The Ultimate Guide: What to Serve with Sourdough Bread
Transform your sourdough bread into memorable meals with these delicious pairings! Whether you’re craving a comforting soup or a protein-rich meal, these recipes showcase what to serve with sourdough bread.
There’s nothing quite like the aroma of freshly baked sourdough bread filling your home. With its crispy crust and tender, chewy interior, sourdough has become a staple in our kitchen for good reason. But once you’ve mastered your sourdough starter and baked the perfect artisan loaf, what’s the best way to enjoy it? While butter is always delicious, there are countless creative and flavorful options that pair beautifully with sourdough’s distinct tangy flavor.
Whether you’re planning a cozy family dinner, preparing a quick lunch, or looking for ways to use that day-old bread, I’ve compiled my favorite recipes that perfectly complement sourdough. From hearty soups that welcome a crusty slice for dipping to protein-packed main dishes that transform simple toast into a satisfying meal, these pairings celebrate the versatility of homemade sourdough while creating nourishing, comforting dishes your family will request again and again.
The tangy taste of sourdough bread pairs wonderfully with these 14 recipes, creating a perfect way to enjoy your delicious sourdough bread.
Why You’ll Love These Recipes
- Perfectly complementary flavors that enhance sourdough’s natural tanginess and showcase its delicious texture, whether you’re dipping, spreading, or using your bread to soak up flavorful sauces and broths—truly the best way to enjoy fresh sourdough bread.
- Family-friendly options that appeal to everyone at the table while still providing nourishing, wholesome ingredients that make mealtimes special and satisfy everyone’s taste buds with these delicious recipes.
- Versatile pairings for every occasion, from quick weeknight dinners to leisurely weekend brunches, ensuring your homemade sourdough bread never goes to waste and becomes a great base for countless meals.
- Seasonal varieties that work year-round, including warming soups for winter evenings and hearty main dishes for special occasion dinners, all enhanced by the distinct flavor of sourdough’s chewy texture.
What Is Sourdough Bread?
Sourdough bread is an ancient form of bread made through the natural fermentation process using wild yeast and beneficial bacteria. Unlike conventional bread, which relies on commercial yeast, sourdough depends on a living, active starter that gives the bread its distinctive tangy flavor, chewy texture, and remarkable keeping qualities. The fermentation process breaks down gluten and phytic acid, making sourdough the healthiest bread option that’s more digestible and nutritionally available than regular white bread for many people.
What makes sourdough truly special is its complex flavor profile that develops during the long fermentation period. This process creates a loaf of sourdough bread with a crispy, crackling crust and a tender interior with open, airy pockets.
The tangy taste pairs beautifully with both savory and sweet companions, making it an incredibly versatile foundation for countless meals. Whether freshly baked or a few days old, sourdough’s robust character stands up to hearty soups, holds spreadable toppings without getting soggy, and transforms into delicious sourdough toast that’s leagues beyond what you’d achieve with regular bread from the grocery store. Many people with sweet tooth even prefer sourdough with peanut butter or almond butter, as the tanginess creates a perfect balance of flavors.
9 Delicious Soups To Serve With Sourdough Bread
1. Autumn Minestrone Soup
This hearty vegetable minestrone soup is the perfect companion for a slice of sourdough bread. Packed with seasonal favorites like butternut squash, sweet potatoes, and kale, this nourishing soup creates a complete meal when paired with sourdough bread for dipping. The bread’s tangy flavor balances the rich, savory broth while soaking up all those delicious vegetable flavors. Top with freshly grated parmesan cheese for an extra special touch.
2. Protein-Rich Loaded Potato Soup
When the weather turns chilly, nothing beats dipping sourdough into this creamy loaded potato soup. The protein from chicken and cottage cheese makes this soup substantial and satisfying, while the bread adds a wonderful texture contrast. Tear off a piece of sourdough to soak up every last drop of this comforting soup! The cheddar cheese topping creates a wonderful flavor combination with the tanginess of the bread.
3. Butternut Squash Carrot Soup
The sweet, earthy flavors of butternut squash and carrots in this silky soup perfectly contrast with the tanginess of sourdough. The soup’s velvety texture and the bread’s chewy texture make for a satisfying meal celebrating fall flavors. A drizzle of olive oil on the sourdough before serving adds the perfect finishing touch.
4. Tomato Bisque
This creamy, aromatic tomato soup practically begs for a chunk of sourdough bread. The soup’s rich, slightly sweet tomato flavor perfectly complements the bread’s tanginess. Dunk a slice of bread or serve it alongside a sourdough cheese sandwich for the ultimate comfort food experience—far superior to anything from the grocery store.
5. Chipotle Chicken Soup
Add some southwestern flair to your sourdough by pairing it with this smoky chipotle chicken soup. The bread mellows the subtle heat while soaking up the flavorful broth. Tear off chunks of sourdough to enjoy with each spoonful of this protein-packed soup for a satisfying meal. Garnish with fresh herbs like cilantro for an extra pop of flavor.
