Ready to take your sourdough bread to the next level with new sourdough inclusion ideas?

From classics like jalapeño cheddar to fun combinations like blueberry lemon and tomato basil, this is your ultimate list of fun sourdough inclusion ideas.

You can also download this inclusion cheat sheet I made – it’s a quick reference for how to add inclusions without printing a massive recipe card.

Looking for a plain artisan loaf recipe? Check out: The Best Foolproof White Sourdough Bread Recipe

27 Savory Sourdough Inclusion Ideas

Ready for some savory sourdough inclusion ideas? We have cheese, peppers, veggies, seeds, and even bacon! Let’s get right into it.

Tip: Visit this Pinterest folder I made with tons of inclusion ideas and recipes for later.

1. Jalepeño Cheddar

Recipe suggestion: The Best Jalapeño Cheddar Artisan Sourdough Bread Recipe

One of the most classic sourdough inclusion combos is jalapeño cheddar.

After five rounds of recipe testing (and 12 loaves), I believe I’ve nailed down a truly mouthwatering combination.

This uses fresh jalapeños, serrano for kick, candied jalapeño for sweetness, and a mix of white and yellow cheddar. The secret? Some jalapeño juice in the dough for maximum flavor!

2. Guinness Cheddar

Recipe suggestion: Guinness Cheddar Artisan Sourdough Bread Recipe

It might be the most expensive sourdough bread recipe on my site, but my goodness… this Guinness cheddar bread is worth every penny. When I made this, my husband told me it’s the best bread recipe I’ve made to date.

It’s a deeply savory loaf with an incredible depth of flavor. It’s perfect alongside a hearty stew or as the base for an epic grilled cheese.

3. Italian Herbs & Cheese

Recipe suggestion: Italian Herbs & Cheese Artisan Sourdough Bread Recipe

I decided to make my own version of the Italian herbs and cheese loaf from Subway, but in an artisan-style sourdough loaf. (And with a LOT more flavor.)

The flavors are punchy, aromatic, and downright delicious. It’s no wonder this recipe went viral!

4. Olive Parmesan

Recipe suggestion: Olive Parmesan Artisan Sourdough Bread Recipe

My mother-in-law is a big fan of olive bread, so this is an add-in I do quite often. Do a mix of green and purple olives, and toss in some shaved parmesan for extra oomph.

The result is a briny, sour, savory bread that’s perfect for dipping in a spiced olive oil. Totally mother-in-law approved!!

5. Sun-dried Tomato and Goat Cheese

Recipe suggestion: Sun-dried Tomato and Goat Cheese Sourdough Bread Recipe

The sweetness of sun-dried tomatoes with the tanginess of goat cheese is a flavor combo to die for.

I love doing this combination on top of sourdough toast, but adding it into the actual bread and baking it off? OMG, it’s a little slice of heaven.

6. Tomato Basil

Recipe suggestion: Better-Than-Panera’s Tomato Basil Sourdough Bread (with a Sweet Glaze)

Sweet sundried tomatoes meet fresh basil and roasted garlic in this copycat recipe that rivals (and dare I say beats) the Panera original.

This was one of the most labor-intensive recipes I’ve ever developed, but the resulting loaf was so worth it.

7. Roasted Garlic and Parmesan

Recipe suggestion: Roasted Garlic and Parmesan Sourdough Loaf from Muscle Momma Sourdough

Roasted garlic is insane on its own, but add it to a loaf of sourdough and toss in some parmesan and I’m in heaven. A bread-dipping olive oil bowl is a must for this one.

8. Sharp White Cheddar and Dill

Recipe suggestion: Sourdough Cheddar Dill Bread by Boston Girl Bakes

I saw a dill pickle sourdough bread recipe on TikTok, and I’ve been thinking about it daily since then. Chop up some sharp white cheddar cheese and toss in some fresh dill for a truly delicious combination.

You can also swap out some of the water for dill pickle juice. I’ve done that before while adding some caraway seeds for an incredibly good rye bread, which is perfect for Reubens.

9. French Onion

Recipe suggestion: French Onion Sourdough Loaf by Muscle Momma Sourdough

Can you imagine having French onion soup with a slice of French onion sourdough bread? I don’t think I need to say anything more than that.

Well, actually, I do. If it has caramelized onions in it, I’m sold.

10. Seed Mix

Recipe suggestion: Seeded Sourdough by The Perfect Loaf

Adding seeds to your sourdough is a great way to get extra health benefits, and OMG, these sourdough loaves are gorgeous.

