This Sourdough Discard Garlic Pull Apart Bread is a soft and fluffy treat! Using sourdough discard, it’s not only tasty but also a great way to reduce waste.
Garlic lovers, rejoice! The garlic butter brings a yummy richness to each piece. I love pulling off a warm chunk and basking in that garlic goodness—who doesn’t love a little extra flavor?
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sourdough Discard: The heart of this recipe! It adds a lovely tanginess. If you don’t have sourdough discard, you can make a simple starter with flour and water or use plain yogurt as a substitute for some acidity.
All-Purpose Flour: This is the standard choice for texture. You can swap with bread flour for a chewier crust, or whole wheat flour for a nuttier taste, though it may alter the texture slightly.
Yeast: Instant yeast is ideal for this recipe, but if you have active dry yeast, use it! Just activate it in warm water first and let it sit until bubbly before adding to the mix.
Butter: Unsalted is best for controlling the flavor. If you’re dairy-free, use coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute. Just make sure it’s softened to help blend easily!
Garlic: Fresh garlic offers the best flavor but minced garlic from a jar can also work. If you need a quicker alternative, garlic flakes can add a touch of taste.
How Do I Knead Bread Dough Perfectly?
Kneading dough is crucial for developing the gluten, which gives bread its structure. Don’t worry if you’re new; just follow these steps:
- Flour your surface lightly to prevent sticking.
- Press the dough with the heel of your hand away from you, then fold it back over itself.
- Rotate the dough a quarter turn and repeat the pressing and folding action. Keep this up for about 8-10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic.
- If you’re using a stand mixer, knead on medium speed for about 5-7 minutes.
And remember, you can always add a little more flour if it feels too sticky! A well-kneaded dough will spring back when you poke it gently.
Sourdough Discard Garlic Pull Apart Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dough:
- 1 cup sourdough discard (unfed)
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for kneading)
- 2 teaspoons instant yeast
- ½ cup warm water (about 110°F / 43°C)
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened (plus extra for garlic butter)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional, for dough)
For the Garlic Butter:
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 4-5 cloves garlic, finely minced or grated
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Optional Topping:
- Coarse sea salt
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious pull apart bread takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes of preparation time, plus about 30-35 minutes of baking time. Allow time for the dough to rise, but don’t worry—most of it is hands-off and you can do other things while it’s doing its magic!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Making the Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the sourdough discard, warm water, sugar, and instant yeast. Stir well and let it sit for about 5 minutes until the yeast becomes bubbly and frothy.
2. Mixing Ingredients:
To the bubbly mixture, add the flour, salt, softened butter, and garlic powder (if you’re using it). Stir until the dough starts coming together into a ball.
3. Kneading the Dough:
Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead it for approximately 8-10 minutes until it feels smooth and elastic. If you prefer, you can use a stand mixer with a dough hook at medium speed for about 5-7 minutes.
4. First Rise:
Put the kneaded dough into a lightly greased bowl and cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm, draft-free area until it has doubled in size, which usually takes around 1 to 1.5 hours.
5. Preparing the Garlic Butter:
While your dough is rising, mix the melted butter, minced garlic, fresh parsley, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Set this aside to infuse the flavors.
6. Shaping the Dough:
Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle about 12×16 inches.
7. Adding Garlic Butter:
Generously brush the entire surface of the rolled dough with the prepared garlic butter mixture, making sure to cover it well!
8. Cutting the Dough:
Cut the dough lengthwise into strips that are roughly 1.5 to 2 inches wide.
9. Stacking the Strips:
Stack the strips on top of one another and then cut the stacked strips into pieces that are about 3-4 inches long.
10. Arranging in the Pan:
Place the pieces upright in a greased loaf pan, packing them closely together while still allowing the pieces to pull apart easily once baked.
11. Second Rise:
Cover the pan loosely and let it rise for another 30-40 minutes until the pieces feel puffy to the touch.
12. Preheating the Oven:
While your dough is on its second rise, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
13. Baking:
Before placing the loaf in the oven, brush the top with some extra garlic butter and, if you like, sprinkle it with coarse sea salt for added flavor.
14. Baking Time:
Bake the bread in your preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the loaf turns golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
15. Cooling and Serving:
Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully pull apart and enjoy it warm, perhaps with a little more garlic butter for dipping!
This Sourdough Discard Garlic Pull Apart Bread is fluffy, packed with flavor, and perfect for sharing – an adventuresome yet comforting side for any meal. Enjoy!
Can I Use Active Dry Yeast Instead of Instant Yeast?
Yes, you can! Just activate the active dry yeast in the warm water with a bit of sugar first, letting it sit for about 5-10 minutes until frothy before adding it to the mixture.
What if I Don’t Have Sourdough Discard?
If you don’t have sourdough discard, you can use an equal amount of plain yogurt or buttermilk as a substitute. Alternatively, you can create a quick starter mixture with flour and water, but this will need some time to ferment.
How Do I Store Leftover Bread?
To store leftovers, wrap the cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap or foil and keep it at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, slice and freeze the bread in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Just thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy it again!
Can I Add Other Ingredients?
Absolutely! You can add cheese, cooked herbs, or even sun-dried tomatoes to the dough or the garlic butter for variations in flavor. Just be mindful of moisture levels to maintain the bread’s texture!
