Sourdough Loaf Flavors: 37 Creative Ideas to Bake
A master sourdough loaf recipe with 37 creative flavor variations — from savory classics like jalapeño cheddar to sweet options like cinnamon raisin. Includes mix-in timing and hydration tips for perfect texture every time.
Equipment
- Dutch oven
- Banneton basket
- Mixing bowl
- Kitchen scale
- Bread lame
- Parchment paper
Ingredients
Base Sourdough Dough
- 500 g bread flour
- 350 g water
- 100 g active sourdough starter
- 10 g salt
Flavor Add-Ins (Choose 1 Combination Per Loaf)
- Add 75–150 g total inclusions depending on type.
- Savory Options:
- 100 g shredded cheddar cheese
- 1–2 chopped jalapeños
- 2 tbsp chopped rosemary
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes
- ½ cup chopped olives
- 1 tbsp everything bagel seasoning
- ½ cup caramelized onions
- 75 g grated parmesan
- ½ cup roasted garlic cloves
- Sweet Options:
- ½ cup raisins
- ½ cup dried cranberries
- ½ cup chopped apples (lightly dried)
- ¼ cup honey
- ½ cup chocolate chips
- ½ cup blueberries (fresh or dried)
- ½ cup chopped walnuts
- 1 tbsp cinnamon
- Zest of 1 orange
Instructions
- Mix flour and water until no dry spots remain. Rest 30 minutes (autolyse).
- Add sourdough starter and salt. Mix until combined.
- Perform 3–4 stretch-and-folds over 2 hours.
- Add chosen flavor inclusions during the second stretch-and-fold.
- Bulk ferment until dough increases by 30–50%.
- Shape into boule or batard and place in banneton.
- Cold proof 8–12 hours.
- Preheat Dutch oven to 475°F (245°C).
- Score dough and bake covered 25 minutes.
- Bake uncovered 20 minutes until deeply golden.
- Cool completely before slicing.
Notes
Flavor Variation Ideas (37 Total):
Savory:
Jalapeño Cheddar, Rosemary Sea Salt, Garlic Parmesan, Sun-Dried Tomato & Mozzarella, Olive & Thyme, White Cheddar & Dill, Roasted Garlic & Asiago, Black Pepper & Gruyère, Caramelized Onion & Swiss, Everything Bagel, Tomato Basil, Roasted Red Pepper & Feta, Honey & Black Pepper, Parmesan & Fennel, Sesame & Lemon, Blue Cheese & Walnut, Cheddar & Chive. Sweet:
Cinnamon Raisin, Cranberry Orange, Apple Cinnamon, Honey Walnut, Maple Pecan, Chocolate Chip, Blueberry Lemon, Brown Sugar & Cardamom, Fig & Honey, Pumpkin Spice & Pecan, Cranberry White Chocolate, Dark Chocolate & Orange, Lemon Blueberry, Honey Lavender, Pistachio & Raspberry, Fig & Goat Cheese (sweet-savory), Dark Chocolate & Sea Salt. Tip:
Add inclusions during stretch-and-fold. Reduce hydration slightly for high-moisture ingredients.
Jalapeño Cheddar, Rosemary Sea Salt, Garlic Parmesan, Sun-Dried Tomato & Mozzarella, Olive & Thyme, White Cheddar & Dill, Roasted Garlic & Asiago, Black Pepper & Gruyère, Caramelized Onion & Swiss, Everything Bagel, Tomato Basil, Roasted Red Pepper & Feta, Honey & Black Pepper, Parmesan & Fennel, Sesame & Lemon, Blue Cheese & Walnut, Cheddar & Chive. Sweet:
Cinnamon Raisin, Cranberry Orange, Apple Cinnamon, Honey Walnut, Maple Pecan, Chocolate Chip, Blueberry Lemon, Brown Sugar & Cardamom, Fig & Honey, Pumpkin Spice & Pecan, Cranberry White Chocolate, Dark Chocolate & Orange, Lemon Blueberry, Honey Lavender, Pistachio & Raspberry, Fig & Goat Cheese (sweet-savory), Dark Chocolate & Sea Salt. Tip:
Add inclusions during stretch-and-fold. Reduce hydration slightly for high-moisture ingredients.