12 Unique Types of Sourdough Bread You Can Bake Today!

Sourdough bread has become a beloved staple in many households, known for its distinct flavor, chewy texture, and the unique process of fermentation that sets it apart from other bread varieties.

While the classic sourdough is a timeless favorite, there’s a world of possibilities when it comes to experimenting with flavors, shapes, and ingredients.

In this blog, we’ll explore 12 unique types of sourdough bread that you can bake today, each offering a delightful twist to the traditional recipe.

1. Classic Sourdough

Let’s start with the basics – the classic sourdough. This timeless bread is made with a simple yet fancy mix of flour, water, salt, and naturally occurring wild yeast. The fermentation process gives the bread its signature tangy taste and chewy crust.

Classic sourdough is like a blank canvas for trying out different things, setting the stage for a bunch of sourdough variations.

Here is the Step-by-Step recipe that you can try now.

Ingredients:

• 500g all-purpose flour
• 350g water (room temperature)
• 100g active sourdough starter
• 10g salt

Instructions:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and water, stirring until just combined.
2. Add the sourdough starter and salt, mixing thoroughly to form a sticky dough.
3. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 10-15 minutes or until it becomes smooth and elastic.
4. Place the dough back into the bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise at room temperature for 4-6 hours, or until doubled in size.
5. Shape the dough into a round loaf, place it in a floured proofing basket, and let it rise for another 2-4 hours.
6. Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Transfer the dough to a preheated Dutch oven and bake for 30 minutes with the lid on, then remove the lid and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.

2. Whole Wheat Sourdough

If you’re looking for a heartier and nuttier flavor, go for whole wheat sourdough. By adding whole wheat flour to the dough, this version brings more depth and a slightly denser texture to the bread.

Whole wheat sourdough isn’t just tasty, it’s also a bit healthier, offering a wholesome alternative to the traditional white flour version.

Here is the Step-by-Step recipe that you can try now.

Ingredients:

• 400g whole wheat flour
• 100g all-purpose flour
• 350g water (room temperature)
• 100g active sourdough starter
• 10g salt

Instructions:

1. Mix the whole wheat and all-purpose flour in a large bowl.
2. Add water and sourdough starter, stirring until well combined.
3. Incorporate the salt, kneading the dough for 10-15 minutes until smooth.
4. Allow the dough to rise in a covered bowl at room temperature for 6-8 hours, or until it doubles in size.
5. Shape the dough into a round, proof it for an additional 3-4 hours, and then bake in a preheated oven at 450°F (230°C) for 30-35 minutes.

3. Rye Sourdough

Rye flour gives sourdough a unique earthy and robust essence, creating what we call rye sourdough. This type of bread often has a darker color and a bolder flavor compared to other types.

Rye sourdough fans love its distinctive taste and how versatile it is, making it a top pick for both sweet and savory toppings.

Here is the Step-by-Step recipe that you can try now.

Ingredients:

• 300g rye flour
• 200g all-purpose flour
• 350g water (room temperature)
• 100g active sourdough starter
• 10g salt

Instructions:

1. Combine rye and all-purpose flour in a mixing bowl.
2. Mix in water and sourdough starter until a sticky dough forms.
3. Add salt and knead the dough for 15-20 minutes until smooth.
4. Allow the dough to rise in a covered bowl at room temperature for 8-10 hours, or until it doubles in size.
5. Shape the dough, proof it for an additional 4-6 hours, and bake in a preheated oven at 450°F (230°C) for 40-45 minutes.

4. Multigrain Sourdough

Take your sourdough game up a notch with the delightful complexity of multigrain sourdough. This version mixes a variety of grains like oats, seeds, and cracked wheat into the dough, creating a mix of textures and flavors.

Multigrain sourdough not only looks appealing with its speckled appearance but also gives you a hearty eating experience, making it a nutritious choice for any meal.

Here is the Step-by-Step recipe that you can try now.

Ingredients:

• 400g bread flour
• 100g whole wheat flour
• 50g oats
• 50g seeds (e.g., sunflower, flax, sesame)
• 350g water (room temperature)
• 100g active sourdough starter
• 10g salt

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine bread flour, whole wheat flour, oats, and seeds.
2. Mix in water and sourdough starter until well incorporated.
3. Add salt and knead the dough for 15-20 minutes until it reaches a smooth consistency.
4. Allow the dough to rise in a covered bowl at room temperature for 6-8 hours.
5. Shape the dough, proof it for an additional 3-4 hours, and bake in a preheated oven at 450°F (230°C) for 35-40 minutes.

