Understanding Nutrition: How Many Calories Are in Cheddar Sourdough Bread?

November 4, 2025 •

4 min read

A slice of commercially made cheddar sourdough bread can contain anywhere from 80 to over 150 calories, though the exact amount can vary widely depending on the recipe and serving size. Understanding how many calories are in cheddar sourdough bread requires looking at the ingredients and preparation methods used by bakeries or at home.

Quick Summary

The calorie count for cheddar sourdough bread is highly variable, influenced by the amount of cheese, the type of flour, and the size of the slice. Adding cheddar increases the fat and protein content compared to plain sourdough. While offering some health benefits like a lower glycemic index, its caloric density requires mindful portion control for a balanced diet.

Key Points

Variable Calories: Cheddar sourdough calories differ greatly, with commercial products ranging from 80-160+ per slice, while homemade versions can be higher.
Cheese Increases Calories: The added cheddar cheese significantly boosts the bread's fat and calorie content compared to plain sourdough.
Slice Size Matters: Thicker, artisan-style slices naturally contain more calories than thin, pre-packaged slices.
Offers Nutritional Benefits: Sourdough's fermentation process provides a lower glycemic index and improves the bioavailability of certain minerals.
Consider Portion Size: Enjoying cheddar sourdough in moderation is key to incorporating it into a balanced diet, especially if managing calorie or fat intake.
Nutrient-Dense Pairing: Combining a slice with high-fiber or lean protein foods can help create a more satiating and balanced meal.

How Many Calories Are in Cheddar Sourdough Bread?

The caloric content of cheddar sourdough bread is not a fixed number. It varies considerably based on whether it is a store-bought or homemade product and, more specifically, on the recipe used and the size of the slice. Commercial loaves, for instance, have a wide range. Some brands report as low as 80 calories per serving, based on a smaller slice size, while others may contain 140 calories or more for a similarly sized serving.

When baked at home, the calorie count can be even more varied. Recipes posted online show a wide spectrum of results, with some reporting figures around 243 to 284 calories per serving, often with a generous amount of cheddar. To get the most accurate information, checking the nutritional label for a commercial loaf or calculating the nutritional values for your specific homemade recipe is best.

Factors That Affect the Calorie Count

Several key factors contribute to the total number of calories in cheddar sourdough bread:

Amount of Cheddar Cheese: This is the most significant factor differentiating it from standard sourdough. Cheddar cheese is calorie-dense due to its high fat content. A larger volume of cheese will directly increase the overall fat and calorie count per slice.
Flour Type: The base flour affects the bread's nutritional profile. While traditional sourdough often uses white flour, some recipes incorporate a portion of whole wheat flour. Whole wheat bread generally has a similar calorie count to white bread but offers more fiber and nutrients.
Slice Size and Thickness: This is a major reason for the disparity in reported calorie counts. A thick, artisan-style slice from a homemade loaf will have significantly more calories than a thin, pre-sliced commercial piece.
Added Ingredients: Some recipes might include other ingredients like jalapeños, bacon, or extra butter, which will further increase the total caloric and fat content.

Nutritional Profile Beyond Calories

Beyond just calories, cheddar sourdough offers a range of nutrients. The base sourdough is made through a fermentation process involving lactic acid bacteria and wild yeast. This process offers several nutritional advantages:

Improved Mineral Absorption: The fermentation process helps break down phytic acid found in flour, which can interfere with the absorption of minerals like iron, zinc, and calcium. This makes the minerals in sourdough more bioavailable to the body.
Lower Glycemic Index: Sourdough bread has a lower glycemic index (GI) compared to conventional white bread. A lower GI means it causes a slower, more gradual rise in blood sugar, which is beneficial for managing blood sugar levels and promoting satiety.
Probiotic Potential: While baking kills the live cultures, the prebiotics created during fermentation can still support gut health. The addition of cheddar also provides a source of calcium and protein.

How Does Cheddar Sourdough Compare to Other Breads?


