Festive Eggnog Sourdough Bread

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If you’re looking for a way to bring the warm flavors of the holiday season into your baking, this Festive Eggnog Sourdough Bread is exactly what you need. The sweet, spiced richness of traditional eggnog meets the tangy complexity of sourdough for a loaf that is as fragrant as it is flavorful. This bread fills your kitchen with cozy notes of cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla, while offering a soft crumb and a golden crust that crackles just right.

What makes this sourdough unique is how it incorporates eggnog not just as a seasonal flavor, but as a starring ingredient. Whether you make your own or use a store-bought version, the result is a subtly sweet loaf with a custard-like tenderness. It’s just as perfect toasted with a smear of butter as it is as the base for a holiday bread pudding.

Why You’ll Love This Festive Eggnog Sourdough Bread

This bread is the perfect excuse to use up that extra eggnog sitting in the fridge. It’s a wonderful blend of holiday comfort and artisan baking. The sourdough tang balances the sweetness, and the spices linger just enough to feel festive without overwhelming. It’s a crowd-pleaser at brunch, a showstopper on the holiday table, and a delightful gift wrapped in parchment and twine.

What Kind of Eggnog Should I Use?

You can use homemade or store-bought eggnog for this bread, but be sure it’s a full-fat, richly spiced version. Avoid low-fat or sugar-free eggnogs as they can affect the texture and flavor. If you’re feeling adventurous, try a bourbon-spiked eggnog for a hint of warmth and complexity.

Ingredients for the Festive Eggnog Sourdough Bread

This bread only needs a handful of ingredients, but each one plays a critical role in making the final loaf rich, aromatic, and tender.

• Active sourdough starter
• All-purpose flour
• Eggnog
• Honey
• Salt
• Ground nutmeg
• Cinnamon
• Unsalted butter

How To Make the Festive Eggnog Sourdough Bread

Step 1: Build Your Levain

In a small bowl, mix your active sourdough starter with flour and eggnog to create a levain. Let it sit at room temperature for 4 to 6 hours, until bubbly and doubled.

Step 2: Mix the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine the levain with the remaining flour, more eggnog, honey, and spices. Stir until a shaggy dough forms, then let it rest for 30 minutes.

Step 3: Stretch and Fold

Perform a series of stretch-and-folds every 30 minutes for 2 hours. This helps build gluten strength while incorporating air for a light, chewy texture.

Step 4: Bulk Fermentation

Cover the bowl and let the dough rise for 4 to 5 hours at room temperature, or until it has nearly doubled.

Step 5: Shape the Dough

Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface, shape it into a round or oval, and place it seam side up in a well-floured banneton.

Step 6: Cold Proof

Refrigerate the dough overnight or for up to 18 hours to deepen flavor and improve structure.

Step 7: Bake

Preheat your oven with a Dutch oven inside to 475°F (245°C). Score the top of your loaf and bake covered for 20 minutes, then uncovered for 25 minutes until golden brown.

How to Serve and Store Festive Eggnog Sourdough Bread

This bread serves 10 to 12 people easily, especially when sliced generously. Serve it fresh out of the oven, slightly warm with a pat of salted butter. It also makes an excellent base for French toast or a sweet and savory sandwich.

To store, wrap the cooled loaf in parchment and place it in a bread bag or airtight container. It keeps well at room temperature for up to 3 days, or you can freeze slices for toasting later.

What to Serve With Festive Eggnog Sourdough Bread?

Cinnamon Butter

A whipped cinnamon-honey butter takes this bread to breakfast heaven.

Holiday Ham

Use slices for a leftover ham sandwich layered with cranberry sauce.

Brie and Fig Jam

The creamy and sweet combo pairs beautifully with the eggnog-spiced crumb.

Nutella

For a sweet treat, spread a generous layer of Nutella over toasted slices.

Maple Glazed Bacon

Add a savory-sweet crunch by pairing this bread with crispy bacon glazed in maple.

Apple Compote

A warm apple compote spooned over toasted bread is pure comfort.

Butternut Squash Soup

This bread makes an elegant companion to a creamy fall soup.

Vanilla Ice Cream

Turn thick slices into a base for a dessert topped with vanilla ice cream and caramel drizzle.

Want More Holiday Baking Ideas?

If this festive sourdough inspired your holiday baking spirit, you’ll love exploring more cozy creations from the kitchen:

• Butter Pecan Pound Cake for rich, nutty sweetness.
• Ooey Gooey Butter Cake that melts in your mouth.
• Lemon Truffles Recipe if you’re after citrus brightness with creamy depth.
• Easter Chocolate Lasagna to satisfy your inner chocoholic.
• Peanut Butter Smores Sandwich Cookies for gooey, nostalgic indulgence.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest bread board so you can find it for your next baking weekend or holiday brunch.

Tell me how yours turned out! Did you use a classic eggnog or spike it with bourbon? I’d love to hear if you tried a different spice mix or added dried fruit.

Find more of my seasonal and year-round baking favorites over on Janet Dishes on Pinterest—a delicious spot for every craving.

Conclusion

This Festive Eggnog Sourdough Bread is more than just a holiday bake. It’s a celebration of flavor, tradition, and the joy of sharing something homemade. Whether you’re gifting it, serving it at your next gathering, or simply enjoying a slice with coffee by the fire, it captures the warmth of the season in every bite.

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