5. Garlic and Rosemary Sourdough

Infuse your sourdough with the robust flavors of garlic and the aromatic essence of rosemary in this enticing recipe. Elevate your baking experience with a savory twist that brings a delightful burst of taste to each slice.

The combination of minced garlic and fresh rosemary creates a symphony of flavors that pairs exceptionally well with a variety of dishes, from salads to charcuterie boards.

Here is the step-by-step recipe for you to try:

Ingredients

• 500g bread flour
• 350g water (room temperature)
• 100g active sourdough starter
• 10g salt
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped

Instructions

1. In a mixing bowl, combine bread flour, water, and active sourdough starter until well blended.
2. Add salt, minced garlic, and chopped rosemary to the mixture. Knead the dough for 15-20 minutes or until it reaches a smooth consistency.
3. Allow the dough to rise in a covered bowl at room temperature for 4-6 hours, letting the flavors meld and the dough double in size.
4. Shape the dough into your desired form, proofing for an additional 2-3 hours until it expands further.
5. Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Place the shaped dough in the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes or until the crust achieves a golden-brown perfection.

6. Cranberry Walnut Sourdough

If you have a sweet tooth, cranberry walnut sourdough is a tasty mix of tartness and nuttiness. Dried cranberries bring a burst of sweetness, while the crunch of walnuts adds a delightful contrast in texture.

This sweet and savory combo makes cranberry walnut sourdough a versatile choice, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a delightful afternoon snack.

Here is the Step-by-Step recipe that you can try now.

Ingredients:

• 400g bread flour
• 100g all-purpose flour
• 350g water (room temperature)
• 100g active sourdough starter
• 10g salt
• 150g dried cranberries
• 100g walnuts, chopped

Instructions:

1. Combine bread flour, all-purpose flour, water, and sourdough starter in a bowl.
2. Mix in salt, cranberries, and walnuts, kneading the dough for 15-20 minutes until it becomes smooth.
3. Allow the dough to rise in a covered bowl at room temperature for 6-8 hours.
4. Shape the dough, proof it for an additional 3-4 hours, and bake in a preheated oven at 450°F (230°C) for 30-35 minutes.

7. Cheese and Herb Sourdough

Treat your taste buds to a mix of savory goodness with our Cheese and Herb Sourdough. This version puts a savory spin on traditional sourdough by adding loads of shredded cheese and a blend of fresh herbs.

The outcome? A bread that’s packed with the rich taste of creamy cheese and aromatic herbs, perfect to pair with soups, salads, or just enjoy by itself.

Here is a step-by-step recipe for you to try out.

Ingredients:

• 500g bread flour
• 350g water (room temperature)
• 100g active sourdough starter
• 10g salt
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Gruyère, or your choice)
• 2 tbsp fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, or a mix)

Instructions:

1. Combine bread flour, water, and sourdough starter in a bowl until a sticky dough forms.
2. Mix in salt, shredded cheese, and fresh herbs, kneading for 15-20 minutes until the dough is smooth.
3. Allow the dough to rise in a covered bowl at room temperature for 4-6 hours.
4. Shape the dough, proof it for an additional 2-3 hours, and bake in a preheated oven at 450°F (230°C) for 35-40 minutes.

8. Spiced Pumpkin Sourdough

Embrace the flavors of fall with our Spiced Pumpkin Sourdough. This seasonal delight combines the warmth of pumpkin puree with a mix of aromatic spices, creating a bread that’s all about comfort and nostalgia.

The subtle sweetness of pumpkin, combined with cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, makes this sourdough an ideal choice for autumn mornings or festive gatherings.

Here is a step-by-step recipe for you to try out.

Ingredients

• 400g bread flour
• 100g whole wheat flour
• 350g water (room temperature)
• 100g active sourdough starter
• 10g salt
• 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp nutmeg
• 1/2 tsp ginger

Instructions

1. In a bowl, combine bread flour, whole wheat flour, water, and sourdough starter until well mixed.
2. Add salt, pumpkin puree, and spices, kneading the dough for 15-20 minutes until smooth.
3. Allow the dough to rise in a covered bowl at room temperature for 6-8 hours.
4. Shape the dough, proof it for an additional 3-4 hours, and bake in a preheated oven at 450°F (230°C) for 35-40 minutes.

9. Chocolate Chip Sourdough

Satisfy your sweet cravings with a fun twist on traditional sourdough – our Chocolate Chip Sourdough. This delightful version seamlessly blends the tanginess of sourdough with the sweetness of chocolate chips, creating a bread that can double as a dessert.

