Cottage Cheese, Peas & Crispy Onion Sourdough Toast

Creamy, crunchy and fresh, this quick sourdough toast is an easy high-protein breakfast, lunch or light snack.

Serves 2

Ingredients

• 2 slices sourdough bread, toasted
• 4 tbsp cottage cheese
• 2 tbsp peas (fresh or frozen, cooked and drained)
• 2 tbsp crispy onions
• 2 tsp chilli flakes
• 2 tsp fresh basil, finely sliced
• Olive oil, for drizzling
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Method

1. Toast the sourdough slices until golden and crisp.
2. Spread 2 tablespoons of cottage cheese over each slice of toast.
3. Scatter 1 tablespoon of peas over each slice.
4. Top with crispy onions, then sprinkle over the chilli flakes and fresh basil.
5. Finish with a light drizzle of olive oil.
6. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

Serve immediately while the toast is warm and crisp.

Bacon, ricotta and hot honey on sourdough toast

Toasted sourdough bread meets spread with creamy ricotta, crispy streaky bacon, and drizzled with hot honey drizzle. This is a delightful combination of savoury, sweet and spice all in one mouthful and we can’t get enough!

Ingredients (for 1 serving)

1. 1 slice sourdough bread
2. 2 rashers of streaky bacon
3. 100g ricotta cheese
4. 1 tablespoon honey
5. A pinch of chilli flakes
6. 1/2 teaspoon of lemon zest
7. Salt and pepper 
8. A pinch of thyme leaves
9. A quarter of an apple, sliced into thin pieces

Method

1. Fry or bake the bacon until brown and crispy
2. In a bowl, mix the ricotta with the lemon zest, salt, and pepper
3. Toast the sourdough until perfectly brown and crunchy
4. Spread the ricotta generously on the toast, top with the bacon
5. Add your apple slices
6. Add a sprinkle of thyme
7. Drizzle with the hot honey

Fluffy Sourdough Pancakes 🥞

Fluffy, tangy, and perfect for weekend mornings.

There’s something special about pancakes on a slow morning, especially when they’re made with active sourdough starter. These ones come out golden, fluffy, and just the right amount of tangy. If you’ve only got discard on hand, you can still make a version of this recipe. They’ll be slightly less fluffy but still delicious — and we’ve got a separate recipe made just for that.

Feeds 3 to 4 people.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups active, bubbly sourdough starter
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp sugar (adjust to taste — this keeps it balanced, not sweet)
• 2 tbsp sunflower oil (or any neutral oil)
• Butter & warm maple syrup, to serve

Method:

1. Mix it up:
   In a large bowl, whisk together all ingredients until smooth and well combined. Don’t overmix — just enough to bring it together.
2. Heat your pan:
   Preheat a non-stick pan or griddle over medium heat. Lightly grease with a bit of sunflower oil or butter.
3. Cook the pancakes:
   Pour ¼ cup of batter for each pancake. Cook until bubbles form and edges look set, about 2–3 minutes. Flip and cook for another 1–2 minutes until golden and fluffy.
4. Serve hot:
   Stack them high and serve with butter and warm maple syrup. Add fruit, yogurt, or nut butter if you like — they’re super versatile.

🔁 Tips:

• Want extra lift? Let the batter rest for 10–15 minutes before cooking.
• These work well with add-ins like blueberries, banana slices, or even a pinch of cinnamon.

