Introduction
Sourdough Discard Pull-Apart Garlic Bread is a delightful, savory twist on classic garlic bread, made even more special by using sourdough discard. If you’ve ever wondered what to do with your leftover sourdough starter, this recipe is the perfect solution. The pull-apart style of this bread makes it fun to share, and the combination of garlic, butter, and cheese creates an irresistible flavor profile. I tried it with almond milk instead of regular milk, and it worked great—still incredibly fluffy and soft. The sourdough discard adds a subtle tang, which beautifully balances the richness of the butter and cheese. It’s the kind of bread that will disappear quickly at any gathering or family meal. Whether you’re making it as a side for pasta or as an appetizer, this bread is a surefire hit that everyone will enjoy.
Print
Sourdough Discard Pull-Apart Garlic Bread – Buttery, Cheesy Perfection
- Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A soft and fluffy pull-apart garlic bread made with sourdough discard, buttery, cheesy, and loaded with garlic for a perfect side dish or snack.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups sourdough discard
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp active dry yeast
- 1/2 cup warm water
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine the warm water and sugar, then sprinkle the active dry yeast over the top. Let it sit for 5 minutes, or until it becomes foamy.
- In a large bowl, combine the sourdough discard, flour, and salt. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil, then stir until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 5-7 minutes, or until smooth and elastic. Cover with a damp cloth and let it rise for 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×9-inch square baking dish or a round cake pan.
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into small, bite-sized pieces. Arrange the dough pieces in the prepared baking dish, stacking them in layers.
- In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, garlic, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, parsley, and black pepper. Pour the garlic butter mixture evenly over the dough pieces.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and melted.
- Let the bread cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with extra fresh parsley, if desired.
Notes
- If you don’t have sourdough discard, you can use all-purpose flour, active dry yeast, and a bit of buttermilk or yogurt as a substitute for the sourdough base.
- For extra garlic flavor, you can sprinkle some garlic powder on top of the bread before baking.
- This bread is best served warm and can be paired with pasta, soups, or salads.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Italian
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Sourdough Discard
The star of this recipe is sourdough discard, which gives the bread its signature flavor and texture. If you bake sourdough regularly, this is a great way to use up the extra starter you often throw away. The discard adds a slight tanginess to the dough, making it stand out from regular garlic bread.
All-Purpose Flour
All-purpose flour serves as the base of the dough. It creates the perfect structure for the bread, ensuring it rises well and has a soft, chewy texture.
Warm Water
You’ll need warm water to help activate the dough. It also ensures that the yeast will rise properly, contributing to a light, airy texture.
Sugar
A small amount of sugar helps feed the yeast, promoting a good rise and giving the bread a touch of sweetness that balances the savory garlic and cheese.
Instant Yeast
Instant yeast ensures that the dough rises quickly and evenly. It doesn’t require proofing like active dry yeast, which makes this recipe easier and faster.
Salt
Salt is essential for flavor and helps balance the dough’s richness. Without it, the bread would taste flat and lack depth.
Olive Oil
Olive oil adds richness and moisture to the dough, helping it stay soft. It also contributes to the golden color of the crust.
Butter
For the garlic butter coating, butter is essential. It gives the bread a luscious, melt-in-your-mouth quality and is key to making the garlic and herb flavors stick to every piece.
Garlic
Freshly minced garlic is mixed with the butter to create a fragrant, flavorful topping that infuses the bread with an irresistible aroma.
Parmesan Cheese
Parmesan cheese adds a sharp, salty flavor that perfectly complements the garlic butter. It also gives the bread a nice, slightly crispy finish when it bakes.
Mozzarella Cheese
Mozzarella cheese makes the bread ooey-gooey and cheesy. As it melts, it adds richness and depth to each pull-apart bite.
