16 Must-Try Sourdough Bread Flavors (With Quick Add Tips!)

Plain sourdough is amazing, but even the best loaf can get boring after a while. Many of us get so caught up in feeding schedules and crumb structure that we forget the fun part: playing with sourdough bread flavors!

Ready to spice things up? These sixteen flavor combinations will take your baking game to the next level. The testing is done for you – let’s figure out when to add ingredients, how to max out flavor, and what to pair each loaf with. From rosemary to chocolate hazelnut, these simple add-ins transform your everyday sourdough into something spectacular without sacrificing that artisanal quality you’ve worked so hard to nail.

Table of Contents

Rosemary Sourdough

Rosemary adds earthy, aromatic depth to sourdough bread with its Mediterranean herb profile. The essential oils infuse the bread with a savory herbaceous flavor that complements the sourdough’s natural tanginess.

For best results, add 1-2 tablespoons of finely chopped fresh rosemary during the second stretch and fold. Fresh rosemary works better than dried, creating a speckled appearance throughout the crumb. Warming olive oil with rosemary before adding it to the dough enhances the herb’s flavor in the finished bread.

Pairs well with olive oil for dipping or with fresh goat cheese. This herbed sourdough variation offers a flavorful alternative to traditional sourdough.

Cheddar Cheese Sourdough

Cheddar cheese adds richness and tanginess to sourdough bread, creating pockets of melted cheese throughout the loaf. The dairy enzymes in cheddar interact with the dough during baking, enhancing flavor development.

Use sharp cheddar cubes or shredded cheese folded into the dough before shaping for best results. The cheese’s melting point is ideal for sourdough baking, creating a cheesy crumb with distinctive flavor.

Works well for sandwiches or alongside soups. The cheesy sourdough provides more protein than regular bread and offers a more satisfying texture with its melty pockets.

Chocolate Chip Sourdough

Chocolate chip sourdough combines slight sweetness with rich cocoa notes that contrast beautifully with the bread’s natural sourness. The sugar crystals in chocolate chips create interesting texture variations in the final loaf.

Add dark chocolate chips after bulk fermentation for gooey swirls throughout the bread. The cocoa content provides depth of flavor without excessive sweetness, making this a sophisticated take on dessert bread.

Can be served as breakfast toast with butter or as an afternoon snack. The chocolate provides antioxidants while the sourdough base keeps it from becoming overly sweet.

Fig and Walnut Sourdough

Fig and walnut sourdough combines earthy crunch with jammy sweetness. The dried fruit adds natural sugars while toasted nuts provide textural contrast and healthy fats.

Soak chopped figs to soften them, toast walnuts to enhance flavor, and add both during lamination. The fig seeds create interesting texture points throughout the loaf while complementing the nutty elements.

Pairs well with cheese boards or morning toast with butter. The fig and walnut sourdough offers a nutritious option with balanced sweetness from natural fruit sugars.

Jalapeño and Cheddar Sourdough

Jalapeño and cheddar sourdough delivers a spicy and bold flavor profile. The capsaicin in jalapeños provides heat while cheddar adds richness and tang to balance the spiciness.

Use pickled jalapeños for milder heat and even moisture distribution throughout the dough. Combine with cheddar cheese during shaping for ideal distribution of both ingredients.

Makes excellent toast for breakfast with eggs or as a base for sandwiches. The pepper bread provides a distinctive kick without overwhelming the natural sourdough flavor.

Related: Yummy And Easy Sourdough Cheddar Biscuits

Lemon and Thyme Sourdough

Lemon and thyme sourdough offers a bright, zesty flavor with herbal notes. The citrus zest provides freshness while thyme adds aromatic complexity through its essential oils.

Use lemon zest and a pinch of fresh thyme folded in during early fermentation for even distribution. The citrus compounds integrate well with the sourdough’s natural acidity, creating a harmonious flavor profile.

Pairs well with soups, fish dishes, or simple butter. The lemon sourdough provides a refreshing alternative to more commonly found flavored breads.

Roasted Garlic Sourdough

Roasted garlic sourdough features deep, savory umami with caramelized garlic notes. The allicin compounds in garlic transform during roasting, developing sweetness and complexity.

Roast garlic until golden, mash into a paste, and spread during shaping for even distribution. The roasted garlic paste integrates seamlessly, creating a consistent savory flavor throughout the loaf. Makes excellent toast, croutons, or accompaniment to pasta dishes.

