This Sourdough Discard Garlic Pull Apart Bread is a wonderful treat that’s soft, buttery, and packed with garlic flavor. It’s perfect for sharing with friends or family!
You know it’s going to be a good time when bread pulls apart easily! I love making this because it uses leftover sourdough starter, so nothing goes to waste. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sourdough Starter Discard: This recipe shines with unfed sourdough discard. If you don’t have discard, you can use active sourdough starter, but adjust the yeast since it’s already alive. You could also experiment with a different type of fermented dough if you want.
All-purpose Flour: While all-purpose flour is perfect for this dough, you can use bread flour for a chewier texture. If you need a gluten-free option, try a gluten-free baking blend, but the results may vary.
Garlic: Fresh garlic provides the best flavor, but in a pinch, garlic powder will work too. Use 1 teaspoon of garlic powder for every clove, but the taste will be milder.
Butter: Unsalted butter is what I recommend for controlling the saltiness. If you’re dairy-free, coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute works great!
Why is Kneading Important in Bread Making?
Kneading is a crucial step that develops gluten, giving bread its wonderful structure and chewiness. Here’s how to do it right:
- Start with a lightly floured surface and place your dough on it.
- Push the dough with the heels of your hands away from you, then fold it over itself.
- Turn it 90 degrees and repeat. Knead for about 8-10 minutes until it feels smooth and elastic.
- If the dough sticks, add just enough flour to prevent it from clinging.
Believe me, giving it a good knead will reward you with a fluffy and airy bread!
How Do You Ensure Your Dough Rises Well?
Allowing your dough to rise properly is key to soft pull-apart bread. Here’s what to do:
- Make sure your ingredients are at room temperature, especially the water, which should be warm (about 100°F or 38°C).
- Cover the bowl with a damp cloth or plastic wrap to keep the moisture in.
- Find a warm spot to let your dough rise. A turned-off oven or a sunny area works well.
- Monitor the dough; it should double in size, which usually takes 1 to 1.5 hours.
Following these tips will help you achieve that perfect rise for your bread!
How to Make Sourdough Discard Garlic Pull Apart Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dough:
- 1 cup (240g) sourdough starter discard (unfed)
- 3 cups (360g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp instant yeast
- 3/4 cup (180ml) warm water
- 2 tbsp olive oil
For the Garlic Herb Butter:
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted
- 4 garlic cloves, finely minced
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful bread will take about 2.5 to 3 hours to prepare and bake. This includes approximately 15-20 minutes of active preparation time, 1 to 1.5 hours of rising time for the dough, and 25-30 minutes of baking time. It’s a bit of a wait, but trust me, the aroma will make it worth it!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Dough:
In a large bowl, combine the sourdough starter discard, warm water, and olive oil. Mix everything together until well combined.
Next, add the all-purpose flour, salt, sugar, and instant yeast to the mixture. Stir together until a dough forms. It might look a bit shaggy at first, but that’s okay!
2. Kneading:
Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead it by hand or use a stand mixer with a dough hook. Knead for about 8-10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. If it feels too sticky, you can sprinkle a little more flour as you knead.
3. First Rise:
Place the kneaded dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turn it so it’s coated with oil, and cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm place for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size. This is when all the magic happens!
4. Preheat the Oven:
While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This way, it’s ready when your dough is!
5. Prepare the Garlic Herb Butter:
In a separate bowl, mix the melted butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, and black pepper together until well combined. This mixture is the star of your pull-apart bread!
6. Shaping the Dough:
Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release the air. Place it on a lightly floured surface and roll it out into a rectangle about 10×14 inches.
Using a pizza cutter or knife, cut the dough horizontally into 1.5-inch thick strips, then cut vertically to create squares. You’ll have lots of little squares that are perfect for pulling apart!
7. Assembling the Bread:
Take the stacked squares of dough and place them into a greased round baking dish or cast-iron skillet. Make sure to stack them upright and not flat.
Generously brush the garlic herb butter between the squares, making sure each one gets coated nice and evenly.
8. Second Rise:
Cover the baking dish with a towel and let the dough proof again for about 30 minutes until puffy. This helps the bread become extra soft and airy!
9. Baking:
After the second rise, place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Look for a golden-brown top and a delicious aroma filling your kitchen. Your timing may vary slightly depending on your oven.
10. Finishing Touches:
Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and brush it again with the remaining garlic herb butter for that extra flavor kick. Let it cool slightly before pulling it apart.
Enjoy this warm, buttery garlic pull-apart bread with friends and family, and watch it disappear!
Can I Use Regular Yeast Instead of Instant Yeast?
Yes, you can! If you’re using active dry yeast instead, simply dissolve it in the warm water along with the sugar before combining it with the other ingredients. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it’s frothy before adding the remaining ingredients.
What Can I Substitute for Olive Oil?
If you don’t have olive oil on hand, you can use melted coconut oil, melted butter, or vegetable oil instead. Each will provide a slightly different flavor but will keep the dough moist.
Can I Add Cheese to the Pull Apart Bread?
Absolutely! To add a cheesy twist, sprinkle some shredded cheese (like mozzarella or cheddar) between the dough squares before baking. It’ll melt beautifully and give you that extra cheesy pull!
How Do I Store Leftover Pull Apart Bread?
Store any leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it; just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. Thaw at room temperature and reheat in the oven for the best texture.