Garlic Baguette

Nothing beats the aroma of freshly roasted garlic slathered on warm, crispy baguette. This garlic bread is the ideal accompaniment to a wide range of dishes, from a comforting soup to a fresh, leafy salad, or even as a side for a lasagne. The rich, nutty flavour of slow-roasted garlic melds beautifully with creamy butter, fresh parsley, and just the right amount of seasoning, all packed into a crisp, golden baguette. It’s also fantastic on its own, perfect for dipping into your favourite sauce or simply enjoying with a glass of wine. Easy to make and packed with flavour, this garlic baguette is a must-have at any meal.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 sourdough baguette, cut lengthwise
• 2 garlic cloves
• Olive oil
• 1/2 stick of butter (approx 125g)
• A handful of fresh parsley
• Salt & pepper

Method:

1. Prepare the garlic:
   • Cut the pointy ends off the garlic cloves, drizzle them with olive oil, and place them upside down in the oven at 210°C (410°F) for 25 minutes.
2. Soften the butter:
   • Leave the butter at room temperature for 30 minutes or microwave it for 10 seconds.
3. Chop parsley:
   • Coarsely chop the fresh parsley.
4. Prepare the garlic butter:
   • After roasting the garlic, let it cool for 10 minutes.
   • Squeeze the softened roasted garlic into a bowl, add the butter, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper.
   • Mix everything together by hand until fully combined, then shape it into a ball.
5. Assemble the garlic bread:
   • Generously spread the garlic butter mixture on both inside surfaces of the baguette.
6. Roast the baguette:
   • Place the baguette in the oven and roast for 15 minutes at 200°C (392°F).
7. Serve:
   • Cut the baguette into 3-4 pieces and enjoy!

Enjoy!

9 creative ways to enjoy Panettone this Christmas

Ah Panettone – the Italian bread that’s the star of Christmas tables everywhere. While it’s perfect as a  simple, sweet treat on its own, there are so many fun and delicious ways to enjoy it. From creating a mouth-watering mascarpone topping to making French toast with a festive twist, we’ve got nine creative ways to enjoy this seasonal bread.

A Brief History of Panettone

The story of panettone begins in Milan, Italy, where, according to legend, a young nobleman baked the first panettone to impress the daughter of a baker. The recipe dates back to the 15th century, but it wasn’t until the 19th century that panettone became the iconic Christmas treat we know today. Originally enjoyed by Milanese aristocrats, panettone is made from a sweet dough studded with dried fruit, citrus peel, and nuts.

Over time, it became synonymous with the Christmas season, especially in Italy. Today, panettone isn’t just a festive treat for the table; it’s also a thoughtful gift tradition. In many Italian households, it’s customary to bring a beautifully packaged panettone when visiting friends or family during the holidays. Whether it’s a traditional panettone or one filled with rich chocolate, gifting this beloved bread has become a delightful way to spread festive cheer.

Creative Recipe Ideas for Panettone

While panettone on its own is a delightful treat, it’s also an incredibly versatile base for a host of other scrumptious creations. Don’t have your panettone yet? Shop our selection of traditional and chocolate panettone here.

Get creative with our ways to jazz up your panettone: 

1. Homemade Mascarpone Cream

Mascarpone is to panettone what jam is to scones – a match made in heaven. Whipping up some mascarpone cream is an easy way to make your panettone even more indulgent. Rich, creamy, and utterly irresistible, it adds that little something extra.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup mascarpone cheese
• 1/2 cup double cream
• 2 tbsp icing sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

• Whisk together the mascarpone, double cream, icing sugar, and vanilla until smooth and creamy.
• Serve it alongside your panettone for an indulgent treat that will have your taste buds singing.

2. Rich Chocolate Sauce

Got a sweet tooth? Indulge with this rich chocolate sauce, the perfect topping to drizzle over your panettone or dip it for an extra luxurious treat. Simple, yet utterly delicious.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup double cream
• 1 cup dark chocolate (chopped)
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

• Heat the cream in a saucepan until it begins to simmer.
• Add the chopped chocolate and butter, stirring until fully melted and smooth.
• Remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
• Drizzle the chocolate sauce generously over your panettone slices and enjoy the decadence.

3. Panettone Skewers with Chocolate Drizzle

Looking for fun, shareable party treats? Panettone skewers are the way to go. Perfect as nibbles or finger food for a buffet when you have a lot of guests, these skewers allow everyone to sample a bit of everything.