Bread Type	Approx. Calories per Slice	Approx. Fat per Slice	Approx. Carbs per Slice	Approx. Protein per Slice
Cheddar Sourdough	120-160 kcal*	2-5g	18-24g	4-6g
Plain Sourdough	80-90 kcal	<1g	15-18g	3-4g
Whole Wheat Bread	80-90 kcal	1-2g	16-18g	3-4g
Standard White Bread	75-80 kcal	<1g	13-15g	2-3g

*Approximate averages based on various commercial and homemade recipes, with a similar serving size. Values will vary significantly based on ingredients and slice size.

As the table illustrates, cheddar sourdough is notably higher in both calories and fat compared to plain sourdough and other common bread types. This is directly attributable to the added cheese. While it shares some nutritional benefits with plain sourdough, such as a lower GI, the higher energy and fat content should be considered for dietary planning.

Is Cheddar Sourdough a Healthy Choice?

Whether cheddar sourdough is a "healthy" choice depends on your overall dietary goals and how you consume it. If you are monitoring your calorie or fat intake, especially for weight management, portion control is essential. A single slice may fit into a balanced diet, but multiple slices can add up quickly. It is a more calorie-dense choice than plain sourdough, whole wheat, or white bread.

However, cheddar sourdough does offer some nutritional advantages. The fermented nature of sourdough makes minerals more accessible, and the cheddar provides protein and calcium. For those who enjoy the flavor, it can be a satisfying treat or an occasional part of a meal. For example, a slice could be part of a balanced breakfast with a source of fiber and vegetables, such as avocado toast.

The Role of Moderation in Your Diet

Including cheddar sourdough in your diet is perfectly fine, provided you practice moderation. The caloric and fat content from the cheese means it's not a food to consume without thought if you're watching your intake. Pairing it with nutrient-dense foods, like vegetables or lean protein, can create a more balanced meal. For individuals with specific health concerns, such as heart disease or high cholesterol, consulting a registered dietitian is always a good idea before making it a regular part of your diet.

Conclusion

The number of calories in cheddar sourdough bread is highly variable, with commercial brands reporting between 80 and 160+ calories per slice, and homemade versions potentially containing even more. The amount of cheddar cheese and the slice size are the most influential factors in determining its energy density. While offering some of sourdough's inherent nutritional benefits like a lower glycemic index and improved mineral absorption, its higher calorie and fat content from the cheese means it should be consumed mindfully, particularly for those managing weight or fat intake. As part of a balanced diet and in moderation, it can be a delicious and satisfying food choice.

For more information on the health aspects of sourdough bread, you can review this article from the National Institutes of Health: Nutritional benefits of sourdoughs: A systematic review

Frequently Asked Questions

Cheddar sourdough is not necessarily healthier than white bread in terms of calories, as the added cheese can make it more calorie-dense. However, its fermentation process gives it a lower glycemic index and improves mineral absorption, which is a nutritional advantage over conventional white bread.

Homemade cheddar sourdough often has more calories per slice than store-bought. Home bakers often use more cheese and cut thicker slices, leading to higher caloric values compared to the often standardized and sometimes lower-fat versions from bakeries.

No, the fermentation process of sourdough does not significantly reduce the overall calorie count from the flour and cheese. Instead, it alters the bread's nutritional properties, such as its glycemic index and the bioavailability of minerals.

To reduce the calories, you can use less cheese in your recipe, opt for a lower-fat cheddar cheese, or simply slice the bread more thinly. Using a portion of whole wheat flour can also add fiber and nutrients without a major caloric increase.

Yes, cheddar sourdough is a better source of protein compared to plain bread, primarily due to the added cheese. The fermentation process also enhances the protein content in some preparations.

Account for it by monitoring your portion size, especially if managing your weight. Consider it a denser food item and balance it with other low-calorie, nutrient-rich foods like vegetables or lean proteins in the same meal.

Besides protein and fat from the cheese, cheddar sourdough contains carbohydrates from the flour. It also provides small amounts of minerals like calcium from the cheddar and potentially increased mineral content from the enhanced bioavailability due to fermentation.