This Sourdough Discard Garlic Pull Apart Bread is delicious and fun to eat (and make!). Peel off a buttery, garlicky layer to enjoy on its own, as an appetizer, or as a side dish with a meal. It's a fun twist on classic garlic bread that you can make with sourdough discard or active sourdough starter, if you prefer!
And if you're really in the mood for a sweet pull-apart bread, try my Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Roll Pull Apart Bread, or my Sourdough Discard Apple Pull Apart Bread!
This was so good and fun to make - came out perfect. Thank you for the recipe!
- Mary
Why you'll love this recipe
- The irregularity is part of the charm of this recipe, so you don't need to worry about dividing the dough perfectly, or shaping the pieces into perfect shapes!
- It also makes this a great recipe to make with young or inexperienced bread bakers - it's very forgiving!
- The garlic bread layers are buttery, garlicky, and delicious - and very fun to peel and eat! And if you're in a garlic mood, try these Sourdough Discard Garlic Rolls!
- This recipe is best served warm, while the layers are still soft and fragrant!
- You can easily modify this recipe to use active sourdough starter instead of sourdough discard, if you prefer.
- You can change up the herbs to suit your tastes. Only rosemary? Only parsley? A mix? Something else entirely? Go for it!
- Looking for other side dish recipes? Try these Sourdough Discard Potato Dinner Rolls!
Jump to:
Ingredients
There are only a few key ingredients you'll need to make this pull-apart bread.
- Sourdough discard: The sourdough discard should be unfed and at room temperature for this recipe. This recipe is designed for a sourdough starter with a 1:1 ratio (when you feed your starter, it's with 1 part water and 1 part flour). If your starter uses a different ratio, you may need to adjust some of the ingredients in this recipe.
- Learn more about how to make a sourdough starter.
- Garlic powder: Make sure you're using garlic powder and not garlic salt! This helps give that great garlicky taste.
- Fresh parsley or rosemary: You can use either fresh parsley or rosemary (or a combination of both!) for this recipe. I highly recommend using fresh rather than dried herbs.
- If you're in a rosemary mood, try these Sourdough Discard Rosemary Salt Bagels and this Sourdough Discard Tomato Focaccia!
- Flaky sea salt: Finishing the bread with flaky sea salt gives it a perfect flavor kick. I like to use Maldon Sea Salt.
See full recipe below for detailed directions.
Substitutions & Variations
This is a very adaptable recipe and below are a few easy substitutions and variations you can try.
- Use active sourdough starter - If you'd like to make this recipe with active sourdough starter instead of discard, you can. Omit the yeast, and you'll also need to adjust the rising times (I have not tried this with active starter, so do not have those rise times currently).
- Use different herbs - You can use either parsley or rosemary for this recipe (or a combination of both!). If you like, you can also mix up the herbs and use something else - sage would be wonderful here!
- Add cheese - If you're interested, you can sprinkle ¼ cup of shredded parmesan cheese in between the dough layers as you're building the bread. Spread each piece with the butter mixture, then sprinkle with cheese and fold as directed.
- Use fresh garlic - If you'd like to use fresh garlic instead of garlic powder, you can! One clove of garlic is equal to ¼ teaspoon of garlic powder.
- Looking for a different garlic bread option? Try these Sourdough Discard Garlic Knots!
How to Make Sourdough Discard Garlic Pull Apart Bread
There are just a few steps and the most involved part (but also the most fun part!) is the assembly. The full recipe with detailed directions is at the bottom of this post.
- Step 1: Combine all ingredients except butter in the bowl of a stand mixer. With the mixer on low, slowly pour in the melted butter until a shaggy dough forms.
- Step 2: Knead the dough on a work surface for 3-4 minutes until smooth. The dough should be soft, smooth, and not sticky. If needed, add more flour or milk (1 Tablespoon at a time) to reach your desired consistency.
- Step 3: Transfer the dough to a large, oiled bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise for 60-90 minutes until doubled in size.
- Step 4: In a small bowl, mix together the softened butter, chopped herbs, garlic powder and salt for the topping. Make sure the butter is very soft to make for easier mixing.
- Step 5: Transfer the dough to a work surface and divide into 12 equal-sized pieces. I recommend using a kitchen scale to measure perfectly even pieces.
- Step 6: Press and flatten the dough with your hand (you can use a rolling pin if you prefer) into an oval about 4 inches wide (this is the about the width of your pan). This doesn't need to be exact; the irregularity is part of this recipe!
- Step 7: Generously spread each flattened piece with the butter mixture. You'll use about 1-2 teaspoons of the butter mixture on each piece.
- Step 8: Fold the buttered piece in half like a taco.
- Step 9: Place the piece fold-side-down in a greased 9x5-inch loaf pan. Repeat with the remaining pieces until the bread pan is full.
- Step 10: Cover with plastic wrap and let rise 30-45 minutes until puffed. The dough should not rise above the top of the bread pan.
- Step 11: Bake until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 200 degrees (F) on a kitchen thermometer. While warm, brush with any remaining butter mixture and sprinkle with flaky sea salt. Let cool slightly, then serve while still warm.