Ingredients:

• 1 panettone (cut into cubes)
• 1 cup dark or milk chocolate (melted)
• Fresh berries (optional)
• Mint leaves (optional)

Instructions:

• Cut the panettone into bite-sized cubes.
• Toast the cubes in a preheated fan oven at 190°C for 8 minutes, or in a preheated static oven at 210°C for about 16 minutes, until golden.
• Thread the cubes onto skewers, alternating with fresh berries and mint leaves, if desired.
• Drizzle the melted chocolate over the skewers and serve. Perfect for sharing at parties.

4. Panettone French Toast

When you’ve got a slightly stale panettone hanging around, panettone French toast is the perfect way to repurpose it. The panettone’s airy, fluffy texture soaks up the egg mixture, making it the most decadent French toast you’ll ever have. Think of it as the best of both worlds – French toast, but with that festive Italian twist.

Ingredients:

• 4 slices of panettone
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup whole milk
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• Butter for frying
• Maple syrup for serving

Instructions:

• Whisk together the eggs, milk, and cinnamon in a bowl.
• Heat a frying pan over medium heat and melt a knob of butter.
• Dip each slice of panettone into the egg mixture, ensuring both sides are well-coated.
• Fry each slice until golden and crispy on both sides.
• Serve with a drizzle of maple syrup and a dusting of powdered sugar.

5. Panettone Layer Cake

If you want to impress your guests with something truly spectacular, try making a panettone layer cake. Think of it as a twist on the classic Victoria sponge, but with the added charm of panettone.

Ingredients:

• 1 panettone (cut into layers)
• Orange marmalade
• Whipped cream or mascarpone cream
• Fresh berries or fruit (optional)

Instructions:

• Slice the panettone horizontally into thick layers.
• Spread a generous layer of marmalade on each slice.
• Add a layer of whipped cream or mascarpone cream on top of the marmalade.
• Repeat the process with more layers, finishing with a dollop of cream and fresh berries on top.
• Let it chill in the fridge for a few hours to allow the flavours to meld together.

6. Panettone Bread Pudding

Transform your leftover panettone into a warm, comforting bread pudding. This classic dessert takes on a festive twist when made with panettone, and it’s perfect for a cosy night in.

Ingredients:

• 6 cups cubed panettone
• 4 eggs
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup double cream
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg

Instructions:

• Preheat the oven to 175°C.
• Place the cubed panettone in a greased baking dish.
• In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, double cream, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
• Pour the mixture over the panettone cubes, pressing down to ensure they soak up the custard.
• Bake for 45-50 minutes, until the top is golden and the pudding is set.
• Serve warm with a scoop of ice cream or a drizzle of custard.

7. Panettone Trifle

If you’ve ever wondered how to breathe new life into your panettone once it’s a little stale (or if you just want to impress your guests), why not try making a panettone trifle. This dessert is as beautiful as it is delicious, and it’s perfect for entertaining.

Ingredients:

• 1 panettone (cut into cubes)
• 2 cups custard
• 2 cups whipped cream
• Fresh berries or fruit (strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries work well)
• Shaved chocolate or nuts

Instructions:

• In a trifle dish, layer the panettone cubes, custard, whipped cream, and fruit.
• Repeat the layers until the dish is full, ending with a layer of whipped cream.
• Garnish with shaved chocolate or nuts, if desired.
• Chill in the fridge for at least an hour before serving.

8. Panettone Ice Cream Sandwiches

For a fun and indulgent treat, use slices of panettone to make ice cream sandwiches. The soft, sweet bread pairs perfectly with creamy ice cream.

Ingredients:

• 1 panettone (sliced)
• Your favourite ice cream
• Chocolate chips or sprinkles for coating (optional)

Instructions:

• Take two slices of panettone and place a generous scoop of ice cream between them.
• Press gently to sandwich the ice cream.
• Roll the edges in chocolate chips or sprinkles, if desired.
• Freeze for 30 minutes before serving.

