High Protein Sourdough Loaf

WHY YOU'LL LOVE A PROTEIN SOURDOUGH LOAF <3 

Creating this loaf has been on my heart for quite a long time. If you started making sourdough bread and landed on this page, it is probably because you, too, read the nutrition label of store-bought bread and decided you wanted better for your family. That's how I started, and this protein loaf takes it a step further.

I wasn't sure how fermented whey protein would go - but after some trial and error, I achieved both the perfect texture, and flavor! One slice (assuming you cut a loaf into 8 pieces, but they will be hefty pieces) has 12 GRAMS OF PROTEIN! Simple ingredients, fermented, and will keep you full and feeling good. 

This Vanilla Protein Sourdough Bread combines the tangy flavor of sourdough with the sweetness of vanilla, creating a delightful loaf perfect for breakfast or snacking. With a protein boost from vanilla protein powder, this bread is not only delicious but also nutritious!

SOME TROUBLE SHOOTING - since I don't think a protein sourdough loaf has been attempted before, all the details will be here! 

What Makes a “Protein” Sourdough Loaf

Most protein sourdough breads increase protein by adding one or more of these:

  • High-protein flour (bread flour or strong flour)

  • Vital wheat gluten

  • Protein powder (unflavored or whey/casein blend)

  • Seeds (hemp, chia, flax, sunflower)

  • Greek yogurt or cottage cheese

The challenge is that protein absorbs more water and weakens fermentation, so hydration and fermentation timing matter more! 

Dense or Heavy Bread - (most common) 

Causes:

  • Too much protein powder

  • Not enough hydration

  • Weak fermentation

Fix:

  • Keep protein powder under 7% of flour weight

  • Make sure starter is very active

 

Best Protein Add-Ins for Sourdough

Best options

  • Vital wheat gluten (improves structure)

  • Hemp seeds

  • Greek yogurt

  • Cottage cheese blended into dough

Harder to work with

  • Whey isolate

  • Collagen powder (weakens dough)

 

Higher Protein Toppings I love!! 

Cottage cheese + strawberry jam

Peanut butter + sliced banana 

Avocado + egg 

Cottage cheese and sliced tomato 

 

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Hi, I’m Courtney! 👋 Wild for Jesus, my husband and our 3 babies. We homeschool, hike and have learned to grow food in a tiny backyard. My goal is to help you find joy and be productive wherever you are and make sourdough a little less scary.