You can experiment with all kinds of different nuts, including walnuts, raw or toasted pecans, pistachios, pine nuts, slivered almonds, shelled pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or hemp seeds.

11. Jalapeño Popper

Recipe suggestion: Jalapeño Popper Sourdough Loaf by A Friend In Knead

All the flavors of your favorite game day appetizer baked into a sourdough loaf.

Cream cheese, jalapeños, and bacon come together for the ultimate savory bread.

12. Calabrian Chili and Honey

Recipe suggestion: Calabrian Chili and Honey Sourdough Bread by Sourdough Brandon

This combination is super unique, but there’s just something about sweet and spicy that has my mouth watering.

13. Fresh Herbs

Recipe suggestion: Herbed Open Crumb Sourdough Bread by Bake with Paws

You can keep your inclusions super simple by adding a combination of fresh herbs. If you have an herb garden, this would be so quick and easy! Some popular ideas include sage, thyme, oregano, and rosemary.

14. Everything Bagel

Recipe suggestion: Everything Bagel Sourdough Bread (with cheddar cheese!) by Healing Slice

A lot of people add basic spices to their sourdough to kick it up a notch, but I counter that with Everything But the Bagel Seasoning.

It’s chef’s kiss. This version adds cheddar cheese for an extra savory punch!

15. Pizza

Recipe suggestion: The Ultimate Pizza-Inspired Sourdough Loaf by Muscle Momma Sourdough

Turn a loaf of sourdough into a pizza lookalike!

Italian seasoning (go heavy on the oregano), pizza sauce, and mozzarella cheese create a pizza-inspired boule. You can get creative and throw in some pepperoni or veggies, too.

16. Pesto Mozzarella

Recipe suggestion: Pesto Mozzarella Sourdough Loaf by Acts of Sourdough

Pesto mozzarella is a classic combo I’ve always loved on flatbread, so why not put it inside your sourdough bread?

You’ll definitely want to measure this one to ensure there’s not too much moisture from the pesto. This recipe from Acts of Sourdough is a good one.

17. Pepperoni Pizza

Recipe suggestion: Sourdough Pepperoni Pizza Loaf by A Friend In Knead

Why choose between pizza and bread when you can have both? This pepperoni-packed loaf brings all your favorite pizza flavors in artisan sourdough form.

18. Asiago and Rosemary

Recipe suggestion: Asiago Sourdough Bread (with rosemary) by Healing Slice

Asiago bagels are my favorites, so again – why not do it to your loaf of sourdough? Add some rosemary for an amazing flavor combo.

Make sure to sprinkle some extra asiago on top of your dough before baking for that crunchy, gorgeous crust.

19. White and Black Sesame Seeds

Recipe suggestion: Sesame Seed Sourdough by Baking with Butter

White and black sesame seeds are a beautiful combination. If you want an Insta-worthy pic of your sourdough era, this is definitely an inclusion to try.

Plus, sesame seeds include tons of key nutrients like calcium, potassium, copper, iron, and manganese.

20. Roasted Potato, Rosemary, Garlic, Parmesan

Recipe suggestion: Roasted Potato Sourdough with Garlic & Rosemary by Southern Highlands Home Brew

I’ve seen a lot of focaccia with a roasted potato situation on top, but it’s rare to see a loaf of sourdough bread with it. And I say to that: why not?

Try adding roasted potato, rosemary, garlic, and parmesan cheese to your next loaf and let me know how long it lasts in your house…

21. Green Chile and Gruyere

Recipe suggestion: Green Chile + Gruyere Sourdough by Alegre Bread

Ohhh my goodness, does this combination sound heavenly. Green chiles are pretty mild in their spiciness, so it won’t knock you over if you’re sensitive to spicy foods.

And gruyere cheese is the perfect addition for a nutty flavor and creamy texture.

22. Spinach and Artichoke

Recipe suggestion: Artichoke and Parmesan Sourdough by Siamese Sourdough

Add canned artichokes, shredded parmesan cheese, and fresh spinach leaves to your sourdough bread, and you have a heavenly spinach artichoke sourdough loaf!

23. Bacon

Recipe suggestion: Sourdough Farm Bread with Pepper and Bacon by Make It Like a Man!

Last but not least: bacon! Need I say more?

You can add more complexity to this one by throwing in some diced cheese, bleu cheese, jalapeño, or seasonings. I even saw a combo on Pinterest of bacon, smoked gouda, and hatch green chile.

