This fun garlic pull-apart bread is super tasty and made with sourdough discard! It’s soft, fluffy, and filled with delicious garlic and herbs. Perfect for sharing!
Honestly, nothing beats pulling apart a piece of warm, buttery bread. I keep making it every week because it’s so easy—just mix, roll, and bake. I mean, who wouldn’t love that? 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sourdough Discard: This recipe uses unfed sourdough discard, which adds flavor and texture. If you don’t have any, you can replace it with plain yogurt or buttermilk mixed with a little baking soda for a similar tangy effect.
Flour: All-purpose flour is great for this bread, but you could also use bread flour for a chewier texture. If gluten is a concern, try a gluten-free flour blend that’s good for baking bread.
Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil is my favorite for the flavor, but you can use any vegetable oil if you prefer something more neutral. Melted butter can also be a great choice for an added richness.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic provides the best flavor. If you don’t have fresh garlic, garlic powder can work in a pinch. Use about 1 teaspoon of garlic powder as a substitute.
Butter: Unsalted butter is recommended, but you can use salted butter if that’s what you have. Just remember to adjust the salt in the recipe to taste.
What’s the Best Way to Knead Dough?
A key step in making pull-apart bread is kneading the dough. This helps develop gluten, giving your bread that fluffy texture. Here’s how to do it:
- After mixing your ingredients, transfer the dough to a floured surface.
- Using the heel of your hand, push the dough away from you.
- Fold the dough back towards you, give it a quarter turn, and repeat.
- Keep kneading for 8-10 minutes until the dough becomes smooth and elastic. You can do this in a stand mixer fitted with a hook if you prefer!
Check the dough by pressing it lightly; it should bounce back. If it’s sticky, sprinkle with small amounts of flour as you knead. This will help achieve the perfect consistency.
Sourdough Discard Garlic Pull Apart Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup (240g) sourdough discard (unfed sourdough starter)
- 3 cups (375g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup (120ml) warm water (adjust as needed)
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) instant yeast
- 1/4 cup (60ml) olive oil (plus extra for brushing)
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Optional: 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious pull apart bread takes about 2 hours total, including 1 to 1.5 hours for rising the dough. The prep time is pretty quick—around 30 minutes. After a little rise time and a short baking session, you’ll have warm, fluffy bread ready for the table!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Dough:
Start by combining the sourdough discard, warm water, sugar, and instant yeast in a large mixing bowl. Stir it well and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it looks slightly foamy. This means the yeast is active!
2. Combine Ingredients:
Next, add the flour, salt, and olive oil to the bowl. Use a spoon or your hands to mix everything together until a shaggy dough begins to form.
3. Knead the Dough:
Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead it for about 8-10 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic. If you prefer, you can also use a stand mixer with a dough hook for about 5-7 minutes.
4. Let the Dough Rise:
Place the kneaded dough in a lightly oiled bowl, covering it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Set it in a warm area and let it rise until it doubles in size, which should take about 1 to 1.5 hours.
5. Prepare the Garlic Butter:
While the dough is rising, mix together the melted butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, black pepper, and Parmesan cheese (if you’re using it) in a small bowl. Set this delicious mixture aside for later!
6. Shape the Bread:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a loaf pan with parchment paper. When your dough has risen, punch it down to release excess air. Roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle, about 12×18 inches.
7. Cut and Stack:
Cut the dough into strips about 3 inches wide. Brush each strip generously with the garlic butter mixture. Then, stack the strips on top of each other and cut this stack into smaller sections that are about 3×3 inches.
8. Place in Pan:
Arrange the stacked dough sections upright in the prepared loaf pan, making sure they’re close together but not tightly packed. Brush any leftover garlic butter over the top.
9. Final Rise:
Let the assembled bread rest for another 20-30 minutes to rise slightly before baking.
10. Bake the Bread:
Pop the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown on top and cooked through.
11. Cool and Serve:
Once it’s done, take the bread out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Then, pull apart the sections while they’re warm and enjoy this tasty treat!
This soft, flavorful sourdough garlic pull apart bread is perfect served with soup, pasta, or simply as a snack on its own. Enjoy every bite!
Can I Use Active Sourdough Starter Instead of Discard?
Yes! If you have an active sourdough starter, you can use it instead of discard. Just keep in mind that you’ll need to adjust the amount of water and flour in the recipe, as active starter is flour and water combined. You might want to reduce the warm water by about 1/4 cup to maintain the right consistency.
Can I Make This Bread in Advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and shape it, then refrigerate it overnight in an airtight container. The next day, allow it to come to room temperature and rise a little before baking. This makes it a great make-ahead option for gatherings!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
To store leftover pull-apart bread, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and keep it at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it. Just make sure it is fully cooled before wrapping up and placing it in an airtight container or freezer bag. Thaw and reheat in the oven for the best texture!
Can I Add Other Ingredients or Fillings?
Definitely! Feel free to mix in your favorite herbs, cheeses, or even sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor. Just make sure not to overload the dough; a little goes a long way in terms of added ingredients to keep it from becoming too dense.
