Sourdough Inclusions for Your Bread: What to Add & How

Discover the best sourdough inclusions to enhance your bread! Learn when and how to add seeds, cheese, herbs, and more to elevate your sourdough recipes.

You may have heard the phrase sourdough inclusions but you might be wondering what that means and how to do it. Sourdough inclusions are ingredients that can be added to sourdough bread to enhance the flavor, texture, and variety of the loaf. Really, the possibilities are endless, and experimenting with different combinations is part of the fun of being a sourdough baker! 

If you don’t have a thriving sourdough starter, then I’d like to offer you my free guide to making your own! By simply following the steps and having patience you’ll soon have an active and bubbly sourdough starter to use for all of your baking. 

This post will cover various sourdough inclusions and focus on how to incorporate them into different types of bread. You’ll also find tips and tricks for getting the texture and flavor you’re looking for. 

Years ago when I first got started with sourdough, I was very intimidated by the process and the thought of adding more steps was overwhelming. I waited far too long to try sourdough add-ins. What I didn’t know was just how easy adding extra flavor to a loaf of sourdough bread can be. 

Why Add Inclusions to Your Sourdough?

Adding inclusions to your sourdough bread is a simple way to elevate the flavor, texture, and overall experience of your sourdough loaf. Whether it’s herbs, seeds, cheese, or dried fruit, these additions bring a unique twist to your bread, making each slice more exciting and delicious!

Let’s take a closer look at 3 reasons you may want to consider adding inclusions to your sourdough…

• Flavor Enhancements: Sourdough additions like herbs, fruits, or nuts can bring out new flavor combinations, and give your loaf a unique twist that makes every bite more exciting.
• Texture: Adding seeds, grains, or dried fruits to your sourdough not only changes the texture but makes each slice more fun to eat.
• Aesthetic Appeal: Inclusions can give your bread a beautiful, colorful look that’s sure to impress your family!

What Are the Best Inclusions for Sourdough Bread?

The best inclusions for sourdough bread really depend on your flavor preferences, but here are some popular options:

Savory Sourdough Inclusions:

1. Seeds: Sunflower seeds, sesame seeds, and pumpkin seeds add a nice crunch and nutty flavor to the bread.
2. Nuts: Walnuts and pecans provide a hearty texture and a rich flavor that pairs well with sourdough.
3. Herbs: Fresh or dried herbs like fresh rosemary, thyme, and oregano infuse the bread with savory, aromatic flavors.
4. Cheese: Aged cheeses like cheddar, parmesan cheese, or even soft goat cheese bring a savory, creamy element to your loaf.
5. Dried Fruits: Raisins, cranberries, and apricots offer a slight sweetness and chewy texture, which is perfect for a more rustic or dessert-style bread.
6. Olives: Chopped olives add a Mediterranean touch, with their briny flavor balancing the tang of the sourdough.
7. Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Well-drained sun-dried tomatoes and fresh herbs are a wonderful addition to sourdough focaccia. 
8. Fresh Jalapeño: Cheddar Jalapeno is one of my favorite combinations and is always a crowd pleaser. 

Sweet Sourdough Inclusions:

1. Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet, dark, or milk chocolate chips create a deliciously rich and indulgent loaf.
2. Dried Fruit: Raisins, cranberries, apricots, or figs add natural sweetness and chewy texture.
3. Cinnamon: A swirl of cinnamon or cinnamon sugar can give your bread a cozy, spiced flavor.
4. Apples: Chopped fresh apples or dried apple slices bring a touch of sweetness and moisture.
5. Nuts: I know I mentioned nuts as a savory add-in, but they are perfect to combine with the sweetness of dried fruits. 
6. Maple Syrup or Honey: Adding a bit of maple syrup or honey can bring a subtle sweetness to the dough itself.

Remember, the key is to experiment and find the combinations that fit your personal preferences and that your family loves best!

Classic Flavor Combinations

Here are a few classic flavor combinations that you may want to add to your must-try list…

• Rosemary and Olive
• Cheddar and Jalapeño
• Cinnamon and Raisin
• Garlic and Parmesan
• Sunflower Seeds and Honey
• Tomato and Basil
• Walnut and Cranberry
• Apple and Cinnamon
• Cheddar and Chive
• Lemon and Poppy Seed

How and When to Incorporate Inclusions into Sourdough

In this section, we’ll walk through the best timing and methods for adding inclusions, ensuring your sourdough turns out just the way you want—flavorful, balanced, and beautifully textured.

When To Add Inclusions to Bread Dough

The best time to add inclusions to your sourdough dough is usually after the dough has been mixed during the stretch and fold period. I like to add mine during the second set of stretches and folds. This works well for classic sourdough as well as sourdough bagels. If you’re working with heavier inclusions like nuts or fresh fruit, I recommend adding them during the lamination stage which is during the shaping process.

The timing is a little different for sandwich bread or focaccia because there’s no stretch and fold period. With both focaccia and sandwich loaves, I add my inclusions just after my dough is mixed and has gone through the fermentation process. 

Adding them in just after bulk fermentation during the lamination process is what I’ve found to work best. To do this, spread your dough in a rectangular shape on a lightly floured work surface and sprinkle on your inclusions. Go ahead and sprinkle half of your inclusions. Then gently fold the dough from the right towards the center and sprinkle that section followed by folding the left side towards the center and sprinkling that section as well. Then you can roll up the dough and shape it. 

How to Fold In Sourdough Inclusions 

You want to be gentle when incorporating inclusions so that you don’t overwork the dough. However, you want to make sure that you fold them in enough to ensure even distribution. I never recommend adding inclusions during the dough mixing period. 

How Much To Add

The goal is not to overwhelm the dough but complement the flavor so don’t overload your dough with inclusions. I recommend adding 1- 1 1/2 cups per loaf. Wet ingredients can affect the loaf’s hydration so you want to add less. 

The best way to find out how much to add is to experiment!

Best Sourdough Recipes to Use When Adding Inclusions

Here’s a quick list of basic sourdough recipes that work perfectly when you want to add inclusions like seeds, fruits, or spices. These master recipes serve as a great base for creating your own customized sourdough creations!

My Favorite Sourdough Bread Recipe– This is a classic boule recipe that you can make both savory and sweet. 

Sourdough Sandwich Bread– One of my favorite combos for sandwich bread is cranberry walnut! My family also enjoys cinnamon raisin sourdough as well.

Easy Sourdough Bagels– Really there are so many possibilities. You can keep it sweet and simple addition like chocolate chips or make them savory by adding cheddar and jalapeño.

Sourdough Focaccia– This is a really quick recipe that doesn’t need to ferment overnight. Herbs, cheeses, and sun-dried tomatoes are my favorite add-in idea.

Tips for Successful Inclusions

• Wet ingredients like fresh fruit or vegetables should be added in moderation to prevent the dough from becoming too wet and sticky.
• Delicate ingredients like some herbs are best when added to the top of the dough before the bake.
• Allow the dough to rest after incorporating the inclusions. This helps the dough relax and encourages better gluten development.
• Don’t overmix and handle the dough gently. 
• Adding inclusions may change the bake time so be sure to check the internal temperature of your bread.

Final Thoughts

Adding inclusions to your sourdough loaves is a great way to add flavor to your homemade bread as well as visual appeal. My best advice is to experiment. I think you’ll find that inclusions up your sourdough game and make great bread just a little more fun!