There are a lot of options when it comes to bread toppings. You can add any combination of cheese, herbs, and even vegetables if you like. But what to put on sourdough bread? The classic sourdough tang is delicious all by itself, but it doesn’t have to stop there! There are so many ways to add flavor and texture to your sourdough bread, from jams and jellies to nuts, seeds, and dried fruit. The list of possibilities is endless.
In this article, we have shared some of our favorite sourdough bread toppings that will make your next slice of sourdough extra special.
Sourdough Bread:
Sourdough bread is a staple at most breakfast tables, but it's not just for breakfast. It also makes an excellent snack or lunchtime meal.
Sourdough bread is traditionally made from wheat flour, water, salt, and yeast. It’s super easy to make once you get the basics down. It's made by fermenting dough with a sourdough starter, which then becomes an important part of the bread's flavor and texture. You can buy sourdough starters right here at Cultures for Health.
Note: We highly recommend buying theSourdough Bread Kit if you've never baked sourdough bread before. With this kit, you can easily follow any sourdough bread recipe and create delicious artisan-style sourdough bread right at home!
Health Benefits of Eating Sourdough Bread:
Sourdough bread is not only delicious, buthealthy too! Here are some of the health benefits of sourdough bread:
- It’s high in fiber, which helps lower cholesterol levels and keeps your digestive system regular.
- It contains prebiotics, which helps maintain a healthy digestive system by feeding the “good” bacteria in your intestines.
- It has less sugarthan other types of bread and is high in protein, which can help build lean muscle mass and reduce belly fat.
- It also contains vitamin B6, which plays an important role in brain function and protects against depression and dementia as we age.
All the health benefits of sourdough bread could fill a book, but you get the idea. So, let's just move to our main topic: SOURDOUGH TOPPINGS!
Our Favorite Sourdough Bread Toppings:
Sourdough bread's basic taste is slightly tangy and fresh. You can dress your bread up with just about any combination of tasty toppings and make it a meal.
Some people like to eat their sourdough bread with cheese, ham, or other meat. Others prefer to add vegetables and fruit to their bread. There are many different types of toppings that you can use for your bread, so we have compiled a list of our favorite appetizer toppings to go with your homemade sourdough bread:
Avocado
A classic favorite on any bread, avocado is rich, creamy, and possesses a buttery texture. It provides healthy fats and flavor to bread, sandwiches, and salads. Slice open an avocado and scoop out the flesh with a spoon. Make thin slices and pile it onto your sourdough. Drizzle with fresh lime juice and top with fresh cilantro for added flavor. Try adding a little salt and pepper for added flavor. Sourdough bread topped with avocado is the tastiest, healthiest treat around.
2. Hummus
This one is just as easy as it sounds! Hummus is an easy and delicious option to serve as a dip or spread. Many like to dip their sourdough in hummus while it’s still warm from the oven. It adds another layer of flavor to the bread without changing its texture too much.
3. Avocado and Hummus
I can't say which is better, avocado or hummus as a topping for sourdough bread. Both of these ingredients make great sourdough toppings, but mixing them together makes for something that's just out of this world.
To make these avocado hummus toppings, start by spreading some hummus onto each piece of bread before adding some slices of avocado on top. Little sesame seeds add a nice crunch but are totally optional. Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to eat.
4. Butter
Butter is another classic sourdough topping. Many like butter on sourdough because it enhances the taste without overpowering it Buttered sourdough is great for breakfast or as an evening snack.
5. Cheddar & Pickled Onions
Pickled onions are another great topping for your sourdough bread! Cheddar cheese is a staple at most breakfast tables, andpickled onions are an optional ingredient that adds a unique flavor dimension to any bread without being too overpowering.
6. Caramelized Leek & Fava Bean
Caramelized leeks and fava beans are a classic pairing that's become a staple in many kitchens. We love the texture and flavor combination of these ingredients — they're both so simple yet so full of complexity. The leeks add a lot of flavors, while the soft and creamy texture of the fava beans makes this a great topping. A generous sprinkle of salt and pepper adds a bit of dimension to the mix.
7. Eggs
We also love eggs as an option. Eggs are an easy way to add protein and rich flavor to your sourdough bread. Just crack an egg into a skillet and fry it until it’s cooked through, cut into quarters and add it on top of your sourdough bread!
8. Greek Yogurt & Fresh Berries
Greek yogurtculture is another great topping choice; it’s high in protein and has plenty of healthy fats, making it perfect for breakfast or lunch sandwiches. Plus, it pairs perfectly with berries for a breakfast sandwich or chocolate chips for dessert.
Try also making our pulled pork sandwich recipe at the comfort of your home.
9. Green Olives, Herbs, & Brie Cheese
There's nothing better than ripe Brie cheese and green olives served with warm, soft and chewy sourdough bread, for taste or health benefits. Brie cheese contains protein, fat, and calcium, along with riboflavin and vitamin B12. Olives contain antioxidants that help with chronic inflammation and have been shown to help control the immune system.
Spreading creamy Brie onto your sourdough and topping with tender, salty olives is scrumptious enough, and when you try adding some herbs into the mix, you can unlock a heavenly combination that will have everyone talking.
10. Herb Jam
A great way to add more flavor to your sourdough bread is by drizzling herb jam over it. Smooth, rich, and aromatic, you can find jars of homemade herb jams at pretty much any grocery store these days.