9. Panettone Tiramisu

Give the classic tiramisu a festive twist by using panettone instead of ladyfingers. This panettone tiramisu is a rich, creamy dessert that’s sure to impress.

Ingredients:

• 1 panettone (cut into slices)
• 1 cup strong coffee (cooled)
• 4 egg yolks
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 cup mascarpone cheese
• 1 cup heavy cream (whipped)
• Cocoa powder for dusting

Instructions:

• In a bowl, beat the egg yolks and sugar until thick and pale.
• Add the mascarpone cheese and mix until smooth.
• Fold in the whipped cream.
• Dip the panettone slices in coffee and layer them in a dish.
• Spread the mascarpone mixture over the panettone.
• Repeat the layers, ending with a layer of mascarpone.
• Dust with cocoa powder and chill for at least 4 hours before serving.

How to Care for Your Panettone

To make sure your panettone stays fresh and delicious long after you’ve brought it home, follow these simple care tips:

• Store in a cool, dry place: Keep your panettone in its original packaging, ideally in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. A pantry or kitchen cupboard works perfectly.
• Avoid refrigerating: While it might seem tempting, don’t store panettone in the fridge as it can dry out the bread. Room temperature is ideal for preserving its fluffy texture.
• Keep it wrapped: If you’ve already opened your panettone, wrap it in wax paper or foil, and place it in an airtight container to keep it fresh for as long as possible. This helps retain the moisture and prevents it from getting stale.
• Panettone shelf life: A well-stored panettone can last for several weeks, but if you have leftover panettone, it also freezes well. Simply wrap it tightly and place it in the freezer, and it should last for up to three months.

Taking proper care of your panettone ensures you can enjoy it at its best, whether you’re indulging in a festive slice or repurposing it into one of our creative recipes.

Wrapping Up:

Panettone is a festive favourite that goes beyond just a simple slice. With so many creative ways to enjoy it, from mascarpone cream and French toast to decadent tiramisu, it’s a versatile treat that can be savoured in a variety of ways. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying it with family, there’s no wrong way to indulge.

Ready to get your hands on the perfect panettone for your recipes? We’ve got both the classic traditional version and a rich, chocolate-filled panettone to choose from.

Sourdough Cheese & Onion Soup

This comforting Sourdough Cheese & Onion Soup is the perfect blend of rich, caramelised onions, hearty beef stock, and melted Gruyère cheese, all topped with crispy sourdough bread. Ideal for a cosy night in, this recipe brings together the classic flavours of French onion soup with a sourdough twist. Follow these simple steps to create a warming bowl of goodness that will impress your family and friends.

Ingredients

• 2 large slices of sourdough bread, cut into wide strips
• 100g butter
• 4 large brown onions
• 1 tsp granulated sugar
• A slug of olive oil
• 1 tbsp plain flour
• 60ml (1/4 cup) sherry or white wine
• 900ml beef stock
• 1 block of Gruyère cheese, grated
• 1 tsp thyme
• Salt, to taste

Method

1. Prepare the Onions: Cut your onions in half and then slice them into thin strips.
2. Cook the Onions: Heat a large pot on low heat and add the butter. Add the onions and mix until they are coated in butter. Add the granulated sugar and a slug of olive oil. Cook on low heat for one hour, stirring occasionally, until the onions are brown and caramelised.
3. Make the Soup Base: Once the onions are caramelised, add the flour and mix until fully incorporated. Pour in the sherry or white wine, followed by the beef stock. Add the thyme and salt to taste. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook for 20 minutes.
4. Prepare the Oven: Preheat your oven to 250°C, using the grill function.
5. Assemble the Soup: Once the soup has finished simmering, layer the sourdough bread strips on top of the soup. Sprinkle the grated Gruyère cheese all over the bread inside the pot.
6. Grill the Topping: Place the pot on the highest shelf inside your oven and grill for about 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the bread is crispy.
7. Serve: Use a ladle to separate the chunks of bread and soup, and serve in individual bowls.

