Holiday Gift Idea: Mini Sourdough Loaf Gift for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year
There is something so cozy about gifting something homemade during the holidays. This year I wanted to share a simple and thoughtful idea that everyone will love. Mini sourdough loaf gifts are perfect for Thanksgiving hosts, Christmas parties, or even New Year’s get-togethers. They are easy to wrap, customizable, and can be paired with a few small extras to create a beautiful gift basket.
*This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you purchase through them at no extra cost to you. Your support helps keep the oven warm and this cozy space going. Thank you so much.
Why Mini Sourdough Loaves Make the Perfect Gift
Mini loaves are approachable for both bakers and non-bakers. They are small, cute, and easy to transport, yet still full of flavor. Best of all, they can be customized with your favorite flavors, giving you the chance to create a gift that feels personal and thoughtful.
If you want the full recipe for my base sourdough, check out my post From Scratch Sourdough Bread where I guide you step by step. You can use that dough to make all the mini loaf variations below.
My Mini Loaf Variations
When I made these mini sourdough loaf gifts, I tried a few different flavors
Rosemary and Olive Oil
This loaf is fragrant and savory, perfect for pairing with cheeses or as part of a bread basket. Full disclosure, the first time I made this I added too much olive oil and the bread separated into layers when I sliced it…. Lesson learned!!
Here is how to do it right:
- Stretch the dough into a rectangle when shaping.
- Lightly brush the surface with a small amount of olive oil (this is where my oops happened), just enough to coat not pool.
- Sprinkle with finely chopped rosemary
- Fold gently and shape into a mini loaf
- Let it proof and bake as usual
This keeps the loaf flavorful but still slices cleanly.
BAKING TIP: If you have plenty of proofing baskets you can use those for these mini loaves. I only have 2 so I lined bowls with lightly floured tea towels and that worked beautifully.
Honey and Oat
A slightly sweet, soft loaf that is cozy and comforting
Jalapeño and Cheddar
Savory, slightly spicy, perfect for anyone who loves bold flavors
You can also experiment with other mix-ins:
- Sweet: cinnamon sugar swirl, dried cranberries, chocolate chips
- Savory: sun-dried tomato and basil, olives and thyme, cheddar and chive
Mini Loaf Assembly and Gift Wrapping
I like to keep things simple but rustic and charming. Here is how I wrapped mine:
- Wrap each loaf in parchment paper.
- Tie with twine or raffia and add a handmade label. For mine I used watercolor paper, wrote the flavor with a fine-tip Sharpie, and tore the edges for a rustic look. You can also find affordable craft tags online. These are on Amazon and are inexpensive and very clean and elegant!
Basket Ideas
- Thrifted baskets are perfect and budget-friendly. You probably already have something at home that works or you can grab a simple basket online. If you need ideas, these are really cute and they have plenty of room for all your goodies!
- Arrange your mini loaves in the basket and add a few complementary items:
- Infused olive oil, which pairs beautifully with the rosemary loaf
- Compound butter, see a few simple flavor ideas below
- A bottle of wine, small cheese, or other gourmet touches
Quick Compound Butter and Infused Oil Ideas
Compound Butter Ideas
- Garlic and parsley
- Honey and cinnamon
- Chive and cheddar
Infused Olive Oils
- Rosemary and lemon
- Garlic and chili flakes
- Thyme and orange peel
You can simply place these in small jars or bottles and tuck them into the basket along with your mini sourdough loaf gifts for a thoughtful, homemade touch.
Why This Makes the Perfect Holiday Gift
Whether it is Thanksgiving, Christmas, or a New Year’s party, mini sourdough loaves are versatile and charming. They pair beautifully with a bottle of wine, a homemade spread, or just a handwritten note. Your friends and family will love the personal touch and you will love how simple it is to pull together
Want to Learn More About Sourdough?
If you are newer to sourdough or want to dive deeper, check out my free guide The Art of Sourdough: From Starter to Slice. It is 23 pages of tips, techniques, and step-by-step instructions for baking perfect sourdough at home. Grab it free from my resource library and become a mini loaf master just in time for the holidays!
I would love to hear from you! If you try any of these mini sourdough loaf ideas or put together a little gift basket of your own, let me know how it goes. What inclusions did you choose? Did you find a cute basket or get creative with your wrapping? Your ideas might even inspire someone else. Please leave a comment below and share your experience. I can’t wait to connect with you and see what you create!
XO, Bri
More Holiday Recipe Ideas to Try
If you loved these mini sourdough loaves, there are plenty of other cozy holiday recipes you might enjoy. From warm soups to sweet treats, these ideas are perfect for sharing with friends and family or bringing to a holiday gathering. Be sure to check out my favorites:
These recipes are all easy to make and full of the flavors of the season. You can mix and match them in a gift basket or enjoy them alongside your mini sourdough loaves for a complete holiday spread.
Let’s Connect on Social Media
I love seeing what you create in your kitchen and sharing cozy moments from mine. If you try these mini sourdough loaves or any of my recipes, tag me on social media so I can see your beautiful creations. You can find me on Pinterest, Instagram, TikTok and Facebook where I share more recipes, seasonal inspiration, and behind-the-scenes looks at my homestead life.
Following along is also a great way to get more holiday ideas, stay inspired, and connect with a community of people who love simple, intentional, and delicious home cooking. I can’t wait to see what you make!
