Sweet and Savory Sourdough Inclusions Ideas

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When I first wrote this post, I had nooooo idea how controversial the topic of Sourdough Inclusion was. Apparently you can fall into one of two camps. The people who enjoy adding inclusions to their sourdough and the people who only think you should have plain sourdough and use the inclusions are toppings. Clearly, I love experimenting with sourdough, so if you think that all sourdough bread should be plain, these recipes are not for you 🙂

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My favorite Artisan Sourdough Bread Recipe

These inclusions can typically be added to any sourdough bread recipe. The mix ins you see below are to give you inspiration. All of these inclusions were added with my Artisan Sourdough Bread recipe, so if you need an easy sourdough bread recipe that gives consistent crunchy crust, is easy to score, and has a beeeeautiful crumb, I got ya.

What is a sourdough inclusion?

Inclusions are basically flavor editions that you can add to your sourdough bread. A sourdough inclusion is any ingredient added to the dough after the initial mixing but before the final shaping to enhance flavor, texture, or appearance. 

These additions can affect hydration and baking time, So there is a bit of experimenting that is involved when trying to find delicious inclusions for your sourdough.  but don’t let that stop you! exclusions are such a fun way to add your own creative Spin and unique flavor combinations to your sourdough.

Tools You’ll Need

Bread Lame

Having a sharp bread lame (I have this one) is the number one factor in having a beautifully scored bread for gift giving.  If you need some ideas on easy and fun scoring patterns for sourdough check out this blog here.

Dutch Oven

I am a huge Lodge fan.  My Lodge dutch oven has lasted  many years and still looks brand new.  Another option if you don’t have a dutch oven is to try open-baking on a pizza stone like this one.  just make sure to add some ice or water to seal in Steam when you put the bread in the oven.

Banneton Basket

There are so many bannaton basket options online. These are the ones that I use.  I also will use a small glass bowl and cotton  muslin towels as well when I’m baking lots of bread

Mixing Bowl

A large mixing bowl is such a handy tool for mixing the bread, stretching and folding, and  it and letting it rise.

Bread Scraper

I don’t think that I could add inclusions to bread without this handy bread scraper when I’m adding the inclusions.  It is an inexpensive lifesaver! I’ve had this simple one for years now and it’s still going strong!

How to easily add sourdough inclusions?

There are three times in the bread making process that you can add sourdough inclusions.  The first one is during the initial mixing of the dough,  the right you’re stretching folds or coil Folds,  and lastly right before final shaping.  It depends on what you’re adding,  but I find my favorite time to add additions for those beautiful swirls in the bread crumb is right before a stretch unfolds.  

1. You will mix up your dough the same as your recipe calls for. I add my flour and water and rest it for 30 minutes to allow the dough to autolyse. Then I mix in my salt and sourdough and knead by hand for 5 minutes (I love this part!) Finally, I do one stretch and fold before adding my inclusions.

2. To add inclusions before your sourdough stretch and folds you’re going to dust your counter and spread your sourdough  thin on the counter in a square. 

3.  Add your inclusions into the middle of your Square then gently fold one side in.

4.  Add the inclusion to the top of that fold and then fold the other side in. 

5.  Add the inclusion once more to the top of that and gently roll it in and put it back in your bowl.  That’s it!  A dough scraper will be your lifesaver.

Unique and delicious sourdough inclusions for the holidays to try

The ideas below are some of the ones I will be trying over the  course of the next few weeks.  After every combination I will come back to this blog and update you on tips and tricks and also photos of the final product. check back soon to see what I’ve done and let me know if you try any of these delicious holiday inclusions! 

Savory Sourdough Inclusions

Caramelized Onion & Thyme Sourdough Ratio

• Caramelized Onions: 8-10% of the total flour weight
• Fresh Thyme: 1-2% of the total flour weight

Caramelized Onion & Parmesan Sourdough Ratio

• Caramelized Onions: 8-10% of the total flour weight
• Grated Parmesan: 6-8% of the total flour weight

Rosemary & Parmesan Sourdough Ratio

• Fresh Rosemary: 1-2% of the total flour weight
• Grated Parmesan: 6-8% of the total flour weight

Rosemary & Roasted Garlic Sourdough Ratio

• Fresh Rosemary: 1-2% of the total flour weight
• Roasted Garlic: 5-7% of the total flour weight

Olive & Roasted Red Pepper

• Olives: 10-12% of the total flour weight
• Roasted Red Peppers: 8-10% of the total flour weight

Sweet Sourdough Inclusions

Walnut & Dried Cranberry

• Walnuts: 10-12% of the total flour weight
• Dried Cranberries: 8-10% of the total flour weight

Pecan & Raisin

• Pecans: 8-10% of the total flour weight
• Raisins: 8-10% of the total flour weight

Apple Butter & Chia

• Apple Butter: 12-15% of the total flour weight
• Chia Tea (about 2 packets or loose leaf tea) : 2-3% of the total flour weight

Note: Apple butter can add moisture to the dough, so you may need to adjust the hydration slightly if the dough feels too sticky.

Olive & Roasted Garlic

• Olives: 10-12% of the total flour weight
• Roasted Garlic: 5-6% of the total flour weight

Tip: Use a mix of green and black olives for added depth of flavor, or Kalamata for a bolder taste

Pepitos (shelled pumpkin Seeds) & Cranberry Sourdough Ratio

• Pumpkin Seeds: 15-20% of the total flour weight
• Dried Cranberries: 10-15% of the total flour weight

Sourdough Bread Inclusion Pairings

I hope this inspires you to try out some of these flavors and make your homemade sour bread extra special! As you experiment with these inclusions, I’d love to hear about your favorite combinations and see your finished loaves!

Leave a comment below or tag me on social media at @realandrusticfood with your creations. And don’t forget to check back for updates as I share more tips and photos from my sourdough baking.