Thanksgiving is the busiest season for bakers, and the sourdough starter is here to help. That means fluffy rolls and crusty bread, yes, but your starter is far more versatile than you might realize. Use it to make nostalgic apple pie, delicious cornbread, and even chocolate chip cookies for everyone at your table. Here are our favorite ways to bake with sourdough this holiday season.
Food photography and styling by Liz Neily
1) Dough Pie Crust
This buttery smooth crust is perfect for all your favorite toppings – from Classic Chicken Pot Pie sweet Apple pie with cinnamon and sugar. Sourdough starter, instead of water, hydrates the dough, giving it a unique depth of flavor. Opt for pumpernickel flour for more flavor—it gives this crust a delicious, earthy rye touch.
Get the recipe: Dough Pie Crust
Buy the recipe: King Arthur Pie Pan
Photography by Rick Holbrook; food styling by Kaitlin Wayne
2) Sour Dough Apple Pie
One of our favorite ways to use the sourdough pie crust above? Apple pie. The sourdough toss adds a subtle pop of color, enhancing the classic flavor without straying too far from tradition. And the best part? It's topped with a mountain of buttery, cinnamon-spiced crumbs that add more to every bite.
Get the recipe: Sour Dough Apple Pie
Buy the recipe: Vermont Mulled Cider
Photography by Rick Holbrook; Food Styling by Kaitlin Wayne
3) Sourdough Cornbread
If you think you've tried every cornbread recipe out there, consider adding sourdough for something different. The magic really happens with the cast iron skillet: as the oven heats, the butter browns, bringing out a rich nuttiness and creating those irresistible, crispy edges. The even heat of the pan ensures a golden brown crust with a perfectly moist and tender interior.
Get the recipe: Sourdough Cornbread
Buy the recipe: Field no. 8 Tava
Food photography and styling by Liz Neily
4) Buttermilk Sourdough Cookies
These butter cookies are a great addition to the Thanksgiving table and a great way to use up your starter batch of sourdough. Versatile and delicious, they're ideal for soaking up extra gravy or cranberry sauce, making leftover mini sandwiches, or serving with jam for tomorrow's breakfast.
Get the recipe: Buttery Sour Dough Cookies
Buy the recipe: Pastry and Cookie Cutters – Round Set
Photography and food styling by John Sherman
5) Sourdough Buns with Butter
These soft, pulled buns offer a unique twist on traditional crescent rolls. Formed into a delightful spiral, each buttery bite is soft on the inside with a satisfyingly crisp crust on the outside. Their light sourdough gravy adds depth and pairs beautifully with both savory and sweet dishes.
Get the recipe: Buttery Sourdough Buns
Buy the recipe: Round bread riser
Photography by Rick Holbrook; food styling by Kaitlin Wayne
6) Pain De Campagne (country bread)
This sourdough bread uses a sourdough starter, making it practical and flexible. Bake it at the beginning of the week to enjoy fresh, homemade bread, then later in the week, use the leftovers for SATURATION. Makes two large loaves, ideal for serving a crowd.
Get the recipe: Pain De Campagne (country bread)
Buy the recipe: Brotform and Liner Set
Food photography and styling by Liz Neily
7) Chocolate Sour Dough Cookies
There's room for more than just pie on the dessert table. These Chocolate Sour Dough Cookies are a fun twist on the classics, with crunchy edges, a chewy center, and a rich buttery flavor thanks to the brown butter. Keep a big batch on hand throughout the week for a sweet snack or dessert.
Get the recipe: Chocolate Sour Dough Cookies
Buy the recipe: Valrhona dark chocolate
Photography by Rick Holbrook; Food Styling by Kaitlin Wayne
8) Lighter Sour Toss Crackers
Quick and easy to make, these cookies combine sourdough tossing with melted butter, salt and your favorite spices or seeds. They bring a satisfying crunch and a hint of sourdough flavor that's perfect served on a pre-Thanksgiving platter—or just enjoyed by the handful.
Get the recipe: Lighter Sour Toss Crackers
Buy the recipe: King Arthur Sheet Pan
Food photography and styling by Liz Neily
9) Dough popovers
Popovers are a light, airy dessert that look impressive but are surprisingly easy to make. With just five pantry staples you likely already have—including your sourdough starter—you can whip up a dozen golden poveras with crisp edges and soft, fluffy centers. They are a wonderful addition to a holiday breakfast with out-of-town guests or to the Thanksgiving bread basket.
Get the recipe: Dough popovers
Buy the recipe: Popover Pan
Shosh, fall 2017
10) Pumpkin Spice Sourdough Bread
Made with pumpkin puree for a subtle crumb, a touch of molasses for rich sweetness, and topped with walnuts and raisins for some texture, this spiced bread is a fall favorite that's great for breakfast. With its warm spices and satisfying texture, this bread brings cozy fall flavors to every slice, whether toasted with butter or enjoyed on its own.
Get the recipe: Sour Pumpkin Spiced Bread
Buy the recipe: Vietnamese cinnamon
Christine Teig
11) Pumpkin Ginger Sourdough Bread
Let this sweet bread take center stage at your Thanksgiving table! With a balance of warm spices and pumpkin flavor, it's slightly sweet with a soft, fluffy crumb and is shaped like an adorable pumpkin, making it as festive as it is delicious.
Get the prescription: Sourdough Pumpkin Gingerbread
Buy the recipe: Mini Diced Ginger
Photography by Patrick Marinello; food styling by Kaitlin Wayne
12).
Rich and buttery with a light sourdough fleck, these nuts are topped with a salty maple glaze and include pecans for a satisfying crunch. Make them for Thanksgiving breakfast (they won't spoil your appetite!) or enjoy them the next morning with guests.
Get the prescription: Maple Sourdough Scones
Buy the recipe: Vermont Maple Syrup
Looking for the perfect Thanksgiving pie? Here are some ideas.
Cover photo (Gingerbread Sourdough Squash Bread) by Christine Teig.
