Blueberry Lemon Sourdough with Poppy Seeds

Highlighted under: Festive Favorites

Enjoy the delightful combination of tangy blueberries and zesty lemon in this unique sourdough bread, enhanced with crunchy poppy seeds.

Emily

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2025-12-27T18:31:27.933Z

This Blueberry Lemon Sourdough with Poppy Seeds is a delightful twist on traditional sourdough bread. The addition of fresh blueberries and zesty lemon creates a refreshing flavor profile, while the poppy seeds add a pleasant crunch. Perfect for breakfast or as a snack, this bread will brighten your day!

Why You Will Love This Recipe

  • The perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors
  • A beautiful, vibrant loaf that stands out on any table
  • Great for toasting and spreading with butter or cream cheese

The Harmony of Flavors

The combination of blueberries, lemon zest, and poppy seeds in this sourdough bread creates a delightful symphony of flavors. The sweet and tart blueberries perfectly complement the bright, citrusy notes of lemon, adding a refreshing twist to the traditional sourdough. Each slice bursts with flavor, making it a perfect addition to your breakfast or brunch spread.

Poppy seeds add a subtle crunch and a nutty flavor that enhances the overall texture of the bread. They not only provide visual appeal but also a unique taste that pairs beautifully with the fruity and zesty components. This balance of flavors ensures that every bite is a treat for the senses.

Health Benefits

In addition to being delicious, this Blueberry Lemon Sourdough is packed with health benefits. Blueberries are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, making them a great choice for boosting your immune system. They also support heart health and may improve brain function, making this bread a smart choice for any time of day.

The inclusion of whole ingredients like lemon zest and poppy seeds adds even more nutritional value. Lemon is known for its vitamin C content, which can help enhance iron absorption and promote healthy skin. Poppy seeds provide a good source of fiber and essential minerals such as calcium and magnesium, contributing to a well-rounded diet.

Perfect Pairings

This unique sourdough bread pairs well with a variety of toppings and spreads. For a simple yet delicious treat, try spreading a layer of softened butter or cream cheese on a warm slice. The creaminess complements the tangy blueberries and zesty lemon perfectly.

For an even more indulgent option, consider adding a drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of powdered sugar on top. This enhances the sweetness of the blueberries and adds a touch of elegance. Additionally, this bread makes for a delightful base for gourmet sandwiches or toasted avocado toast, showcasing its versatility in both sweet and savory applications.

Ingredients

For the Dough

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup bread flour
  • 1 cup sourdough starter (active)
  • 1 cup water (room temperature)
  • 1/4 cup fresh blueberries
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest
  • 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon sugar

Combine all ingredients in a large mixing bowl to create a dough.

Instructions

Mix the Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, bread flour, and salt. In another bowl, mix the sourdough starter, water, sugar, lemon zest, blueberries, and poppy seeds. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until a shaggy dough forms.

Knead the Dough

Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover, and let it rise for 1-2 hours or until doubled in size.

Shape the Loaf

Once risen, gently deflate the dough and shape it into a loaf. Place the loaf into a greased loaf pan and cover it again. Let it rise for another 30-45 minutes.

Bake the Bread

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the loaf for 30-40 minutes, or until golden brown and it sounds hollow when tapped. Let it cool before slicing.

Enjoy your delicious Blueberry Lemon Sourdough with Poppy Seeds!

Sourdough Starter Tips

Creating and maintaining a sourdough starter can be a rewarding experience. For best results, ensure your starter is active and bubbly before using it in the recipe. This means feeding it regularly and keeping it at room temperature. A healthy starter will yield a better rise and flavor in your bread.

If you're new to sourdough, consider starting your own starter at least a week before baking. Alternatively, you can purchase a ready-made starter from a local bakery or online. Either option will give you the tangy flavor characteristic of sourdough, enhancing your Blueberry Lemon Sourdough with every bake.

Storage and Freshness

To keep your Blueberry Lemon Sourdough fresh, store it in a paper bag at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, slice the bread and freeze it in an airtight container. This way, you can enjoy fresh slices whenever you desire, simply toasting them straight from the freezer.

If you prefer to keep the bread at room temperature, be mindful of humidity, as it can affect the texture. Avoid plastic bags, which can trap moisture and lead to a soggy crust. Instead, use a bread box or a linen cloth to maintain the ideal texture while keeping it accessible for snacking.

Variations to Try

While this recipe is delightful on its own, there are plenty of variations you can explore. Consider adding other fruits, such as raspberries or cranberries, for a different flavor profile. You can also experiment with herbs like rosemary or thyme to introduce an aromatic twist to the bread.

For those who enjoy a sweeter loaf, a sprinkle of cinnamon or a handful of chopped nuts can elevate the taste and texture. Feel free to get creative with your ingredients, adjusting them based on seasonal availability or personal preference, and enjoy the endless possibilities of this versatile sourdough recipe.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen blueberries?

Yes, you can use frozen blueberries, but they might make the dough slightly wetter. Adjust the flour as needed.

→ How do I store the sourdough?

Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze for longer storage.

→ Can I add nuts to the recipe?

Absolutely! Chopped nuts like walnuts or almonds would add a nice crunch.

→ What can I serve with this bread?

This bread pairs wonderfully with butter, cream cheese, or even as a base for a breakfast sandwich.

Blueberry Lemon Sourdough with Poppy Seeds

Enjoy the delightful combination of tangy blueberries and zesty lemon in this unique sourdough bread, enhanced with crunchy poppy seeds.

Prep Time30 minutes
Cooking Duration40 minutes
Overall Time2 hours

Created by: Emily

Recipe Type: Festive Favorites

Skill Level: Intermediate

Final Quantity: 1 loaf

What You'll Need

For the Dough

  1. 2 cups all-purpose flour
  2. 1 cup bread flour
  3. 1 cup sourdough starter (active)
  4. 1 cup water (room temperature)
  5. 1/4 cup fresh blueberries
  6. 1 tablespoon lemon zest
  7. 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
  8. 1 teaspoon salt
  9. 1 tablespoon sugar

How-To Steps

Step 01

In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, bread flour, and salt. In another bowl, mix the sourdough starter, water, sugar, lemon zest, blueberries, and poppy seeds. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until a shaggy dough forms.

Step 02

Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover, and let it rise for 1-2 hours or until doubled in size.

Step 03

Once risen, gently deflate the dough and shape it into a loaf. Place the loaf into a greased loaf pan and cover it again. Let it rise for another 30-45 minutes.

Step 04

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the loaf for 30-40 minutes, or until golden brown and it sounds hollow when tapped. Let it cool before slicing.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 320 kcal
  • Total Fat: 5g
  • Saturated Fat: 1g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg
  • Sodium: 300mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 60g
  • Dietary Fiber: 3g
  • Sugars: 8g
  • Protein: 10g