Lemon Blueberry Sourdough Bread Recipe is a delightful combination of zesty lemon and juicy blueberries. This bread is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a sweet treat any time of day. With its unique flavors and soft texture, it’s sure to impress family and friends at gatherings or simply elevate your everyday meals.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bursting with Flavor: The combination of fresh blueberries and lemon zest creates a deliciously sweet and tangy loaf.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday brunch or a weekday snack, this bread fits all situations.
- Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, even novice bakers can achieve great results.
- Versatile Treat: Enjoy it plain, with butter, or toasted for a delightful breakfast experience.
- Great for Meal Prep: This sourdough bread can be made ahead of time and stored for later enjoyment.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the baking process, ensure you have the right tools ready. These essential items will help you achieve the best results while making your Lemon Blueberry Sourdough Bread.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Bench scraper
- Kitchen scale
- Dutch oven
- Parchment paper
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowl: A spacious bowl allows for easy mixing and kneading of your dough without making a mess.
- Bench scraper: This tool helps in dividing the dough easily and scraping it off the work surface.
- Dutch oven: Ideal for creating steam during baking, which gives your bread a beautiful crust.
Ingredients
Lemon Blueberry Sourdough Bread is bursting with juicy blueberries and sweet lemon flavor from fresh lemon zest. It’s the sourdough loaf you’re going to want to bake all spring long.
For the Dough
- 50g active sourdough starter
- 350g water
- 500g bread flour
- 11g salt
For the Flavor
- 150g fresh blueberries
- zest of a lemon
- 8 Tablespoons butter, room temperature (113g)
- 1/2 c fresh blueberries, mashed (75g)
- 2 Tablespoon honey (45g)
- a pinch of salt
How to Make Lemon Blueberry Sourdough Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- In a mixing bowl, combine the active sourdough starter with water until well mixed.
- Gradually add in bread flour and salt. Mix until incorporated.
- Fold in fresh blueberries, lemon zest, butter, mashed blueberries, honey, and a pinch of salt.
Step 2: Bulk Fermentation
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel.
- Let it rest at room temperature for about 6-8 hours until it has increased in size by at least 50%.
- Check if the dough jiggles when shaken and has visible bubbles on its surface.
Step 3: Shape the Dough
- Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface.
- Use your bench scraper to divide it into two equal pieces if making more than one loaf.
- Shape each piece into a round loaf by folding edges into the center.
Step 4: Second Rise
- Place shaped dough into bowls lined with parchment paper.
- Cover again and let them rise for an additional 2-4 hours until they puff up slightly.
Step 5: Bake the Bread
- Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) about 30 minutes before baking.
- Carefully transfer loaves into your preheated Dutch oven using parchment paper.
- Bake covered for 30 minutes then remove the lid to bake for an additional 15 minutes until golden brown.
Enjoy this Lemon Blueberry Sourdough Bread warm from the oven or allow it to cool before slicing!
How to Serve Lemon Blueberry Sourdough Bread Recipe
Lemon Blueberry Sourdough Bread is a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you prefer it toasted for breakfast or paired with a spread, this bread offers versatility for any meal.
Toasted with Butter
- A warm slice of this sourdough bread lightly toasted and spread with butter creates a comforting breakfast option.
With Cream Cheese
- Spread a layer of cream cheese over the bread to add a rich and creamy texture that complements the sweet lemon flavor.
As French Toast
- Transform your sourdough into delicious French toast by soaking slices in an egg mixture and pan-frying them until golden brown.
With Jam or Marmalade
- Pair your Lemon Blueberry Sourdough Bread with your favorite jam or marmalade for an extra burst of fruity flavor.
In a Fruit Salad
- Cube the bread and toss it into a fresh fruit salad for added texture and taste, making it a perfect side dish at brunch.
With Coffee or Tea
- Enjoy a slice alongside your morning coffee or afternoon tea for the perfect snack that balances sweetness with zest.
How to Perfect Lemon Blueberry Sourdough Bread Recipe
To achieve the best results with your Lemon Blueberry Sourdough Bread, follow these helpful tips.
Use Fresh Ingredients: Ensure your blueberries are fresh for the best flavor and texture. This enhances the overall quality of your bread.
Monitor Dough Temperature: Keep an eye on the dough temperature while it’s rising. It should be around 75°F (24°C) for optimal fermentation.
Proper Kneading Technique: Use gentle kneading to develop gluten without overworking the dough. This results in a soft, airy loaf.
Experiment with Zest: Adjust the amount of lemon zest according to your taste preference. More zest means more lemon flavor!
Resting Times Matter: Allow adequate resting times between kneading and shaping. This helps develop flavor and improves texture.
Store Correctly: To keep your sourdough fresh, store it in a paper bag at room temperature. Avoid plastic as it traps moisture, leading to sogginess.