Alternatively, you can make your own herb jam. For this, you can use any combination of fresh herbs that you like! The process may take a bit longer, but you will be surprised at how much flavor is infused into your finished jam.
11. Jam or Jelly
One of our favorite ways to enjoy sourdough is with jam or jelly as a topping. We love this combination because the sour flavor of the sourdough complements the sweetness from the fruit preserves perfectly. While you can buy jams and jellies at most stores, they are usually processed and not as fresh as the homemade versions.
12. Kimchi and Cheese
Kimchi is a traditional Korean side dish with a variety of flavors. We love kimchi because it adds texture and flavor to any bread, and sourdough is no exception!
The spiciness of the kimchi complements the melted cheese and crunchy toasted sourdough perfectly, making this snack perfect for any meal or a cheeky snack.Kimchi is easy to make at home, but if you're not feeling it this time around, you can always buy it at the store.
13. Mango & Hazelnut-Pepita Butter
Mango and hazelnut-pepita butter are two delicious toppings that pair nicely with sourdough bread. The combination of sweet mangoes paired with nutty hazelnuts creates a well-rounded flavor profile that will have you reaching for more.
14. Caprese Salad
The Caprese salad is another great topping for your sourdough bread. It's simple to make and tastes fresh and light.
Caprese is a classic Italian salad that usually consists of tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil. The basil and tomatoes are sweet and tangy, and the mozzarella adds just enough creaminess to make it feel like you’re eating something more substantial.
You can make this Caprese Salad Recipe from scratch or use store-bought ingredients for convenience. Either way, it's sure to impress your guests!
15. Mushroom and Caramelized Onions
If you want to warm up your sourdough and add a little bit of spice and zing to it, consider adding mushrooms with caramelized onions.
You can fry the mushrooms in a pan, browning them for about five minutes. Add some sugar and water to caramelize the onions, allowing them to stew for about five minutes afterward. Finally, add the mushrooms and onions to top sourdough bread slices with some extra seasoning.
16. Neufchâtel Cheese & Ripe Figs
A tried and true pair, Neufchâtel cheese and ripe figs are the secrets to sweet and tasty sourdough bread. The figs will add a delicate sweetness to the bread, while the cheese adds a rich, nutty flavor.
Neufchâtel cheese is a creamy French cheese with a firm texture that melts well, making it perfect for sourdough loaves. Ripe figs add sweetness and moisture to the loaf while providing antioxidants, fiber, calcium, potassium, iron, and certain B vitamins. We love this combination because the sweetness of the figs goes well with the tangy flavors in the bread.
17. Peanut Butter
We're sure you've heard the saying before: "You really can't go wrong with peanut butter." This is definitely true, especially when paired with crunchy, toasted sourdough bread. It's a classic sandwich spread that brings out the kid in everyone.
Spread a thin layer of peanut butter over your sourdough for a simple but hearty snack that you can enjoy any time of the day. For those of you with allergies, try sunflower seed butter!
18. Roasted Tomatoes and Kale
Cherry tomatoes and kale are a classic pairing that makes a great sourdough bread topping. Fresh from the garden, cherry tomatoes smell fresh and fruity but often don't taste as good as they smell. However, roasting them can give them a more focused flavor that really complements sourdough.
If you like, you can drizzle olive oil and add herbs and seasonings to your liking. But really, the only thing you need is a hot oven and a few minutes of roasting time.
19. Sautéed Mushrooms & Mushroom Cream
Sautéed mushrooms and mushroom cream is another classic pairing that makes a great sourdough bread topping. The subtle, earthy flavor of the mushrooms rounds out the sourdough bread and makes it taste even more delicious.
Sautéed mushrooms are simple to prepare, but they can be a bit time-consuming. However, they have many health benefits and are very low in calories. They contain fiber, minerals, and vitamins, which help you stay healthy by keeping your blood sugar stable and helping you sleep at night.
20. Mayonnaise, Tomato, Chives, and Sesame Seeds
Topping your sourdough with a mixture of mayonnaise, tomato, and chives makes for a simple yet delicious topping. Little sesame seeds sprinkled over top add a nice crunch. Spread about a spoonful of mayonnaise to cover the whole surface, and add a touch of lemon juice and salt. Slice tomatoes into small pieces and arrange them over the mayonnaise. Sprinkle with chives and then some sesame seeds. Finally, season with more salt and pepper.
21. Greek Sourdough Bread Topping
This traditional Greek topping puts the kick into any slice of sourdough. This topping is not just notoriously delicious but also easy to make. In a bowl, combine sliced olives, cucumbers, tomatoes, and chopped dill with some capers for a mixture that will leave you begging for more.
Drizzle olive oil over the top, then add salt and pepper to taste. Spoon over toast and top with crumbled feta cheese for a tasty treat! Garnish with dill sprigs and ground black pepper for an extra kick.
The Takeaway For What Goes Great on Sourdough Bread:
Sourdough bread, celebrated for its rich taste and sourdough bread benefits, has been a favorite choice for ages. Whether you're craving butter, jam , cheese, baked beans, or even marmalade, sourdough bread can be adorned with an array of your favorite toppings. Making sourdough bread extra delectable isn't too challenging, and with our list, you can whip up an assortment of appetizers to delight your friends and family.
