Introduction
This sourdough discard garlic pull apart bread recipe is all about turning simple leftover sourdough discard into something warm, soft, and full of flavor. Many home bakers keep sourdough starter and often wonder what to do with the extra discard. This recipe gives that discard a beautiful purpose. It transforms it into a fluffy bread that you can pull apart with your hands and enjoy piece by piece. The bread is filled with garlic and butter which makes it smell amazing while baking. Even if you are new to baking, this recipe is written to guide you slowly and clearly. You do not need special tools or advanced skills. You only need patience and love for homemade food.
People love garlic pull apart bread because it feels fun and comforting at the same time. It is not just bread you slice with a knife. It is bread you share, pull, and enjoy together. The garlic butter flavor melts into every layer which makes each bite soft and tasty. When sourdough discard is used, the bread gets a gentle depth of flavor that makes it taste richer than regular bread. Many people enjoy this bread as a side dish, a snack, or even a light meal. It is popular with families because kids love pulling it apart. It is popular with guests because it feels special and homemade.
You may want to make this sourdough discard garlic pull apart bread when you need comfort food or when you want to reduce waste in your kitchen. Using sourdough discard feels good because nothing goes to waste. Baking this bread can be a calming activity after a long day. The smell of garlic and butter baking in the oven can lift your mood and make your home feel warm. This bread is perfect for weekends, family dinners, or friendly gatherings. It is also great when you want to eat something homemade instead of processed food. The sourdough discard may be easier to digest for many people and the bread feels filling without being heavy.
Ingredients You Will Need
Ingredients for the dough
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One cup sourdough discard at room temperature
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Three cups all purpose flour
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Two tablespoons sugar
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One teaspoon salt
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One tablespoon instant yeast
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Half cup warm milk
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Two tablespoons olive oil
Ingredients for garlic butter filling
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Half cup unsalted butter softened
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Four cloves garlic finely minced
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Two tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
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Half teaspoon salt
Ingredients for topping
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Two tablespoons melted butter
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One tablespoon grated cheese optional
Step by Step Method
Step one prepare the dough
Start by placing the sourdough discard into a large mixing bowl. Add warm milk and sugar. Stir gently with a spoon. Sprinkle the yeast over the mixture and let it rest for five minutes. This helps wake up the yeast. After five minutes add olive oil and salt. Stir again. Slowly add the flour one cup at a time. Mix until a soft dough forms. The dough should come together but still feel soft.
Step two knead the dough
Place the dough on a clean surface lightly dusted with flour. Knead the dough using your hands for about eight to ten minutes. Push the dough away from you and fold it back toward you. Turn it slightly and repeat. The dough should become smooth and elastic. If it feels sticky add a little flour. If it feels dry add a tiny bit of milk.
Step three first rise
Place the kneaded dough into a lightly oiled bowl. Turn it once so the top is coated with oil. Cover the bowl with a clean cloth. Place it in a warm spot. Let the dough rise for about one to one and a half hours. The dough should double in size. This step is important for soft bread.
Step four prepare the garlic butter
While the dough is rising prepare the garlic butter filling. In a small bowl add the softened butter. Add minced garlic chopped parsley and salt. Mix well until everything is combined. Set aside at room temperature so it stays soft and spreadable.
Step five shape the dough
After the dough has risen gently press it down to release air. Place it on a clean surface. Roll the dough into a large rectangle using a rolling pin. The rectangle should be about twelve inches long and eight inches wide. Spread the garlic butter evenly over the entire surface of the dough.
Step six cut and stack
Using a knife or dough cutter cut the dough into long strips. Then cut the strips into squares. Carefully stack the squares on top of each other. The buttered sides should touch. This stacking creates the pull apart layers.
Step seven prepare the baking pan
Grease a loaf pan with butter or oil. Place the stacked dough squares into the pan standing upright. The stacks should fill the pan loosely. Do not press them down too much. Cover the pan with a cloth and let it rise again for thirty to forty five minutes. The dough should puff up and fill the pan.
Step eight bake the bread
Preheat your oven to three hundred fifty degrees F. Once the dough has risen place the pan in the oven. Bake for thirty five to forty minutes. The top should look golden brown. If the top browns too fast you can cover it loosely with foil.
Step nine add topping
Remove the bread from the oven. Brush the top with melted butter. Sprinkle grated cheese on top if using. Let the bread rest in the pan for ten minutes. Then remove it carefully and place it on a plate.
Step ten serve and enjoy
Serve the sourdough discard garlic pull apart bread warm. Pull apart the pieces with your hands and enjoy the soft texture and rich garlic flavor. This bread tastes best fresh but can also be reheated.
Why This Recipe Is Special
This recipe is special because it uses sourdough discard in a simple and delicious way. Many people struggle with what to do with discard. This bread turns it into something everyone loves. The sourdough discard adds moisture and a gentle flavor that makes the bread soft and tasty.
The garlic butter filling makes this bread comforting and rich. Garlic is known for its natural goodness and flavor. Combined with butter and herbs it creates a warm and inviting taste. Each layer of the bread carries this flavor which makes every bite enjoyable.
This recipe is also special because it is made for sharing. Pull apart bread brings people together. It encourages slow eating and enjoying food with others. The bread feels homemade and thoughtful. There are no artificial ingredients. Everything is made in your own kitchen with care.
Extra Tips for Better Taste
You can add grated cheese inside the layers for a cheesy pull apart bread.
If you like herbs you can add dried oregano or basil to the garlic butter.
For a softer bread let the second rise go a little longer.
You can use roasted garlic instead of raw garlic for a sweeter flavor.
Serve the bread with soup or salad for a complete meal.
Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat gently before serving.
Final Thoughts
Making sourdough discard garlic pull apart bread at home is a joyful and satisfying experience. This recipe helps beginners feel confident and relaxed in the kitchen. It uses simple ingredients and clear steps. The result is a warm bread that smells amazing and tastes even better. This bread is perfect for sharing with family and friends. It turns simple moments into special ones. Using sourdough discard also feels good because nothing is wasted. Baking is not just about food. It is about comfort care and connection. This recipe brings all of that to your table.
Nutrition Details
Nutrition information per serving
Calories about two hundred seventy
Carbohydrates about thirty five grams
Protein about seven grams
Fat about eleven grams
Fiber about two grams
Nutrition notes
Sourdough discard may be easier to digest for some people.
Homemade bread allows better control of ingredients.
Garlic adds flavor without extra sugar.
Disclaimer
This recipe is shared for general cooking enjoyment and learning. Everyone body is different and may react differently to foods. Nutrition values are estimates and may change based on ingredients used. If you have health concerns or food allergies please adjust the recipe or speak with a health professional. Enjoy baking and listen to your body.