⭐ Water with a pinch of salt and nutritional yeast (Best Gluten-Free Option)
1 cup water + 1/8 tsp salt + 1 tsp nutritional yeast per 1 cup vegetable brothVegetable broth in sourdough bread provides mild savory flavors and minerals that can enhance yeast activity and dough flavor. Water alone lacks these, but adding nutritional yeast supplies glutamates that mimic broth’s umami, while salt maintains ionic balance important for yeast metabolism.
For best results, dissolve salt and nutritional yeast fully before mixing into dough to ensure even flavor distribution. Avoid adding too much salt as it can inhibit yeast.
This substitute maintains the bread’s characteristic tang and crumb structure while adding subtle savory notes similar to vegetable broth, making it the closest functional and flavor match.