6. One-Pot Beef & Kale Tortellini Soup
This hearty beef and kale tortellini soup pairs wonderfully with sourdough bread. The soup’s savory broth, tender tortellini, and nutritious kale create a satisfying meal, especially when accompanied by fresh sourdough bread for dipping. The bread adds substance and helps soak up every last bit of flavor, making it a perfect way to enjoy both dishes.
7. Gluten-Free Chicken Noodle Soup
This veggie-packed chicken noodle soup is the perfect companion for a crusty sourdough loaf. The soup’s nourishing broth and tender vegetables create a wholesome meal when paired with tangy sourdough. The contrast between the soup’s hearty ingredients and the bread’s chewy texture makes for a satisfying dinner. Sprinkle with black pepper and fresh herbs to enhance the flavors.
8. Chicken Tortilla Soup
Ready in under 30 minutes, this flavorful chicken tortilla soup pairs beautifully with sourdough bread. The bread’s texture and flavor complement the soup’s Mexican-inspired seasonings and tender chicken. Use your sourdough to soak up the savory broth or as a side to round out this quick weeknight meal. The contrasting textures make this a delicious way to enjoy both!
9. Cheeseburger Soup
This hearty cheeseburger soup transforms the flavors of a classic burger into a comforting bowl that’s perfect with sourdough bread. The bread’s tanginess cuts through the richness of the melted cheese and savory ground beef. Use thick slices of sourdough to dip or serve alongside for a complete meal that will satisfy the whole family. Top with crispy bacon for an extra special touch!
5 Hearty Dishes To Enjoy With Sourdough
1. Healthy Green Bean Casserole
Serve this upgraded green bean casserole alongside slices of sourdough bread for a complete holiday meal or a special occasion dinner. The bread is perfect for scooping up any remaining creamy mushroom sauce, and its tangy flavor cuts through the richness of the casserole beautifully. This is one of our favorite recipes for holiday gatherings!
2. White Bean Turkey Chili
This delicious white bean turkey chili is the perfect match for a thick slice of sourdough bread. The creamy texture of the cream cheese pairs beautifully with the bread’s tanginess, while the hearty beans and turkey make for a filling meal. Use your sourdough to scoop up every last spoonful or tear off pieces to dip directly into the chili. Garnish with a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the flavors!
3. Hidden Veggie Sloppy Joes
These nutrient-packed sloppy joes take on a whole new dimension when served with thick slices of sourdough bread instead of traditional buns. The bread’s chewy texture and tangy flavor stand up beautifully to the rich, savory filling, while adding complexity to each bite. The contrast between the sweet-savory meat mixture and the slightly sour bread creates a perfect balance. Plus, the sturdy structure of sourdough means less soggy sandwiches!
4. Fall-Apart Slow Cooker Roast
This tender, melt-in-your-mouth slow cooker roast creates the perfect opportunity to showcase your sourdough bread. Serve thick slices alongside to soak up the rich, flavorful gravy, or use your bread to create open-faced sandwiches with slices of the roast beef. The bread’s tanginess cuts through the richness of the meat, creating a balanced bite every time. For an easy weeknight dinner, nothing beats this delicious spread with sourdough on the side!
5. Pumpkin Sweet Potato Chili
The natural sweetness of pumpkin and sweet potato in this hearty chili creates a wonderful contrast with the sourdough’s tanginess. The bread’s sturdy texture is perfect for scooping up this thick, flavorful chili. For an extra special meal, hollow out a small sourdough loaf to create an edible bread bowl! This is one of our favorite ways to serve chili during the fall season.
3 Creative Ways To Use Leftover Sourdough Bread
1. Sourdough Croutons
Don’t let stale bread go to waste! Cut your day-old sourdough into cubes, toss with olive oil, garlic butter, and fresh herbs, then bake until golden brown.
These flavorful sourdough croutons add wonderful texture to soups and salads. They’re a great way to use leftover sourdough bread!
2. Sourdough Bread Pudding
Transform leftover sourdough into a delicious dessert by creating a sweet bread pudding. The bread’s natural tanginess adds complexity to this comforting treat. Soak cubed sourdough in a mixture of eggs, milk, vanilla, and cinnamon, then bake until golden and set. Perfect for those with a sweet tooth!
3. Sourdough French Toast
Day-old sourdough makes exceptional French toast! The bread’s sturdiness holds up well to the egg mixture without becoming soggy, while its tangy flavor adds an interesting dimension to this breakfast classic. Serve with maple syrup and fresh berries for a special morning treat. This is our favorite way to use sourdough that’s a few days old!
Sourdough Serving Tips
- When serving sourdough with soups, slice it thickly (about 1-inch slices) so it can hold up to dipping without falling apart.
- For toast, slice your sourdough a bit thinner (about ½-inch) for the perfect balance of crispy exterior and chewy interior.
- Day-old sourdough often makes better toast than fresh bread, as it has slightly less moisture.
- To revive a loaf that’s gone too hard, run it quickly under water and then bake in a 350°F oven for 5-10 minutes until the crust is crispy again.
- Store your sourdough properly (in a bread box or paper bag, never plastic) to extend its life and preserve its texture.
- Bring your sourdough to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.