Expert Baking Tips
- Make sure to knead the dough long enough. The dough should be smooth and not sticky. If needed, add more flour or non-dairy milk (1 Tablespoon / 10 grams at a time) to reach your desired consistency.
- Shaping the dough does not have to be perfect. Part of the fun of this recipe (and others like my Sourdough Discard Pretzel Bites) is the irregularity of the garlic bread layers. Embrace it and shape the dough pieces by hand, let them be irregular shapes, and don't worry about them being the same size.
- Be generous with the butter mixture on each piece of dough. You'll also want to keep a little bit of the butter mixture to brush on the warm bread when it comes out of the oven!
- Do not let the dough rise past the top of the bread pan during the second rise. If it does, it will still be delicious, but you'll run the risk of the dough folding and falling over the edge of the pan as it bakes.
- Use a kitchen thermometer to make sure the loaf is fully baked. When finished, the loaf will reach an internal temperature of 200 degrees (F).
- Try a sweet version of this recipe with this Sourdough Discard Pumpkin Pull Apart Bread.
Can you add cheese to this recipe?
Yes! If you want to add cheese to this recipe, spread each piece of dough with the butter mixture, then sprinkle with shredded Parmesan. You'll need about ¼ cup of shredded Parmesan for the full loaf.
Storage
Room Temperature Storage: This Sourdough Discard Garlic Pull Apart Bread is best eaten fresh, while it's still slightly warm. You can store the bread in a sealed plastic bag or airtight container for up to 3 days. If needed, reheat in the microwave for about 30 seconds to make the bread soft and warm again.
Freezer Storage: If you want to store this bread to enjoy later, let it cool fully, then transfer to an airtight, freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, let the bread thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then warm in the microwave for 30-60 seconds. You can also reheat the full loaf in the oven at 350 degrees F for about 10 minutes.
Recipe FAQs
Yes. If you'd like to use active sourdough starter rather than discard, you can. To do so, omit the yeast and replace the sourdough discard with active sourdough starter (1:1 substitute). You'll also need to adjust the rise times.
Yes. You can sprinkle shredded parmesan cheese on each dough piece after you spread it with the butter mixture. You'll use about ¼ cup of shredded cheese for the full loaf.
I highly recommend using fresh herbs, but if you're in a pinch, dried herbs will work, too. Use 1 teaspoon of dried herbs in place of 1 Tablespoon of fresh herbs. And if you prefer using dried herbs, check out these Sourdough Discard Breadsticks, too!
Yes! Keep in mind that 1 garlic clove is equal to ¼ teaspoon of garlic powder as you're making the conversion.
There are times and visual cues listed in the recipe below, but the foolproof way is to measure the internal temperature of the loaf with a kitchen thermometer. When it's fully baked, the loaf will reach an internal temperature of 200 degrees (F).
More Sourdough Discard Recipes
If you tried this Sourdough Discard Garlic Pull Apart Bread or any other recipe on my website, please leave a star rating and let me know how it went in the comments below. I'd love to hear from you! Happy Baking!
Sourdough Discard Garlic Pull Apart Bread
Equipment
- Kitchen thermometer optional
Ingredients
For the bread
- ¼ cup non-dairy or regular dairy milk warmed to 110℉
- 1 ½ teaspoons instant yeast
- 2 teaspoons granulated sugar
- 2 cups + 1 Tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 200 grams (about ¾ cup) sourdough discard unfed, at room temperature
- 1 egg lightly beaten
- 1 Tablespoon fresh parsley or rosemary chopped
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 Tablespoons unsalted butter melted
For the topping
- 7 Tablespoons unsalted butter softened
- 1 Tablespoon fresh parsley or rosemary chopped
- 1 Tablespoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- flaky sea salt for topping
Instructions
- Combine the warmed milk, instant yeast, and sugar in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook*. Add the flour, sourdough discard, beaten egg, chopped herbs, salt, and garlic powder. With the mixer on low speed, slowly add 2 Tablespoons of melted butter. Increase speed to medium and mix until a shaggy dough forms.
- Transfer the dough to a smooth work surface and knead until a smooth dough forms, about 3-4 minutes. The dough should be smooth and slightly tacky (but not sticky). If needed, add more flour or milk (1 Tablespoon / 10 grams at a time) to reach your desired consistency.
- Transfer the dough to a large greased bowl and cover with plastic wrap. Let rise for 60-90 minutes, or until doubled in size.
- While the dough rises, make the topping. In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, chopped herbs, garlic powder, and ½ teaspoon salt. Mix until combined. Set aside 1 Tablespoon of this mixture to brush on the loaf when it comes out of the oven. Grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan and set aside**.
- After the rise, turn the dough onto a smooth work surface and divide into 12 equal-sized pieces. I recommend using a kitchen scale to divide the dough evenly (for me, each piece was about 55 grams).Flatten each piece with the palm of your hand into a rough circle about 4 inches in diameter, then spread with 1-2 teaspoons of the butter mixture. Fold the piece in half like a taco, then transfer to the prepared baking pan with the fold-side down on the bottom of the pan. Repeat with the remaining pieces of dough, using all but the 1 Tablespoon of the butter mixture you've kept for brushing on the loaf when it comes out of the oven.
