Sweet and Savory Sourdough Inclusions Ideas
One of my favorite things to give during the holidays is home cooked and home baked foods! In fact , I think that gifting something that you created is one of the most special gifts that you can give during christmas.
Obviously here at real and rustic blog I looooove sourdough bread! A fun tradition that the kids and I are starting this year is giving smaller loaves of different inclusion blends to our loved ones for Christmas. Honestly, a classic sourdough boule is absolutely a stunning gift. but these inclusions will certainly spice things up ( pun intended!)
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 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 bannatin 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!
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.
- 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 festive flavors and make your homemade bread extra special this season. Whether you’re gifting a savory loaf with rosemary and garlic or a sweet one with cranberries and pecans, there’s nothing quite like the warmth and joy of sharing your own creations.
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 holiday baking.