Yum!

24. Cheddar Bacon Ranch

Recipe suggestion: Cheddar Bacon Ranch Sourdough Focaccia by Country Roads Sourdough

What’s not to love about a cheddar bacon ranch flavor combination?!

I haven’t actually seen a recipe for an artisan sourdough loaf, but here’s one for a focaccia bread. I’ll work on getting my own recipe up, because I’ve been dying to make this flavor bomb!

25. Caprese

Recipe suggestion: Caprese Salad Sourdough by Hercules Noble Food

Caprese salad is one of my all-time favorite appetizers, so when I saw hercules_noble_food turn it into a sourdough boule on Instagram, I got very excited.

It looks delicious. Seriously, go watch his video – I think you’ll agree!

26. Flamin’ Hot

Recipe suggestion: Flamin’ Hot Sourdough Loaf by Craving Nomz

I may not be able to get behind some of the inclusion ideas on the blog Craving Nomz (hard pass on the spam fried rice sourdough loaf), but flamin’ hot chips? Yeah, I can get behind that.

Is it a staple recipe? Nah, probably not. But an interesting way to use the crumbs at the bottom of your chip bag? Top tier.

27. Sun-dried Tomato and Capers

Recipe suggestion: Sun-Dried Tomato Sourdough Bread with Capers by Sourdough Brandon

This recipe gets a lot of respect from me because these ingredients can be difficult to work with. Capers are salty, so you may need to adjust the amount of salt you add to your dough.

And sun-dried tomatoes pose the challenge of oiled or dried, each imparting its own benefits and challenges. I’m personally a fan of the oil-packed variety, but I can see why Brandon chose the dried version here.

Check out his recipe – he has lots of great tips!

31 Sweet Sourdough Inclusion Ideas

Ready to hit that sweet spot? Try some sweet sourdough bread recipes.

You don’t have to go all out on a chocolate noir sourdough loaf – you can dip your toes in with a classic cinnamon swirl or blueberry lemon zest loaf.

1. Brown Sugar and Cinnamon (Cinnamon Swirl)

Recipe suggestion: Cinnamon Swirl Sourdough Bread Recipe: No Stress, No Leaks

After six attempts (yes, six), I finally cracked the code for a zero-stress, zero-leakage cinnamon sugar sourdough loaf that also delivers a dreamy swirl. Give it a try!

2. Blueberry Lemon

Recipe suggestion: My Blueberry Lemon Sourdough Bread Recipe

After six attempts, I finally cracked the code on the perfect blueberry lemon sourdough loaf.

And this loaf is one for the books. The flavor is bold, the texture is dreamy, and the lemon glaze? Chef’s kiss.

Give it a try!

3. Gingerbread

Recipe suggestion: The Best Sourdough Gingerbread Artisan Bread Recipe

What better way for a sourdough baker to make their home smell like Christmas than to bake a sourdough gingerbread loaf?!

After extensive testing, I’ve perfected the spice blend and molasses ratio for the ultimate holiday-inspired loaf.

I wasn’t sure about including it in this round-up because it doesn’t necessarily have inclusions, per se… but in my mind, this still fits among the general category of riffing on a plain artisan loaf.

4. Chocolate Chips

Recipe suggestion: The Best Chocolate Chip Sourdough Bread Recipe

My kids will eat anything if it has chocolate chips in it, I swear. After extensive testing, I’ve perfected a chocolate chip sourdough that’s not too sweet but hits all the right notes.

Mini chocolate chips are key!

5. Apple Crisp

Recipe suggestion: Apple Crisp Sourdough Bread Recipe (with a Cinnamon Swirl)

A warm, cozy artisan loaf filled with fresh apple cider, tart green apple, and a buttery cinnamon swirl. Plus a brown sugar oat crumble on top that adds the perfect crunch to every slice.

I imagine this bread is what happens when apple butter meets apple crisp and they make a sourdough baby. This is hands down my favorite fall bread recipe. It took a ton of recipe testing to nail it down, but it was so worth it!

“This was one of the tastiest breads I’ve ever tried!” –Recipe tester from Monterey, California

6. Cinnamon Raisin

Recipe suggestion: Cinnamon Raisin Swirl Sourdough Bread Recipe (Pepperidge Farms Copycat)

This isn’t an artisan loaf – it’s a soft sandwich bread that’s my go-to for anything cinnamon raisin because it’s SO good and easy.