Directions
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
- Prepare the Dough:
In a large bowl, combine the sourdough discard, warm water, sugar, yeast, and salt. Stir until well mixed. Add olive oil and all-purpose flour gradually, mixing until a dough forms. Knead the dough for about 5–7 minutes on a lightly floured surface until it’s smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean cloth, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size. - Shape the Dough:
Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out into a rectangular shape, about 12×8 inches. Spread a generous amount of butter mixed with garlic, parmesan cheese, and mozzarella cheese evenly over the dough. Cut the dough into strips, then stack them and slice the stack into small squares. - Arrange in a Pan:
Grease a loaf pan and arrange the dough squares in the pan. Layer them so they overlap slightly, creating a pull-apart effect. Cover the pan with a cloth and let the dough rise for an additional 30 minutes. - Bake the Bread:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the bread for 25–30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the cheese is melted. You can also cover the pan with foil during the first 15 minutes to prevent over-browning. - Serve:
Once the bread is done, let it cool slightly before serving. Pull apart the pieces and enjoy!
Servings and timing
This recipe makes approximately 12 pull-apart pieces of bread. Preparation time is 20 minutes, and the bread requires about 1 hour of rise time and 30 minutes of baking time. Total time: about 2 hours.
Equipment needed :
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.
3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results.
Variations and Customizations
Add More Cheese
If you’re a fan of cheesy bread, feel free to add more mozzarella or use a combination of different cheeses, such as cheddar, provolone, or even a blend of Italian cheeses. The extra cheese will make the bread even more gooey and delicious.
Herb Variations
For extra flavor, consider adding fresh herbs such as rosemary, thyme, or parsley to the garlic butter mixture. These herbs will add a fresh, aromatic note to the bread that pairs beautifully with the cheesy goodness.
Spicy Twist
If you love a little heat, add some red pepper flakes to the garlic butter mixture. The slight spiciness balances out the richness of the butter and cheese, making each bite more exciting.
Make it Vegan
To make this bread vegan-friendly, swap the butter for a plant-based butter and use dairy-free cheese alternatives like vegan mozzarella. The rest of the recipe remains the same, giving you a cheesy, satisfying bread without the dairy.
Gluten-Free Version
For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free all-purpose flour in place of regular flour. Make sure the flour you choose is a 1:1 baking blend that includes xanthan gum for the best texture.
Nutrition and Dietary Info
Approximate values per serving:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 240 kcal |
| Protein | 7 g |
| Carbohydrates | 28 g |
| Fat | 12 g |
| Saturated Fat | 7 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 2 g |
| Sodium | 320 mg |
Expert Tips & Customizations
Don’t Rush the Rising Process
Allow the dough ample time to rise so it becomes light and fluffy. Rushing this process can lead to denser bread. The dough’s texture should be soft, smooth, and elastic once kneaded properly.
Make the Garlic Butter Fresh
Fresh garlic is best for the flavor, but if you’re short on time, you can use garlic powder. Just be sure to adjust the quantity to suit your taste.
Serve Fresh Out of the Oven
This bread is best enjoyed warm and fresh out of the oven. If you want to reheat it later, wrap it in foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes.
FAQs
Can I use sourdough starter instead of sourdough discard?
Yes, you can use sourdough starter, but you may need to adjust the amount of water and flour to maintain the right consistency.
How can I store the pull-apart garlic bread?
Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 1 month and reheat in the oven.
Can I add different toppings?
Absolutely! You can add chopped olives, caramelized onions, or roasted peppers for extra flavor.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, feel free to use your favorite cheese! Mozzarella, cheddar, or a combination of cheeses works wonderfully.
Can I make this bread without cheese?
Yes, you can make a simpler version by omitting the cheese for a more traditional garlic bread.
What can I serve this bread with?
It pairs wonderfully with pasta, soups, or as an appetizer with a dipping sauce like marinara or ranch.
Can I make this bread spicy?
For a spicy twist, add red pepper flakes to the garlic butter or mix in some chopped fresh chili peppers.
Conclusion
Sourdough Discard Pull-Apart Garlic Bread is a flavorful, fun twist on traditional garlic bread. With its cheesy, buttery layers and soft, tangy sourdough base, it’s sure to become a go-to recipe for family dinners, parties, or anytime you’re craving something delicious. The pull-apart nature makes it easy to share, and the options for customization ensure that you can make it your own. Whether you add extra cheese, spices, or fresh herbs, this recipe is guaranteed to impress!
Hungry for more? Visit our website for full recipes and follow us on Pinterest for daily foodie inspo you’ll love to pin!