Sourdough Discard Garlic Pull Apart Bread is a fun and tasty way to use up your sourdough starter discard while making a soft, fluffy loaf packed with garlicky goodness. This bread is all about layers that you can easily pull apart, making it perfect for sharing or nibbling throughout the day. The mix of fresh garlic, melted butter, and herbs infuses every bite with flavor.
I love making this bread when I have some sourdough discard sitting around because it turns something that might otherwise just be thrown out into a delicious treat. The dough comes together quickly and the smell while it’s baking is just incredible—warm, inviting, and cozy. It feels like a little gift from the kitchen to everyone in the house.
My favorite way to enjoy this bread is right out of the oven when it’s still warm and soft. Sometimes I serve it alongside soups or salads, but honestly, it works just as well by itself for a snack. It’s great for dinner parties too because everyone loves pulling the bread apart and getting those garlicky pieces. It’s easy to make and even easier to eat!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sourdough Discard: This is your starter that needs feeding. It adds great flavor and helps the bread rise. If you don’t have discard, you can use a mix of flour, water, and a pinch of yeast instead.
Instant Yeast: It boosts rising time. You can use active dry yeast but dissolve it in warm water first. It’s helpful for a quicker, fluffier dough.
Garlic & Butter: Fresh garlic gives the best punch. For a milder flavor, use roasted garlic. Butter can be swapped with olive oil for a lighter taste, but butter adds richness.
Parsley: Fresh parsley brightens the flavor, but dried is okay. You can also use other herbs like oregano or basil if you prefer.
How Do I Get Soft, Pull-Apart Layers in This Bread?
The magic lies in rolling, slicing, stacking, and layering the dough with garlic butter.
- Roll your risen dough evenly to a rectangle so the layers will be similar thickness.
- Spread the garlic butter evenly to coat every layer with flavor and moisture.
- Slice into strips, stack, then cut the stack to create pieces that fit snugly in the pan.
- Arranging pieces closely in the pan allows them to expand and bake into soft layers you can easily pull apart.
- Double rising is key — first for dough to develop, second after layering so the bread puffs up light and tender.
Be patient during rising — rushing can make the bread dense rather than fluffy. Also, don’t skip brushing more garlic butter on top before baking; it helps create a golden, flavorful crust.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large mixing bowl – perfect for mixing and rising the dough without spills.
- Stand mixer with dough hook (optional) – makes kneading easier and saves your hands.
- Rolling pin – helps roll the dough evenly into a rectangle for layering.
- Sharp knife or pizza cutter – great for cutting clean, even strips of dough.
- 8×4-inch loaf pan – holds the bread pieces snugly for that pull-apart shape.
- Basting brush – helps spread garlic butter evenly on the dough and on top before baking.
- Cooling rack – lets the bread cool evenly without getting soggy.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Add shredded mozzarella or cheddar between layers for a cheesy pull-apart bread that’s gooey and rich.
- Include chopped sun-dried tomatoes or olives in the garlic butter for a Mediterranean twist.
- Mix fresh rosemary or thyme into the garlic butter to add a fragrant herbal note.
- Try swapping garlic with caramelized onions for a sweeter, milder flavor that still feels special.
Sourdough Discard Garlic Pull Apart Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dough:
- 1 cup sourdough starter discard (unfed)
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp instant yeast
- 1 tsp salt
- 3/4 cup warm water (about 100-110°F)
- 2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
For the Garlic Butter Spread:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 4-5 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped (or 1 tbsp dried parsley)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- Optional: 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for topping)
Time Needed:
This bread takes about 20 minutes to prepare, plus 1 to 1.5 hours for the first rise, 30-45 minutes for the second rise, and 30-35 minutes baking time. Plan on roughly 3 hours total including cooling time.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, stir together the sourdough discard, warm water, and olive oil or melted butter. Add the flour, instant yeast, and salt. Mix until just combined, then knead on a floured surface or with a stand mixer for 6-8 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic but slightly sticky. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it, and let it rise until doubled in size, about 1 to 1.5 hours.
2. Prepare the Garlic Butter
While the dough is rising, combine melted butter, minced garlic, parsley, and salt in a small bowl. Set aside.
3. Shape and Layer the Bread
Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface into a 9×12-inch rectangle. Brush generously with the garlic butter mixture. Cut the dough into 2-inch wide strips. Stack the strips and cut the stack into smaller pieces about 2 inches long. Arrange the pieces upright in a greased 8×4-inch loaf pan. Cover and let rise again until puffy, about 30-45 minutes.
4. Bake and Serve
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Optionally brush the top with more garlic butter and sprinkle Parmesan cheese. Bake the bread for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown and hollow-sounding when tapped. Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a rack to cool slightly. Serve warm and pull apart to enjoy the garlicky, soft layers.
Can I Use Frozen Sourdough Discard for This Recipe?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw it fully in the fridge overnight and bring it to room temperature before using. This helps the yeast activate better and ensures your dough rises well.
Can I Make the Bread Without Instant Yeast?
You can omit the instant yeast, but keep in mind the bread will take much longer to rise using only the sourdough discard. Plan for several hours or an overnight rise for best results.
How Do I Store Leftover Pull Apart Bread?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days. To refresh, warm slices in the oven or microwave for a few seconds to bring back the softness.
Can I Add Cheese or Other Flavors?
Absolutely! Try adding shredded cheese between layers or mixing in herbs like rosemary with the garlic butter for extra flavor. Just adjust quantities to taste and enjoy customizing your bread.