The Pepperidge Farms copycat recipe delivers that classic pillowy texture with plump raisins and a gorgeous swirl.

If you wanted to make this an artisan loaf, just use your go-to dough recipe, but follow the instructions for adding the raisins and the swirl.

The only differences will be the dough composition, the shaping process (shape into a batard or boule for that classic artisan look), and the baking temp/times. But again, just borrow that from your go-to artisan bread recipe. This is mine if you need one!

7. Double Chocolate Strawberry

Recipe suggestion: Double Chocolate Country Bread with Strawberries by The Sourdough Baker

Chocolate sourdough is something I have yet to try, but my god, the photos are stunning. Chocolate strawberry is a delicious flavor combo, so this is firmly on my to-do list.

8. Raspberry Cheesecake

Recipe suggestion: Raspberry Cheesecake Sourdough Loaf by A Friend In Knead

The inclusions for a raspberry cheesecake flavor combo are raspberries, cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract. This recipe will walk you through how to nail it perfectly.

9. Maple Pecan Cinnamon

Recipe suggestion: Sourdough Cinnamon Bread with Maple and Pecans by Cultured Guru

I love a little maple pecan cinnamon moment! This is such a warm, cozy flavor combination.

10. Pumpkin Spice and Cranberries

Recipe suggestion: Pumpkin Sourdough Bread by Crave the Good

What better sourdough inclusion combo for autumn than pumpkin spice and cranberry? I’m stopping at Starbucks after this bake for a pumpkin spice latte.

A couple of other recipes to check out:

• Sourdough Pumpkin Cinnamon Pull-Apart Loaf by Healing Slice
• Pumpkin Sourdough by Basil & Bloom

11. Poppy Seed and Lemon Zest

Recipe suggestion: Lemon Poppy Seed Sourdough Bread by Zesty South Indian Kitchen

Lemon poppy seed muffins are my all-time favorite, so I’m honestly shocked that I never thought to try it with sourdough bread.

I will say this combo wasn’t my personal favorite, but it adds a little hint of nuttiness and citrus, which is pleasant. It’s also super pretty.

12. Chocolate Sourdough

Recipe suggestion: Chocolate Sourdough Bread by Healing Slice

Rich, decadent chocolate throughout the entire loaf. This isn’t just chocolate chips – it’s a full chocolate sourdough experience. Delish!!

13. Honey and Oats

Recipe suggestion: Honey & Oat Sourdough Loaf by Nordik Kitchen Stories

A very breakfast-y flavor combination is honey and old-fashioned oats. Sprinkling more oats on top before baking also gives you a beautiful loaf, primed for photos!

14. Maple Oatmeal

Recipe suggestion: Maple Oatmeal Sourdough by Basil and Bloom

A cozy breakfast-inspired loaf featuring the warming combination of maple syrup and hearty oats. This is comfort food in bread form.

Plus, Parker is an excellent sourdough baker, so for a recipe like this that’s a little bit more technical than others, I trust his instructions!

15. London Fog

Recipe suggestion: The London Fog Sourdough Loaf by H3art of the Home

London Fog sourdough bread uses Earl Grey tea (Noelle recommends Republic of Tea’s Earl Greyer Vanilla). Simply replace the water in your regular sourdough bread recipe with that steeped tea.

Add in some white chocolate chunks to get a touch of sweetness.

16. White Chocolate Strawberry

Recipe suggestion: Strawberry white chocolate sourdough bread by Liza’s Farmhouse

White chocolate strawberry is a gorgeous combination. I’ve even seen some people add basil in there, which is right up my alley!

White chocolate chips and freeze-dried strawberries are your best bet here.

You could also omit the fruit altogether and enjoy some white chocolate sourdough bread.

17. Fig and Walnut

Recipe suggestion: Fig and Walnut Sourdough by Susan Ried, published at King Arthur Baking Company

Fig and walnut is a fun Christmastime sourdough bread idea. I love the combination of fruity and nutty! It also pairs beautifully with fancy cheese.

18. S’mores

Recipe suggestion: S’mores Sourdough Bread by Country Roads Sourdough

Marshmallows, chocolate, and crushed graham crackers, somehow packed into a sourdough loaf? Um, yes.

This is the perfect autumn dessert recipe for your sourdough enthusiast.

19. Ice Cream Sourdough

Recipe suggestion: Ice Cream Sourdough Bread by H3art of the Home

I love Noelle so much – she comes up with the most unique recipe ideas and concepts on the internet. If you don’t follow her on social media, please do it – her videos are just incredible.