Enjoy your Sourdough Cheese & Onion Soup with a side of your favourite salad or a glass of white wine for a truly delightful meal.

Sourdough Pizza Toast

Craving a quick and delicious twist on a classic? Our Sourdough Pizza Toast with Fresh Mozzarella and Basil is the perfect answer. No knead to make your own dough—this recipe is delightfully simple! Combining vine-ripened tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil on crispy sourdough toast, it’s ideal for a speedy lunch or snack. Plus, with October being National Pizza Month in the US, there’s no better time to enjoy this easy, flavourful take on pizza.

Ingredients:

• 2 slices sourdough bread
• 4-5 medium vine tomatoes
• 1 ball fresh mozzarella
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil leaves, cut into strips
• 1/2 cup passata or pizza sauce
• Pinch of chili flakes or chili oil or spicy everything seasoning
• Butter
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Pepper
• Lemon juice or balsamic vinegar

Method:

1. Prep the Tomatoes:

• Preheat your oven to 175°C.
• Slice the tomatoes thinly and spread them on a plate.
• Drizzle with lemon juice (or balsamic vinegar), olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Set aside to marinate.

2. Prepare the Sourdough:

• Cut two thick slices of sourdough bread.
• Generously butter both sides of the bread slices.

3. Toast the Bread:

• Heat a medium-sized skillet over medium heat.
• Grill the buttered sourdough slices until they are crisp and golden brown on both sides.

4. Prep the Mozzarella

• While the bread is toasting, slice the fresh mozzarella into thin pieces.

5. Heat the Passata:

• In a small pot, bring the passata or pizza sauce to a simmer.

6. Assemble the Pizza Toast:

• Once the bread is toasted, remove it from the skillet and place it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
• Layer three-quarters of the mozzarella slices evenly over the toasted sourdough.
• Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven and bake for 4-5 minutes, or until the mozzarella is melted and bubbly.

7. Add Toppings:

• Remove the baking sheet from the oven (keep the oven on).
• Spoon the warm passata sauce over the melted cheese on each slice.
• Add the remaining mozzarella slices on top.
• Arrange the marinated tomato slices over the mozzarella.
• Sprinkle generously with grated Parmesan cheese.

8. Bake Again:

• Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake for another 6-7 minutes, or until the Parmesan cheese has melted and is slightly golden.

9. Finish and Serve:

• Remove the pizza toasts from the oven.
• Sprinkle with fresh basil strips and a pinch of chili flakes or a drizzle of chili oil.
• Cut into bite-sized rectangles for sharing, or leave whole and enjoy as is.

Enjoy your delicious and easy-to-make Sourdough Pizza Toast with fresh mozzarella and basil!

Homemade Baked Beans

We’re excited to share a recipe for homemade beans on toast from Hannah Wilding at Bold Bean Co! It’s a bold twist on a classic comfort food, with added paprika and chili flakes that make it healthier and tastier.

Ingredients (feeds 3)

Bread of choice – we used the classic white country loaf but you could choose another

1x 570g jar of organic white beans with their bean stock

2 tbsp olive oil

1 onion, finely chopped

2 fat garlic cloves, finely chopped

1 tsp smoked paprika

A pinch of chilli flakes (or spicy everything seasoning)

250ml passata

2 tsp balsamic vinegar

Method

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pan or casserole dish over medium heat. Add the onion with a pinch of salt and cook for 8-10 mins until soft. Add the garlic and cook for a minute more.
2. Add the paprika and chilli flakes and stir to combine. Then pour in the passata, beans with their bean stock and the balsamic vinegar and mix well. Cook everything over a medium heat for 10-15 minutes until it’s nice and reduced and looking glossy.
3. Season with salt and cracked black pepper then serve on buttered toast. 

If you want to watch the reel, head over to our Instagram.