Best Side Dishes for Lemon Blueberry Sourdough Bread Recipe
Pairing side dishes with your Lemon Blueberry Sourdough Bread can enhance your meal experience. Here are some fantastic suggestions to consider:
Greek Yogurt Parfait: Layer Greek yogurt with granola and berries for a nutritious complement to your bread.
Avocado Salad: A light avocado salad topped with cherry tomatoes adds freshness that balances the sweetness of the bread.
Scrambled Eggs: Fluffy scrambled eggs make for a hearty breakfast option that pairs wonderfully with this sourdough loaf.
Mixed Greens Salad: A salad made of mixed greens drizzled with lemon vinaigrette provides a zesty contrast to the sweet bread.
Smoked Salmon Platter: Serve smoked salmon on the side for an elegant brunch option that adds depth to your flavors.
Fruit Smoothie: Blend up a refreshing fruit smoothie to sip alongside your delicious sourdough, making it a perfect brunch drink.
Honey Butter Spread: Prepare honey butter as an additional topping option, enhancing both sweetness and creaminess when served on warm slices.
Cottage Cheese Bowl: A bowl of cottage cheese topped with fruits will complement the sourness from your bread beautifully while adding protein.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Baking Lemon Blueberry Sourdough Bread can be a joy, but it’s easy to make mistakes. Here are some common pitfalls and how to avoid them.
Incorrect Starter Activity: Using a starter that hasn’t been fed or is inactive can lead to dense bread. Always check that your sourdough starter is bubbly and has doubled in size before using it.
Measuring Ingredients Improperly: Accurate measurements are crucial for the perfect loaf. Use a kitchen scale for precise ingredient amounts instead of volume measurements.
Skipping the Autolyse Stage: Not allowing the dough to rest after mixing can affect gluten development. Take time for this step to improve the texture and rise of your bread.
Overproofing the Dough: Letting the dough rise too long can cause it to lose structure. Keep an eye on its size; it should increase by about 50% before baking.
Not Preheating the Oven Properly: Baking in an oven that isn’t hot enough can result in poor oven spring. Preheat your oven well in advance to ensure an ideal baking environment.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store the Lemon Blueberry Sourdough Bread in an airtight container.
- It can last up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Lemon Blueberry Sourdough Bread Recipe
- Wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
Reheating Lemon Blueberry Sourdough Bread Recipe
Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Wrap the bread in foil and heat for about 10-15 minutes.
Microwave: Place a slice on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Heat for about 10-15 seconds.
Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat, then toast slices until warm and slightly crispy.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have questions about this recipe, we’ve got answers! Here are some common inquiries related to the Lemon Blueberry Sourdough Bread Recipe.
Can I use frozen blueberries in my Lemon Blueberry Sourdough Bread Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen blueberries. Just make sure they’re thawed and drained before adding them to the dough.
How do I know when my sourdough is ready to bake?
You’ll know your sourdough is ready when it has risen by at least 50%, appears light, jiggles when shaken, and passes the windowpane test.
What flour works best for this Lemon Blueberry Sourdough Bread Recipe?
Bread flour is ideal as it provides the necessary gluten structure for a chewy texture.
Can I customize this lemon blueberry sourdough bread?
Absolutely! You can add nuts or seeds for extra texture or try different citrus zests for varied flavors.
Final Thoughts
This Lemon Blueberry Sourdough Bread Recipe combines sweet blueberry goodness with refreshing lemon zest, making it perfect for spring baking. Its versatility allows you to customize it according to your taste preferences, whether you add nuts or experiment with different flavors. Give this delightful recipe a try—your kitchen will smell heavenly!
Lemon Blueberry Sourdough Bread
Lemon Blueberry Sourdough Bread is a delightful blend of bright lemon flavor and juicy blueberries, making it the perfect addition to your breakfast or brunch table. This homemade sourdough bread offers a soft texture and a sweet-tangy taste that will impress your family and friends. Ideal for toasting with butter or enjoying as French toast, this recipe is versatile enough for any occasion. With straightforward steps, even novice bakers can create this scrumptious loaf in their own kitchens. Get ready to elevate your baking game with this seasonal treat!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 50g active sourdough starter
- 350g water
- 500g bread flour
- 11g salt
- 150g fresh blueberries
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 113g room temperature butter (8 tablespoons)
- 75g mashed fresh blueberries (1/2 cup)
- 45g honey (2 tablespoons)
- A pinch of salt
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine the active sourdough starter with water until well mixed. Gradually add in bread flour and salt, mixing until incorporated.
- Fold in fresh blueberries, lemon zest, butter, mashed blueberries, honey, and a pinch of salt.
- Cover the bowl and let it rest at room temperature for about 6-8 hours until it has increased in size by at least 50%.
- Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface, divide if necessary, and shape into round loaves.
- Place shaped dough into bowls lined with parchment paper for an additional rise of 2-4 hours.
- Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C). Bake covered in a Dutch oven for 30 minutes, then uncover for an additional 15 minutes until golden brown.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