I’ll never forget the reel she made about this ice cream sourdough bread recipe. It’s so funny and honestly… I bet it’s delish.

20. Orange Cranberry

Recipe suggestion: Cranberry Orange Sourdough Bread Recipe by Heart’s Content Farmhouse

Orange cranberry is another perfect autumn sourdough combo. For this one, you’ll want to use orange zest and dried cranberries that you’ve soaked in hot water before you add it to your dough.

21. Chocolate Cherry

Recipe suggestion: Chocolate Cherry Sourdough Bread by Lemons + Anchovies

I’m personally not a huge fan of the chocolate cherry combo, but if you are, you can totally make it sourdough!

22. Blueberry Goat Cheese

Recipe suggestion: Blueberry Goat Cheese Sourdough Loaf by Acts of Sourdough

Blueberry and goat cheese sounds like a heavenly breakfast toast topping, so why wouldn’t it also be amazing baked into the bread? This is so on my list of sourdough inclusion ideas to try.

23. Chocolate Espresso

Recipe suggestion: Double Chocolate Espresso Sourdough Bread Recipe by Simplicity and a Starter

I love chocolate cake recipes that include some form of espresso or coffee, so I’m all in on the chocolate espresso sourdough bread concept.

This is the recipe I followed, and it turned out amazing! The bread doesn’t turn out too sweet – it’s rich and complex. Yum.

24. Maple Blueberry and Sweet Lemon Zest

Recipe suggestion: Maple Blueberry & Sweet Lemon Zest Sourdough Bread Recipe by The Pantry Mama

Pantry Mama wrote a recipe for maple blueberry and sweet (brown sugar) lemon zest, and I really appreciate her attention to detail.

She has you cook the maple syrup and blueberry together, which I never would have thought to do. She also mixes the brown sugar and lemon zest before adding to the dough, which helps the sugar emulsify. Genius!

25. Blueberry and Cinnamon Sugar

Recipe suggestion: Blueberry + Cinnamon Sugar Sourdough Loaf by Acts of Sourdough

Blueberry and cinnamon sugar is a fun twist on the classic cinnamon raisin. Give it a try and see how you like it!

26. Orange Vanilla

I haven’t written a proper recipe for this, but I experimented with the orange vanilla flavor combination a while back and really enjoyed it!

For this one, you adjust the amount of water you use in your bread dough and add in some fresh orange juice. I also recommend throwing in a little maple syrup when you first mix the dough – I added it as an inclusion, and it was pretty messy.

Here was my recipe:

• 1000g bread flour
• 150g fresh orange juice
• 510g water
• 150g starter
• 20g salt
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• Scrape out the inside of a vanilla bean pod
• Zest of one orange

Add some orange zest during shaping for tons of extra flavor.

If you want to see my videos about this flavor combo, here they are:

• Shaping the dough
• Baking the bread
• Results out of the oven
• Crumb reveal

27. Cookies and Cream

Recipe suggestion: Cookies and cream sourdough by Jamie Salvage

Crush up some Oreos for a fun cookies and cream sourdough loaf!

I love when members of the sourdough community share their unique creations on Facebook. If you’re not a member of Sourdough Geeks yet (where this idea was shared), definitely join!

28. Honey Lavender

Recipe suggestion: Honey lavender sourdough by cookim_mama

Honey lavender is definitely a unique flavor combo for a sourdough bread recipe, but I image it’s very fragrant and tea-like. I want to try it so bad!

29. Strawberries and Cream Cheese

Recipe suggestion: Strawberries ‘n Cream Sourdough by Acts of Sourdough

I’m a firm believer that cream cheese makes anything better, and this sourdough inclusion idea is no exception.

Freeze-dried strawberries ensure the hydration of the loaf doesn’t get wonky!

30. Honey Pistachio

I saw a local baker selling this flavor combination and my mouth started watering.

Unfortunately, I can’t find any artisan sourdough loaf recipes featuring this combo, but there is a Babka version by Patbread.

It includes some instant yeast, which I’m not a fan of – I’d rather use a stiff, sweet starter if the goal is to minimize the sour flavor.

I’ll work on a recipe for this flavor combo, but in the meantime, I’ll keep fantasizing…

31. Cookie Butter

Recipe suggestion: Use your favorite sourdough bread recipe and slather it on during shaping – watch levandesourdough do it in this TikTok video!

I’ve never actually tried cookie butter before, but the general consensus is Trader Joe’s makes a mean one.

