdough bread into melted brie. The tangy, chewy bread complements the rich, gooey cheese beautifully. 

Try wrapping a wheel of brie in puff pastry, baking until soft, and serving alongside a loaf or baguette of sourdough bread. The bread handles the oozy brie and toasted pastry flakes with ease.

Smoked Salmon Appetizers  

The bold taste of smoked salmon gets balanced out when enjoyed atop sourdough bread. Mildly tangy sourdough toast points are the perfect vehicle for sliced smoked salmon and traditional garnishes like cream cheese, capers, and fresh dill. The sturdy texture of sourdough also stands up well to the delicate smoked fish.

 Eggs and Bacon 

Start your day right with a classic breakfast sandwich on sourdough bread. Fried eggs and crispy bacon nestled between slices of grilled or toasted sourdough make for a satisfying handheld meal. The bread’s hearty texture stands up well to the rich yolk and crunchy bacon. Add cheese for extra over-the-top indulgence.

French Onion Soup 

Caramelized savory French onion soup demands a slice of sourdough bread topped with melted Gruyère cheese. Float the cheesy sourdough toast atop the soup so it can soak up all the rich, beefy broth. The mild acidity of the bread also cuts through the soup’s richness. Dip your spoon down through the bread, capturing the cheese and onions.

Panzanella Salad

This Italian bread salad is the ideal way to use day-old sourdough bread before it goes stale. Tear the bread into bite-sized pieces, then toss with juicy tomatoes, cucumbers, basil, and a bright vinaigrette. The sourdough croutons will soak up the dressing while retaining their fabulous chew. Add mozzarella for a delicious picnic or side dish.

Meatball Subs 

A meatball sub just isn’t complete without a chewy Italian loaf as the base. Sourdough subs can certainly hold their own when piled high with giant, saucy meatballs and melted mozzarella. The hearty, wholesome bread soaks up the savory juices without falling apart.

Bread and Butter Pickles

Cool, crunchy bread and butter pickles balance beautifully with the tang of sourdough bread. The mild acidity of the pickles and bread allows the flavors to complement rather than compete with each other. Enjoy this classic combination as an appetizer or snack.

Salad Toppings

Heirloom tomatoes, creamy burrata, and fresh basil are taken to the next level when served atop grilled sourdough bread. The bread acts as the perfect hearty base for this Caprese salad stack. Cubed sourdough croutons are also a fantastic alternative to lettuce in grain bowls and salad mixes. Toss them in vinaigrette or dressing to soak up all the flavors.

The Origins and Benefits of Sourdough Bread

Sourdough gets its characteristic tang from the lactic acid produced by lactobacilli bacteria during an extended fermentation process. This slow fermentation also breaks down gluten in the dough, making sourdough easier to digest than regular yeasted bread for many people. Sourdough’s origins stretch back thousands of years, with archaeological evidence showing that ancient Egyptians were baking this unique leavened bread.

Today, sourdough is experiencing a major comeback, and for good reason. The wild yeast in sourdough creates a layered, complex flavor that can’t be replicated with commercial yeast. It also yields bread with an open, weblike crumb and chewy texture. From crusty, crackly-crusted boules to hearty whole-grain loaves, artisan bakers are exploring the many varieties of sourdough.

Ending Note

With its wonderfully complex flavor, chewy crumb, and mild acidity, sourdough bread can elevate both sweet and savory ingredients. From rich stews to fruity jams, the possibilities for pairing with sourdough are endless. Whether you’re a beginner baker or a seasoned pro, sourdough is a versatile and immensely enjoyable bread.

Experiment with different food pairings to find new favorite sourdough combinations. Allow this artisan bread to bring its signature tang and satisfying texture to breakfast, lunch, dinner, and everything in between. With proper care, your sourdough starter can live on indefinitely, providing loaves for years to come.

Photo by Tommaso Urli on Unsplash