Is there anything more satisfying, comforting and classic than a sourdough loaf? That crackly crust, that chewy crumb and that unmistakable tang. But once you’ve mastered the basics, it’s hard not to start wondering what else you can fold into the dough – and as it turns out, almost anything is fair game.
The internet has gone berserk as of late with what they call 'sourdough inclusions' – i.e. recipes that bring just about any kind of novelty ingredient into the fold (pun intended). Chilli crunch and roasted garlic can push a loaf firmly into savoury territory, while cinnamon sugar, chocolate or pumpkin can transform it into something that feels suspiciously close to dessert. Then there are the less obvious additions – matcha, gochujang, blue spirulina – that bring unexpected colour and flavour to a familiar recipe too.
Whether you’re looking for something to serve at brunch, tear into alongside dinner or simply make your weekly bake a little more interesting, consider this your inspiration. Below, we’ve rounded up some of the most delicious – and unexpected – sourdough and sourdough inclusion recipes worth trying next.
1. Jalapeño Cheddar Sourdough Bread
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A savoury twist on the classic sourdough loaf, this crowd-pleasing recipe folds sharp cheddar and fiery jalapeños through a beautifully chewy, golden-crusted bread.
2. Cinnamon Raisin Swirl Sourdough
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Think classic sourdough with a sweeter side: plump raisins, ribbons of buttery cinnamon sugar and a deeply golden crust make this loaf especially hard to resist.
3. Matcha Swirl Sourdough
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A striking two-tone loaf with an earthy edge, this matcha sourdough pairs a crisp crust and airy crumb with delicate green tea notes, best served simply with butter and honey.
4. Basil Pesto Mozzarella Sourdough
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Pesto and mozzarella are folded through tangy sourdough for an Italian-inspired loaf that’s fragrant with basil, rich with melted cheese and made for tearing apart while still warm.
5. Pumpkin Cinnamon Swirl Sourdough
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Pumpkin purée, maple syrup and warming spices give this autumnal sourdough its signature sweetness, finished with a cinnamon-sugar swirl that takes it firmly into cinnamon-roll territory.
6. Blueberry Cream Cheese Sourdough
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Fresh blueberries and pockets of cream cheese bring a tart, creamy contrast to this pillowy sourdough loaf – a savoury-leaning bake that feels particularly at home on the brunch table.
7. Chocolate Sourdough Brownie
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Somewhere between a loaf and dessert, this chocolate sourdough combines a cocoa-rich crumb with pockets of melted chocolate for a deeply indulgent take on the everyday bake.
8. Coffee and Chocolate Sourdough
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Brewed coffee, dark cocoa and molasses lend this high-hydration sourdough a rich, roasty depth, while chocolate chips bring just enough sweetness to balance its more grown-up flavour profile.
9. Spicy Garlic Cheese Bread
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Spicy, cheesy and unapologetically savoury, this sourdough packs chilli crunch, roasted garlic, mozzarella and parmesan into every bite for a loaf with serious flavour.
10. Spinach and Feta Sourdough
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Spinach gives this sourdough its vibrant green crumb and subtle savoury flavour, punctuated by generous pockets of salty feta and a hint of warming spice.
11. Cranberry and Walnut Sourdough
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Tart cranberries and toasted walnuts bring sweetness, crunch and a distinctly festive feel to this rustic sourdough, made with whole spelt flour for an extra layer of nutty depth.
12. Blue Spirulina and Turmeric Sourdough
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13. Paprika Sourdough
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Sweet and smoked paprika bring warmth, colour and a gentle savoury depth to this ultra-high-hydration sourdough, with an open, airy crumb at its heart.
14. Gochujang Sourdough
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A punchy Korean-inspired spin on sourdough, gochujang brings a savoury mix of chilli, sweetness and fermented umami to the loaf, with just enough heat to keep things interesting.