Just slather this stuff on during shaping, and enjoy a delicious dessert loaf!

When to Add Inclusions to Sourdough

There are different schools of thought about when to add inclusions to sourdough. Some people prefer to add them during stretch and folds, and others prefer the laminating stage.

I’ve found that the best timing depends on the type of inclusions you’re adding.

When to Add Savory Inclusions

Savory inclusions timing: for inclusions that aren’t adding extra sugar, I’ve found it’s best to add them during the second set of stretch and folds. It doesn’t mess with the texture or bulk fermentation process, and the flavors really sink into your bread.

When to Add Sweet Inclusions

Sweet inclusions timing: for inclusions that introduce added sugar – particularly honey or sugar – it’s best to wait until the bulk fermentation is finished. I add these inclusions via a lamination process, or when you stretch your dough ball out into a rectangle before shaping it into a boule or batard.

How to Add Inclusions to Sourdough

Once again, savory inclusions are so easy to work with.

How to Add Savory Inclusions

To add them to your dough, simply dump it into your bowl of dough during the second set of stretch and folds.

Stretch and fold your dough to start distributing those inclusions. You’ll do two more sets and stretch and folds and then wait until your bulk fermentation is finished to shape. Proceed like normal!

@thatsourdoughgal

There are different schools of thought about when to add inclusions to sourdough. Some people prefer to add them during stretch and folds, and others prefer the laminating stage. I’ve found that the best timing depends on the type of inclusions you’re adding. Savory inclusions timing: for inclusions that aren’t adding extra sugar, I’ve found it’s best to add them during the second set of stretch and folds. It doesn’t mess with the texture or bulk fermentation process, and the flavors really sink into your bread. Sweet inclusions timing: for inclusions that introduce added sugar – particularly honey or sugar – it’s best to wait until the bulk fermentation is finished. I add these inclusions during the lamination process, or when you stretch your dough ball out into a rectangle before shaping it into a boule or batard. #sourdoughtok #sourdoughinclusions

♬ original sound – thatsourdoughgal

How to Add Sweet Inclusions

Sweet inclusions are harder to master, but they’re not impossible! Here are some ideas.

1. That Sourdough Gal Swirl

If you want a swirl, I’ve perfected a technique that gives you a perfect swirl every time. You can see it in action here:

2. Unique Laminating Technique

This unique laminating technique shows the baker adding honey, cheese, and jalapeños to the dough (definitely one of those sourdough inclusion ideas I want to try next!).

She then folds up the dough to the center instead of the classic roll-up method. This helps keep the contents from spilling out.

2. Cover Dough In More Dough

I cannot find the video for the life of me, but to prevent leaking, add your inclusions like normal and roll up your loaf into a boule or batard.

Then, take more laminated dough, sans inclusions, and place your dough ball in the middle of it. Wrap the laminated dough around your sugar-filled dough ball, and you shouldn’t have any seepage.

3. Leave Borders and Tuck In When Rolling Up

Last but not least, this TikTok video was super helpful to see. Haley is very particular about her cinnamon sugar placement, and she does very careful rolling.

@haleys.sourdough

Replying to @_jessas. Hope this helps! Ignore the spot on the top where the dough split 🫠 lol #haleyssourdough #microbakery #sourdoughtok #fyp #trending #sourdoughbaking #homemade #sourdough #organic #bread #bakery #sourdoughshaping

♬ ominous – insensible

5 Quick Sourdough Inclusions Hacks

Here are some hacks I’ve learned along the way that may help you achieve better add-in success.

1. Start with dicing your ingredients smaller until you feel confident with inclusions. Then, you can move your way up to bigger cubes, which are a little harder to work with.
2. Spray your countertop and hands with water before laminating your dough and adding your inclusions. It stops the sticking. You can see how this is done in this TikTok video.
3. Try adding a little bread flour to sugar add-ins. It helps the sugar stay in place and prevents the liquified sugar from seeping out as it absorbs some of the liquid.
4. For sweet inclusions, sugar may liquify and seep out of your dough. Make sure your banneton is prepared for this so it doesn’t get ruined. Some people swear by silicone bannetons, which can be washed in the dishwasher.
5. The general rule of thumb is that inclusions should account for about 20-30% of your dough’s total weight.

Conclusion

I hope these sourdough inclusion ideas and add-ins inspire you to try something new with your bread.

Flavor combinations like jalapeño cheddar or apple crisp will definitely level up your sourdough game! Enjoy!