Toast Skagen

Toast Skagen is a delightful Scandinavian dish that brings together the fresh flavours of the sea and the comforting crunch of toasted bread. The dish derives its name from the charming fishing port of Skagen in Denmark. Created by the Stockholm-based restaurateur and chef Tore Wretman in the 1950s, Toast Skagen quickly gained popularity as an elegant entrée or starter throughout the Nordics. Easy to prepare and packed with flavour, Toast Skagen is sure to impress at any gathering or make for a lovely lunch at home.

Ingredients:

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Eggs:
   • Hard boil the eggs by placing them in a pot of cold water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 9-10 minutes. Once done, transfer the eggs to an ice bath to cool. Peel and chop the eggs.
2. Make the Prawn Mixture:
   • In a bowl, combine the chopped hard-boiled eggs and cooked prawns. Add the chopped dill, mayonnaise (if using), and lemon juice. Mix gently to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Toast the Rye Bread:
   • In a frying pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the slices of Nordic rye bread and toast on both sides until golden brown and crispy.
4. Assemble the Toast Skagen:
   • Place a few lettuce leaves on each slice of toasted rye bread. Spoon the prawn and egg mixture generously over the lettuce. Top with sliced tomatoes and a sprinkle of extra dill if desired.
5. Serve:
   • Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side for an extra burst of flavour.

Enjoy your delicious Toast Skagen! It makes for a lovely starter or a light meal.

Serving and slicing tips for your sourdough bread

Got an unsliced loaf of sourdough bread and wondering how to keep it fresh and tasty? We’ve got you covered with some fun and practical storage and serving tips. Keeping your bread unsliced is a smart move, but how do you prevent it from going stale? Sourdough bread is famous for its long shelf life, thanks to its natural leavens and friendly bacteria that fend off mould and dryness. But even sourdough can eventually go stale. Here are some tips to ensure you get the most out of your loaf and enjoy every last bite!

Bread Care

Before diving into bread care tips, let’s outline the average shelf life for our different types of bread:

• Unsliced (kept in original packaging or a linen loaf bag): 5-7 days
• Sliced (kept in original packaging): 3-5 days
• Once defrosted: 2-3 days

Storage Tips

Serving Tips

1. Day 1: Freshening Up Your Loaf:
   • Preheat your oven to 220°C.
   • Place your loaf in the oven for 6-7 minutes, depending on how dark the bread is when it arrives. This will crisp up the crust, soften the crumb, and give you that just-baked freshness. It’s also a great way to impress your guests.
2. Day 3 or 4: Refreshing Your Bread:
   • Place your whole or cut loaf under running water until it is completely covered.
   • Place it in a preheated oven at 220°C for 9 minutes. This technique helps revive the loaf, restoring its crust and softening the interior.

Cutting Tips

1. Slicing a Steaming Crusty Loaf:
   • When you heat sourdough bread, the crust hardens, and the crumb softens, making it challenging to slice.
   • Use a sharp serrated bread knife to slice it while it’s still warm. A serrated knife is essential to cut through the crust without crushing the bread.
2. Avoid Crushing Your Bread:
   • No matter how sharp your bread knife is, you may still find yourself pressing too hard and crushing the bread while trying to cut through that crust.
   • My top tip? Turn the loaf upside down instead of flat (like in the photo below). Slicing the bread in this position can help you avoid crushing your beautiful bread, preserving its structure and texture. If you are having trouble visualising what I mean, check out my bread care video on Instagram.

Recipes for stale bread

If your bread is over a week old and the tips above don’t work, fear not. We have some recipes designed specifically for stale bread. For example, why not embrace your Italian side with a Tuscan bread soup or a Panzanella salad? If you’ve got more of a sweet tooth, our toffee apple bread and butter pudding might just hit the spot. Discover all our recipes on our blog.

By following these tips, your sourdough bread will remain fresh, delicious, and easy to serve. Enjoy every slice!