Sourdough’s Festive Makeover

The festive season is the perfect time to gather with loved ones, share delicious meals, and enjoy great food. Whether it’s Christmas dinner, a Boxing Day feast, Thanksgiving, or even a New Year’s Eve party sourdough bread brings something special to your celebrations. From pre-lunch nibbles to indulgent Christmas desserts, its tangy, satisfying texture brings a unique twist to your holiday dishes. And don’t worry if you’re not a baker—these recipes are all about using sourdough loaves, not starters. If you’re looking for recipes using sourdough starter, check out our blog for easy and delicious ideas: Easy Recipes Using a Sourdough Starter.

Ready to impress your guests? Let’s knead some extra flavour into your festive spread with these mouth-watering sourdough creations!

1. Sourdough Stuffing

A festive favourite, stuffing made with sourdough adds extra flavour and depth. The bread’s texture soaks up herbs and broth beautifully, creating a rich, satisfying dish.

• Tear your sourdough into chunks and lightly toast them for extra crispness.
• Sauté onions, celery, and garlic in butter, adding fresh herbs like sage and rosemary.
• Combine with the toasted sourdough and stock, and bake until golden on top.

2. Leftover Turkey Sandwiches

After the big meal, a turkey sandwich is the ultimate comfort food, and with sourdough, it becomes even more irresistible. The tang of the bread contrasts wonderfully with the rich turkey and seasonal trimmings.

• Spread cranberry sauce or mayonnaise on slices of sourdough.
• Layer with turkey, stuffing, and a generous spoonful of gravy. Grill for a warm, crispy finish, perfect for a hearty post-feast snack.

Good quality sourdough is essential for the perfect sandwich, so check out our sourdough made with organic, regenerative, stone-ground flour – the best quality on the market! Don’t be fooled by the numerous ‘sourfaux‘ loaves found in supermarkets.

3. Homemade Breadcrumbs

Don’t throw away your stale sourdough—turn it into crunchy breadcrumbs perfect for coating fish, topping casseroles, or adding texture to stuffing.

• Tear sourdough into small pieces and dry them out in the oven.
• Once crispy, blitz the bread into fine or coarse crumbs. Use in a vegetable bake or mix into meatballs for extra crunch.

4. Sourdough Crostini for Pre-Christmas Lunch Nibbles

Crostini is a simple way to serve light starters that your guests will love. The tangy sourdough provides a perfect base for festive toppings.

• Slice sourdough thinly, brush with olive oil, and toast in the oven until crisp.
• Top with ingredients like whipped goat’s cheese, smoked salmon, or pâté, finishing with a spoonful of cranberry chutney.

For more topping inspiration, why not browse our pantry? We also sell sourdough crackers which are perfect for pre-nibbles.

5. Sourdough Gravy Boats

For a fun twist, serve your gravy in edible sourdough bowls. These clever, bite-sized vessels make a delightful addition to your table.

• Hollow out small sourdough loaves, leaving a sturdy base.
• Fill with your favourite turkey or beef gravy and serve alongside your festive meal. Guests will love the interactive and delicious nature of this creative idea.

6. Sourdough Savoury Bread Pudding

Savoury bread pudding is a fantastic alternative to traditional sides, and sourdough brings a unique flavour to this comforting dish.

• Cube your sourdough and mix with sautéed onions, garlic, spinach, and cheese like Cheddar or Gruyère.
• Pour over a custard mixture of eggs and milk, then bake until golden. This dish pairs wonderfully with roast meats, adding a unique element to your holiday meal.

7. Sourdough Sweet Bread Pudding

Sourdough can even be used for a unique, indulgent dessert like bread pudding. The tang of the sourdough contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the custard.

• Cube your sourdough and soak in a mixture of eggs, milk, sugar, and vanilla.
• Add dried fruit like raisins or cranberries, and spices like cinnamon and nutmeg.
• Bake until golden, and serve with caramel sauce or vanilla ice cream for a festive treat

Don’t miss our toffee apple bread and butter pudding recipe. We usually make it with our cinnamon and raisin bagels, but you can try it with a sourdough loaf.

8. Sourdough Pizza for Leftovers

If you’re looking for a different way to enjoy your holiday leftovers, sourdough pizza is a fantastic option. The tangy bread base complements leftover turkey and vegetables perfectly.

Follow our Sourdough pizza toast recipe but add leftover turkey and finish with fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary, rather than basil.

9. Sourdough French Toast for Christmas Morning

Start your Christmas morning with a decadent breakfast of sourdough French toast. This twist on the classic recipe is perfect for a festive brunch.

• Dip slices of sourdough in eggs, milk, cinnamon, and vanilla.
• Fry until golden and serve with maple syrup, fresh berries, or a dusting of icing sugar.

Final Crumb

Sourdough bread is incredibly versatile and can be used in a variety of festive recipes, from savoury sides to indulgent desserts. Whether you’re preparing stuffing, sandwiches, or a unique bread pudding, sourdough adds a special touch that will enhance your Christmas, Thanksgiving, or any seasonal meal. This holiday season, embrace the flavour and texture of sourdough—it’s the perfect ingredient for creating unforgettable meals.

Happy feasting! 🍞🎄