This Sourdough Discard Garlic Pull Apart Bread is soft, fluffy, and packed with tasty garlic flavor. It’s a fun bread to share, as you can easily pull off a piece whenever you fancy a bite!
The best part? You get to use your sourdough discard, so nothing goes to waste! I love making this bread for cozy family dinners—it always disappears quickly! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sourdough Discard: This is the heart of the recipe! You can use any unfed sourdough discard you already have. If you don’t have any, try using a store-bought sourdough starter. Just feed it first, then use the excess.
All-Purpose Flour: While all-purpose flour works perfectly, you can substitute with bread flour for a chewier texture. If you want a healthier option, whole wheat flour can be used, but you may need a bit more water.
Instant Yeast: Instant yeast gives quick rise, which is fantastic for this recipe. If you only have active dry yeast, it will also work, but let it dissolve in warm water before adding it to the mixture.
Garlic: Fresh garlic really enhances the flavor, but you can use garlic powder as a substitute if needed. Adjust the quantity based on your taste preference!
Herbs: Fresh parsley adds brightness, but you can replace it with other herbs like basil or chives. If using dried herbs, remember they are more concentrated—so use about a tablespoon instead!
How Do I Knead Dough Correctly?
Kneading dough is vital for developing gluten, which gives bread its structure. Here’s how to do it effectively:
- First, dust your surface and hands lightly with flour to prevent sticking.
- Flatten and stretch the dough with the palms of your hands, then fold it over itself.
- Turn the dough 90 degrees and repeat the flattening and folding.
- Continue this process for 8-10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- If you find sticking, just sprinkle a bit more flour as needed, but don’t overdo it!
Kneading by hand is rewarding! Just feel the transformation from a shaggy mass to a smooth dough. Trust me, it makes a difference!
How Can I Ensure My Dough Rises Well?
A successful rise leads to fluffy bread. Here’s what to keep in mind:
- Keep the dough covered to prevent it from drying out while rising.
- Choose a warm, draft-free place for the first rise—like an oven with the light on, or a sunny spot in your kitchen.
- For the second rise, remember to check the dough’s puffiness, not just the timer. It should feel light and airy!
If your kitchen is chilly, you might need a little extra time for the dough to rise. Patience pays off when making bread!
Sourdough Discard Garlic Pull Apart Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup sourdough discard (unfed)
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp instant yeast
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 3/4 cup warm water (about 100°F/38°C)
- 3 tbsp olive oil or melted butter, divided
- 4-5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped (or 1 tbsp dried parsley)
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano or Italian seasoning (optional)
- Salt flakes for sprinkling (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious pull apart bread takes about 2.5 to 3 hours total. You’ll spend around 30 minutes preparing and assembling the ingredients. The rest of the time is for rising and baking, leading to a perfect, fluffy garlic bread!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the sourdough discard, warm water, sugar, and instant yeast. Stir everything gently and let it sit for about 5 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the mixture is foamy—it means the yeast is activated!
2. Form the Dough:
Add the all-purpose flour and salt to the bowl. Mix them together until a rough dough forms. Don’t worry if it’s a little messy; that’s perfectly okay!
3. Knead the Dough:
Lightly flour your working surface and knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If you have a stand mixer, you can use it with a dough hook—just let it do the work!
4. First Rise:
Place your kneaded dough into a lightly oiled bowl. Cover it with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and allow it to rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours. You want the dough to double in size, so be patient—the wait will be worth it!
5. Make the Garlic Herb Butter:
While the dough is rising, mix together 2 tbsp of olive oil or melted butter, the minced garlic, chopped parsley, oregano (if using), and a pinch of salt in a small bowl. This will be your flavorful coating!
6. Shape the Dough:
Once the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release any air bubbles. Transfer it to a lightly floured surface and roll it out into a rectangle measuring about 12×16 inches.
7. Add Garlic Herb Butter:
Brush the garlic herb butter evenly over the dough, spreading it to the edges for maximum flavor.
8. Cut the Dough:
Using a knife or pizza cutter, cut the dough into 3-inch wide strips, and then cut each strip into 3-inch squares.
9. Stack the Squares:
Stack the squares in layers, placing a little extra garlic herb butter between each layer. Aim for about 3 layers high for a nice pull-apart effect!
10. Prepare for Second Rise:
Place your stacked squares into a greased loaf pan. Make sure they’re arranged so they can pull apart easily. Cover the pan and let the dough rise again for about 30-45 minutes, until puffy.
11. Bake the Bread:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Once preheated, bake your bread for about 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top is golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
12. Finishing Touch:
Remove the bread from the oven and brush the top with the remaining 1 tbsp of melted butter or olive oil for extra flavor and shine. Allow it to cool slightly before serving.
13. Serve and Enjoy:
Let the bread cool just a bit, then serve it warm, allowing everyone to pull apart their own pieces. This scrumptious garlic pull apart bread pairs wonderfully with extra garlic butter or your favorite dipping sauce. Enjoy!
Happy baking! This fluffy, flavorful sourdough garlic pull apart bread is perfect for sharing with family and friends!
Can I Use Active Dry Yeast Instead of Instant Yeast?
Yes, you can! If using active dry yeast, dissolve it in the warm water along with the sugar before mixing it with the sourdough discard. Let it sit for a few minutes until it becomes frothy, then proceed with the recipe as instructed.
Can I Make This Bread Without Sourdough Discard?
If you don’t have sourdough discard, you can substitute it with an equal amount of buttermilk or yogurt for a similar tangy flavor, but you may need to adjust the water content slightly since these liquids are thicker.
How Should I Store Leftover Bread?
Store any leftover pull apart bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze it for up to 3 months. To enjoy, let it thaw at room temperature and warm it in the oven for a few minutes!
What Can I Serve with This Bread?
This delicious garlic pull apart bread is perfect on its own, but you can serve it with marinara sauce, garlic butter, or ranch dressing for dipping. You can also pair it with soups or salads for a complete meal!