Enjoy it toasted with butter or use it to whip up decadent French toast for a breakfast treat that will surely please your taste buds.

Here is a step-by-step recipe for you to try out.

Ingredients:

• 400g bread flour
• 100g all-purpose flour
• 350g water (room temperature)
• 100g active sourdough starter
• 10g salt
• 1 cup chocolate chips

Instructions

1. Mix bread flour, all-purpose flour, water, and sourdough starter until a sticky dough forms.
2. Add salt and chocolate chips, kneading for 15-20 minutes until the dough becomes smooth.
3. Allow the dough to rise in a covered bowl at room temperature for 6-8 hours.
4. Shape the dough, proof it for an additional 3-4 hours, and bake in a preheated oven at 450°F (230°C) for 30-35 minutes.

10. Garlic Parmesan Sourdough

For those who love bold flavors, our Garlic Parmesan Sourdough is a savory delight. Infused with the robust taste of roasted garlic and the rich, salty notes of Parmesan cheese, this sourdough is a culinary masterpiece.

The golden-brown crust gives way to a soft, flavorful interior, making it a perfect choice for pairing with pasta, soups, or as the foundation for gourmet sandwiches.

Here is a step-by-step recipe for you to try out.

Ingredients

• 500g bread flour
• 350g water (room temperature)
• 100g active sourdough starter
• 10g salt
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. Combine bread flour, water, and sourdough starter in a bowl until a sticky dough forms.
2. Mix in salt, minced garlic, and grated Parmesan cheese, kneading for 15-20 minutes until the dough is smooth.
3. Allow the dough to rise in a covered bowl at room temperature for 4-6 hours.
4. Shape the dough, proof it for an additional 2-3 hours, and bake in a preheated oven at 450°F (230°C) for 35-40 minutes.

11. Seeded Sourdough

Take your sourdough experience up a notch with our Seeded Sourdough. This version incorporates a mix of seeds like sesame, poppy, and sunflower seeds, adding a delightful nuttiness and a satisfying crunch to every bite.

With a crispy crust and a seed-studded interior, this bread not only looks good but is also a wholesome and nutritious option.

Here is a step-by-step recipe for you to try out.

Ingredients:

• 400g bread flour
• 100g whole wheat flour
• 350g water (room temperature)
• 100g active sourdough starter
• 10g salt
• 1/2 cup mixed seeds (sunflower, flax, sesame)

Instructions

1. Mix bread flour, whole wheat flour, water, and sourdough starter until well combined.
2. Add salt and mixed seeds, kneading for 15-20 minutes until the dough is smooth.
3. Allow the dough to rise in a covered bowl at room temperature for 6-8 hours.
4. Shape the dough, proof it for an additional 3-4 hours, and bake in a preheated oven at 450°F (230°C) for 35-40 minutes.

12. Jalapeño Cheddar Sourdough

Spice things up with our Jalapeño Cheddar Sourdough. This variation combines the heat of jalapeños with the creamy goodness of cheddar cheese, resulting in a bread that’s both flavorful and addictive.

Whether enjoyed on its own, toasted with butter, or used as a base for gourmet sandwiches, this sourdough adds a zesty twist to your baking.

Here is a step-by-step recipe for you to try out.

Ingredients:

• 500g bread flour
• 350g water (room temperature)
• 100g active sourdough starter
• 10g salt
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 2-3 fresh jalapeños, diced

Instructions

1. Combine bread flour, water, and sourdough starter in a bowl until a sticky dough forms.
2. Mix in salt, shredded cheddar cheese, and diced jalapeños, kneading for 15-20 minutes until the dough is smooth.
3. Allow the dough to rise in a covered bowl at room temperature for 4-6 hours.
4. Shape the dough, proof it for an additional 2-3 hours, and bake in a preheated oven at 450°F (230°C) for 35-40 minutes.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the world of sourdough bread is a big and tasty journey that goes beyond the usual recipe. From the hearty Whole Wheat Sourdough to the strong-flavored Rye Sourdough, and the sweet treat of Cranberry Walnut or Chocolate Chip Sourdough, each version puts a unique spin on the classic favorite.

Whether you’re into the savory taste of Garlic Parmesan or the spicy kick of Jalapeño Cheddar, these various recipes show how flexible sourdough baking can be. Try new things, experiment with textures and flavors, and let your creativity shine in the kitchen as you enjoy a fun sourdough adventure. Happy baking!

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