Apple Cinnamon Sourdough

Apple cinnamon sourdough combines sweet, spiced flavors with the tang of sourdough. The pectin in apples affects texture while cinnamon adds warmth and aromatic complexity.

Use diced apples tossed in cinnamon-sugar and fold them late in bulk fermentation. This prevents excessive moisture from disturbing fermentation while ensuring the apples retain their shape. Makes great breakfast toast or dessert base. 

Honey Oat Sourdough

Honey oat sourdough is soft, slightly sweet, and nutty—perfect for everyday bread. The oats add fiber and texture while raw honey provides natural sugars and antimicrobial properties.

Add honey during initial mixing, then top the loaf with rolled oats before baking for visual appeal and texture. The natural sugars in honey help achieve better browning while complementing the sourdough tang. Makes excellent sandwich loaves or morning toast. 

Olive & Herb Sourdough

Olive and herb sourdough features briny, savory flavors with Mediterranean character. The olives provide a meaty texture and salt content, while herbs add aromatic complexity.

Pat dry chopped kalamata olives to prevent soggy dough, then incorporate during shaping. The brine from olives impacts fermentation, so adjusting salt in the base recipe is recommended. Pairs well with antipasti platters or olive oil for dipping. 

Pumpkin Spice Sourdough

Pumpkin spice sourdough delivers cozy, seasonal flavor with earthy undertones. The pumpkin provides moisture and natural sweetness while spices add warmth and complexity.

Replace a portion of water with pumpkin puree and add the spice mix during initial mixing. The nutmeg, cinnamon, and clove integrate throughout fermentation, developing a cohesive flavor profile. 

Related: Pumpkin Spice Sourdough: A Fall-Inspired Bread

Rye Caraway Sourdough

Rye caraway sourdough creates a deep, hearty loaf with traditional character. The rye flour adds a distinctive tang while caraway provides a warm, anise-like aroma that complements the whole grain flavor.

Use 30% rye flour and add caraway seeds during the final mix for ideal distribution. The whole grain content impacts fermentation, often requiring slightly longer proof times. Perfect for sandwiches or alongside soups. 

Orange Cranberry Sourdough

Orange cranberry sourdough combines tart and vibrant flavors that contrast with the sour base. The citrus oils from orange zest provide bright notes while dried cranberries add texture and tang.

Soak cranberries to soften, then fold in with orange zest at the end of bulk fermentation. The ascorbic acid in both ingredients can affect fermentation, so timing their addition is important. Works well for holiday tables or morning toast. 

Hazelnut and Chocolate Sourdough

Hazelnut and chocolate sourdough creates a decadent mix of crunch and rich flavor. The fat content in hazelnuts adds moisture while chocolate provides a bittersweet contrast to the tangy base.

Use toasted hazelnuts and chocolate chunks added during lamination for even distribution. Toasting the nuts enhances their flavor while preventing them from becoming soft during baking. Can be served as a special breakfast or afternoon treat. 

Sun-Dried Tomato & Basil Sourdough

Sun-dried tomato and basil sourdough delivers bold flavor with intense umami and herbal aroma. The dried tomatoes provide concentrated flavor while Italian herbs add aromatic complexity.

Chop and blot tomatoes to remove excess oil, then fold with fresh basil just before shaping. This timing preserves the basil’s flavor while allowing the tomato umami to permeate the dough. Pairs excellently with Mediterranean dishes or simple olive oil. 

Matcha White Chocolate Sourdough

Matcha white chocolate sourdough combines earthy green tea flavor with a sweet creamy contrast. The matcha provides antioxidants and a distinctive color while white chocolate adds rich sweetness.

Sift matcha into flour during mixing, then fold in chopped white chocolate late in bulk fermentation. This method ensures even distribution of the matcha powder while preserving the chocolate chunks. Makes a unique breakfast or afternoon treat. 

Flavors to Transform Your Bread Game

These sixteen flavor variations transform ordinary sourdough into extraordinary culinary experiences. The science-based techniques ensure perfect results every time, whether infusing oils with herbs or timing additions for optimal fermentation. Each variation comes with specific pairing suggestions to elevate your dining experience. These recipes maintain sourdough’s distinctive character while offering endless customization possibilities. Your next signature loaf awaits – which flavor adventure will you choose first?

FAQs – Must-Try Sourdough Bread Flavors