This Sourdough Discard Garlic Pull Apart Bread is soft, fluffy, and loaded with garlic! It’s the perfect way to use up your sourdough discard while enjoying a tasty treat.
Honestly, who can resist tearing off warm, garlicky pieces? I always make extra so I can snack while watching my favorite show. Trust me, your friends will love it too!
What I love most is how easy it is to whip up! Just mix, shape, and bake. It’s a fun way to enjoy bread and a great conversation starter at dinner.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sourdough Discard: Use any unfed sourdough starter you have on hand. If you don’t have any, you can replace it with plain yogurt or buttermilk, but the flavor will differ a bit.
All-Purpose Flour: This flour is perfect for a light texture. If you want a heartier bread, you can mix in some whole wheat flour or use bread flour for more chewiness.
Instant Yeast: Instant yeast is great for quick rises. If you use active dry yeast, let it dissolve in warm water for about 5-10 minutes before adding it to the mix.
Garlic: Fresh garlic gives the best flavor. If fresh isn’t available, garlic powder can be a good substitute, but use less—about 1 teaspoon should do!
Butter and Olive Oil: I prefer using butter for richer flavor, but olive oil is a fantastic substitute for a lighter taste. Use what you have in your kitchen!
How Do I Get the Dough to Rise Perfectly?
Getting the dough to rise can sometimes be tricky, but here’s a straightforward guide:
- Make sure your water is lukewarm, not hot. Too hot can kill the yeast, and too cold can slow it down.
- Find a warm spot in your kitchen to place the dough. An oven with the light on or a warm, sheltered corner works well.
- Cover the bowl with a damp towel or plastic wrap to keep the dough from drying out.
- Patience is key! Let it rise for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size.
Following these steps will help you achieve a lovely, airy bread that pulls apart beautifully!
Sourdough Discard Garlic Pull Apart Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Dough:
- 1 cup sourdough discard (unfed)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp instant yeast
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 3/4 cup warm water (about 100°F/38°C)
- 2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter (for dough)
For The Garlic Herb Butter:
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 4 large cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano (optional)
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful sourdough discard garlic pull apart bread takes about 2 to 3 hours to prepare. This includes the time to mix and knead the dough (about 15 minutes), two rises (about 1.5 to 2 hours), and baking (approximately 30-35 minutes). The delicious aroma will fill your kitchen as it bakes, so get ready to enjoy some garlicky goodness!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, instant yeast, sugar, and salt. Mix them together until evenly distributed. Next, add in the sourdough discard, warm water, and your choice of olive oil or melted butter. Use a spoon to stir everything together until a rough dough starts to form.
2. Knead the Dough:
Turn the dough out onto a floured surface. Use your hands to knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes. You’re looking for a smooth and elastic dough. If it’s too sticky, sprinkle a bit more flour as you knead.
3. First Rise:
Once your dough is kneaded, place it into a lightly oiled bowl. Cover the bowl with a clean, damp towel or plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm spot until it has doubled in size—this usually takes about 1 to 1.5 hours.
4. Prepare the Garlic Herb Butter:
While the dough is rising, prepare the garlic herb butter. In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, oregano (if using), salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes. Stir until all ingredients are well combined.
5. Shape the Bread:
After the dough has risen, punch it down gently to remove excess air. Roll it out into a rectangle that’s about 10×14 inches. Cut this rectangle into smaller squares. Alternate stacking or folding the squares into a greased loaf pan, making sure to arrange them tightly but without squashing them down.
6. Brush with Garlic Butter:
Using a pastry brush, generously brush the garlic herb butter all over the dough pieces—don’t be shy! Make sure to get some in between the layers too!
7. Second Rise:
Cover the loaf pan loosely with plastic wrap or a towel. Let the dough rise again for about 30-45 minutes, or until it’s puffed up a bit more.
8. Bake the Bread:
While the dough is rising for the second time, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Once preheated, place the loaf pan in the oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes, until the bread is golden brown and cooked through.
9. Brush with Remaining Butter:
When the bread comes out of the oven, immediately brush it with any remaining garlic herb butter. This will add extra flavor and keep the crust nice and soft!
10. Cool and Serve:
Allow the bread to cool for a few minutes in the pan before transferring it to a cutting board. Then, pull apart the pieces and serve warm. Enjoy the deliciously garlicky flavor!
Enjoy this flavorful, soft, and aromatic sourdough discard pull-apart bread with family or friends—it’s sure to impress!
Can I Use Different Types of Flour?
Absolutely! While all-purpose flour is ideal, you can substitute a portion with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor. Just keep in mind that it may alter the texture slightly, making it denser.
What Can I Do If My Dough Doesn’t Rise?
If your dough isn’t rising, check the temperature of your warm water—too hot or too cold can hinder yeast activity. You can also try moving the dough to a warmer spot or giving it more time to rise, as every kitchen has different conditions.
How Do I Store Leftover Bread?
Store any leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze it for up to 2 months. Reheat slices in the oven or microwave to enjoy fresh flavors again!
Can I Make This Recipe Without Sourdough Discard?
If you don’t have sourdough discard, you can use plain yogurt or buttermilk as substitutes, but the flavor will change. Additionally, you can simply omit it and increase the flour and water proportions if you decide to make a traditional bread dough.
