As the end of the year rolls around, many of us start thinking about ways we want to do a little better in the coming year … right after our holiday feasts, of course!
If you’re looking to make a healthy change in the New Year, one easy (and delicious) place to start is with your bread.
Personally, I’ve decided to ditch the cheap processed stuff I’ve been eating and swap it out with sourdough bread whenever possible.
Why sourdough? Well, first of all, it tastes awesome.
It also has some pretty nice health perks … if you choose your bread wisely.
I’ve learned the key is to pick a hand-crafted bread that is made with clean, high-quality ingredients. One company that I personally love and that fits this bill is called Wildgrain.
You may also like: Wildgrain Subscription Box Review: Artisan Sourdough, Pasta & Pastries
Wildgrain is pretty cool for a few reasons…
- Their products are made with clean ingredients, no preservatives and are vegetarian.
- They ship straight to my door. Everything arrives frozen and I just pop it in the oven. No need to thaw… 25 minutes later, I’ve got warm, crusty bread and the house smells amazing.
- They offer a wide variety of delicious sourdough bread flavors – from classic sourdough to rosemary garlic (so good with pasta!) and cranberry-pecan.
- Their sourdough fermentation process digests the majority of the gluten, so even people with gluten sensitivities can often enjoy their bread.
- Their sourdough has lactic acid which helps your body absorb other nutrients and contains prebiotics to help promote a happy, healthy gut. Go sourdough!
- Also, it just feels good to support small businesses.
Another cool thing about sourdough is that it is really versatile. You might think it’s best for just basic sandwiches, but the sky is the limit when it comes to using sourdough.
Without further ado, here are some creative and delicious ways that I plan to use sourdough in the coming year!
7 Ways To Use Sourdough Bread
1. Sourdough French Toast
The key to making good sourdough French toast is to let the bread soak in the egg mixture for long enough so that it is well saturated, but not so long that the bread falls apart. I usually slice my sourdough into 1-inch thick pieces, then soak each piece in the egg mixture for about 30 seconds per side.
Try adding some vanilla, cinnamon and nutmeg to your eg mixture too. So good! Serve with real maple syrup, fresh fruit, powdered sugar, whipped cream or all of the above.
Pro Tip: Experiment with a fun sourdough like cranberry pecan from Wildgrain for extra texture and flavor in your French toast.
2. Sourdough Grilled Cheese
Making sourdough grilled cheese is an easy way to upgrade your sandwich game. Be sure to use high-quality sourdough bread and your favorite cheeses like cheddar, provolone or gouda.
For extra flair, you can also add in bacon, tomato, or even apple! Get even more ideas here: 10 Out-of-the-box Grilled Cheese Ideas.
3. Sourdough Toast
Who doesn’t love the chewy texture and tangy flavor of a slice of sourdough toast? There are endless possibilities on what to top your toast with, making it a great snack or light meal.
Try some mashed avocado, cherry tomatoes, diced red onions and feta cheese – and don’t forget a sprinkle of chili flakes for that extra punch!
Or go all-out healthy by spreading a layer of hummus, topped off with fresh cucumbers, grated carrot, roasted pumpkin seeds and edamame.
If you have a sweet tooth, try adding creamy peanut butter and banana slices drizzled with honey – just delicious!
And finally, nothing beats classic cream cheese (with some smoked salmon if you’re feeling fancy).
Pro Tip: Use the best quality bread you can get when making sourdough toast. It makes all the difference.
4. Sourdough Croutons
If you’re looking for a crunchy upgrade to your next salad or soup, try making sourdough croutons. They are super easy to make and taste way better than storebought.
Cut your sourdough bread into cubes. Then, mix together melted butter (and/or olive oil) with garlic, salt, pepper, oregano and any other favorite seasonings. Drizzle the mixture over your bread pieces and gently mix until well-coated.
Bake on a sheet pan at 350 degrees for around fifteen minutes or until golden brown. Once finished, let the croutons cool for a few minutes before enjoying.
Your fresh sourdough croutons would taste amazing on top of this Healthy & Spicy Tomato Soup recipe.
5. Sourdough Garlic Bread
Making garlic bread from a loaf of fresh sourdough is simple and incredibly delicious. Of course, you can use classic sourdough, but one of Wildgrain’s rotating flavors like rosemary garlic sourdough would be amazing too.
Start by cutting the loaf into thick slices, spreading garlic butter (or EVOO) on each slice, and then sprinkling shredded cheese over the top. Place in the oven and bake until the cheese melts and the edges are lightly browned.
You can also add toppings like parmesan cheese olives, tomatoes, bacon bits, or herbs for even more flavor.
6. Sourdough Bread Pudding
Bread pudding can be made with all types of bread – including sourdough. Most recipes call for day-old bread that is combined with milk, eggs and sugar, plus a variety of additional flavorings like nuts, dried fruits, spices, or chocolate chips. Some recipes will even have toppings like this yummy brown sugar and pecan version.
7. Sourdough Stuffing
The secret to extra flavorful stuffing this holiday season is a simple one – sourdough! Both savory and subtle, the tangy taste of quality sourdough elevates the humble stuffing without being overpowering.
When it comes to sourdough bread, the possibilities are literally endless. Whether it’s crispy grilled cheese sandwiches or toasted avocado toast, the meal ideas are as versatile as they are delicious.
And don’t forget if you’re looking for an especially high-quality sourdough loaf, be sure to check out Wildgrain. Their artisan breads, pasta and pastries are absolutely fantastic and I highly recommend. Cheers to a happy and healthy new year!
Up Next: Check out my review of Wildgrain’s full line of products