Hearty Pumpkin Seed Sourdough Recipe | My Daily Sourdough Bread (2025)

Sourdough bread is known for its complex flavors and chewy texture. Pumpkin seed sourdough is a variation that adds toasted pumpkin seeds to the traditional recipe: this combination creates a bread with a tangy flavor and crunchy texture. Let’s bake!

See Also

Sourdough Pumpkin Seed Bread – An Artesian Delight

Table of Contents

• Recipe
  • Ingredients
  • Steps
• Tips and Tricks
• How to Serve
• Seed the Change

Recipe

Ingredients

• 500g bread flour
• 350g water
• 100g active sourdough starter
• 10g salt
• 1 cup pumpkin seeds

Steps

1. Begin by toasting 1 cup of pumpkin seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat. This process takes about 3-5 minutes, or until the seeds become fragrant and lightly golden. Stir frequently to prevent burning. Once toasted, remove from heat and allow to cool completely.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine 500g of bread flour with 350g of water and 100g of active sourdough starter. Mix until no dry flour remains. Cover and let rest for 30 minutes to allow the flour to hydrate fully.
3. After the rest period, add 10g of salt to the dough and mix thoroughly. Perform your first set of stretches and folds to develop the gluten structure.
4. Following the first stretch and fold, gently incorporate the cooled toasted pumpkin seeds into the dough. Be careful not to overmix, as this can affect the gluten structure you’ve begun to develop.
5. Continue with your bulk fermentation process, allowing the dough to rise at room temperature for 4-6 hours. During this time, perform additional sets of stretches and folds as per your usual sourdough routine.
6. Once the bulk fermentation is complete, carefully shape your loaf, taking care to distribute the pumpkin seeds evenly throughout the dough.
7. Place the shaped dough in a proofing basket or bowl lined with a well-floured cloth. Cover and transfer to the refrigerator for overnight cold-proof, lasting 12-14 hours.
8. When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) with a Dutch oven inside.
9. Carefully transfer your cold dough to the preheated Dutch oven. Score the top of the loaf as desired, then cover with the lid.
10. Bake for 30 minutes with the lid on, then remove the lid and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the crust reaches your desired color and crispness.
11. Once baked, remove the bread from the Dutch oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack before slicing.

Tips and Tricks

• For the best flavor, toast pumpkin seeds before incorporating them into the dough. This ensures maximum freshness and nuttiness.
• If you prefer a softer texture in your seeds, you can soak them in water for a few hours before adding them to the dough. Just be sure to drain and pat them dry first.
• Don’t skip the overnight cold proof. This slow fermentation develops flavor and makes the dough easier to handle and score.
• Experiment with different scoring patterns to showcase the pumpkin seeds in your loaf. A simple crosshatch or leaf pattern can create a stunning effect.
• For a variation, try substituting a portion of the bread flour with whole wheat or rye flour to complement the earthy flavor of the pumpkin seeds.

How to Serve

Pumpkin Seed Sourdough is a versatile bread that shines in many settings. Here are some serving suggestions:

• Slice thickly and serve toasted with a generous spread of salted butter for a simple yet indulgent treat.
• Use it as the base for open-faced sandwiches topped with avocado, smoked salmon, or your favorite cheese.
• Cube and toast the bread to make croutons for salads or soups, adding an extra layer of texture and flavor.
• Serve alongside a hearty fall soup or stew for a comforting meal.
• For a sweet twist, try toasting a slice and topping it with ricotta and a drizzle of honey.

Seed the Change

Pumpkin seed sourdough bread combines classic sourdough with toasted pumpkin seeds. While time-consuming, the process yields a loaf with complex flavors and appealing texture. Feel free to customize the recipe by adjusting seed quantity, trying different flours, or experimenting with scoring patterns. Each bake offers a chance to improve your skills and explore new variations!