- Cover the pan with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let rise 30-45 minutes until the dough is puffed. The dough should not rise above the edges of the loaf pan.
- Preheat the oven to 350℉.
- Bake for 30 minutes, then cover with aluminum foil and bake an additional 5-10 minutes. The final loaf will be golden brown, and if you use a kitchen thermometer, the internal temperature will reach about 200℉. While the loaf is still warm, brush with the remaining butter mixture and sprinkle with flaky sea salt. Let the loaf cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then serve.
Nicole says
This pull apart bread recipe is absolutely wonderful! My whole family loves it, even my sweet daughter who doesn't even care for bread gobbled it up. It is also a lot of fun to make. Thank you for this delicious and easy recipe, we will be having this often!
Jen says
I am excited to make this recipe! (Today is the big day, lol, first time using discard). Just wondering if I can use crushed fresh garlic?
Jessica Vogl says
You could! Just be mindful how much garlic you're using in the whole loaf (fresh garlic is a stronger flavor).
Dea says
Could one just use all active starter and not do discard and yeast? If so, how much active starter? Thanks.
Jessica Vogl says
Yes! There are directions on this in the "substitutions & variations" section above!
Stephanie says
This sounds amazing! Is there a good point in here where I could freeze before baking?
Jessica Vogl says
I haven't tested this, but if you let the dough do the first rise, then shape it into the layers and place in the bread pan, you can cover and freeze at that point. When you're ready to bake, you would let the dough thaw and come to room temperature and complete the second rise (looking puffy), then bake as directed.
Sabine says
This loaf was fun to make and so so tasty!
Gracie says
How do I get sourdough starter? Is that something I can just buy in a store?
Jessica Vogl says
You can make your own sourdough starter, get one from a friend or neighbor, or you can buy sourdough starter online. This is one that I recommend: https://shop.kingarthurbaking.com/items/classic-fresh-sourdough-starter
Penny says
What will happen if your first rise is longer than the 90 min.
Jessica Vogl says
It will be ok!
Jacqui says
Hi. Can I use unfed starter that’s been on the counter, instead of discard? Ty.
Jessica Vogl says
I would recommend feeding the starter and discarding (and use that part for this recipe). That way your starter is still fed and active and you have what you need there.
Tamsen Robinson says
Mine didn't brown for some reason.
Jessica Vogl says
Needs to bake a little longer!
Tamsen Robinson says
Well I just found out I don't have a top burner in the small oven in the camper we are currently in..... the bread taste was nice.
Melissa Bellinger says
This may be an obvious questions but do you warm the milk in the microwave? And does it need to be that exact temperature? I’ve never made bread before. But this looks so good!
Jessica Vogl says
Good questions! Yes, I do recommend warming the milk in the microwave (about 20-30 seconds). No, it doesn't have to be exactly 110 degrees. The point is that the milk is warm, but not so warm that you couldn't put your finger in it (and not boiling). Hope that helps!
Lauren says
Can this be baked then frozen? Would like to have a couple loaves “ready to go”
Jessica Vogl says
Yes! There are freezer directions in the storage section of the post!
dene arehart says
I have one more question… Can I measure everything in grams don’t have any measuring cups or teaspoons.
Jessica Vogl says
You're welcome to convert everything to grams if that's easier for you! I only publish my recipes in the measurements that are listed, so unfortunately I don't have those conversions for you.
dene arehart says
How do I adjust the ratios for the discard? I’m not exactly sure how to do that. I feed my starter 75 g carryover 50 g bread flour 50 g rye, 115 g of water.
Do I need to just take maybe 25 g starter 25 g flour 25 g water and let it sit without feeding it for a couple days?
Jessica Vogl says
This is where it gets a bit tricky. So your starter has a higher water content than mine (and that the recipe was designed for). You may want to use a little less water, or a litte more flour (either way will work) just to reach that correct dough consistency.
dene arehart says
Ok. I think I understand. I have discovered in my refrigerator from a separate starter that is 25g rye, flour, and 25 g water only would that work? Or do I just need to take from restarter 25 g give it 25 g water 25 g flour is that what you mean? I have got to nail this recipe. Lol I’m Destin.❤️
Jessica Vogl says
Either will work. You could use the starter that has a 1:1:1 ratio and use that with the recipe as written. If you use the other starter that has a different ratio, then you'll need to make some ingredient adjustments as you see the flour / water needed for the dough consistency.
dene arehart says
OK, thank you so much for replying. I am super excited about this recipe and I can’t wait! I have one more question and then I promise I’ll be done can I use active yeast instead of instant yeast
Jess says
Could I do a bulk ferment in the fridge overnight?
Jessica Vogl says
That should work!
Tam says
Can the egg be replaced with a flax egg?
Jessica Vogl says
Yes, that should work!
Stephanie says
Can you use whole milk instead of the non-dairy?
Linda K says
I would also like to know this!
Jessica Vogl says
Yes!