Sourdough Discard Garlic Pull Apart Bread Recipe

If you are looking for a comforting bake that turns simple ingredients into something special, this sourdough discard garlic pull apart bread is a perfect choice. Much like these crispy Sourdough Crackers, it transforms discard into something flavorful and satisfying. Soft, buttery layers infused with garlic and herbs make this bread ideal for sharing, dipping, and serving alongside almost any meal. It is a practical way to use sourdough discard while creating a bread that feels bakery worthy but is still easy to make at home.

This pull apart loaf works beautifully for family dinners, casual gatherings, or even as a savory weekend bake when you want something warm and satisfying without much effort. It pairs especially well with fresh salads such as a light Arugula Salad for a balanced and complete meal.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

• Simple and approachable
  The dough comes together easily with basic pantry ingredients and minimal prep, similar in ease to making homemade Sourdough Discard Crackers.
  
• Full of flavor
  Garlic butter and fresh herbs are layered throughout the bread for rich, savory bites.
  
• Great use for sourdough discard
  This recipe helps reduce waste while adding subtle depth to the dough.
  
• Perfect for sharing
  The pull apart design makes it fun to serve and easy for everyone to enjoy.
  
• Versatile for any occasion
  Serve it as an appetizer, side dish, or snack throughout the day.

Tools and Preparation

Before starting, it helps to have everything ready so the process stays smooth and stress free, especially if you plan to serve this bread alongside dishes like Roasted Carrots And Potatoes.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer with dough hook or a large mixing bowl
  
• Measuring cups or kitchen scale
  
• Mixing bowls
  
• Loaf pan
  
• Clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap
  
• Pastry brush

Why These Tools Matter

• A mixer or sturdy bowl ensures the dough is mixed evenly
  
• Accurate measuring keeps the dough texture consistent
  
• A loaf pan supports the stacked dough pieces as they rise and bake evenly

Ingredients

This sourdough discard garlic pull apart bread uses straightforward ingredients that work together to create a soft, flavorful loaf, making it an excellent option to serve with hearty mains or fresh sides such as Greek Orzo Salad.

• Warm milk
  
• Instant yeast
  
• Granulated sugar
  
• All purpose flour
  
• Sourdough discard at room temperature
  
• Egg
  
• Fresh herbs such as parsley or rosemary
  
• Salt
  
• Garlic powder
  
• Melted butter

Garlic Butter Filling

• Softened butter
  
• Fresh herbs finely chopped
  
• Garlic powder
  
• Salt
  
• Flaky sea salt for topping

How to Make Sourdough Discard Garlic Pull Apart Bread

Step 1 Combine the Dough Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, add the warm milk, yeast, and sugar. Allow it to sit briefly, then mix in flour, sourdough discard, egg, herbs, salt, and garlic powder. Begin mixing on low speed until a rough dough forms. Slowly add the melted butter and continue mixing until incorporated.

Step 2 Knead the Dough

Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic. The dough should feel soft with a slight tackiness but should not stick heavily to your hands.

Step 3 First Rise

Place the dough in a greased bowl and cover it. Let it rise in a warm spot until doubled in size. This usually takes about one to one and a half hours depending on room temperature.

Step 4 Prepare the Garlic Butter

While the dough rises, mix softened butter with herbs, garlic powder, and salt until smooth. Set aside a small portion for brushing after baking. Grease your loaf pan and keep it ready.

Step 5 Shape the Dough

Once risen, gently deflate the dough and divide it into equal portions. Flatten each piece into a small circle and spread a layer of garlic butter on top. Fold each piece and arrange them upright in the prepared loaf pan.

Step 6 Second Rise

Cover the loaf pan and let the dough rise again until puffy and just reaching the top of the pan. This second rise ensures a light and airy texture.

Step 7 Bake the Bread

Preheat the oven to a moderate temperature. Bake the loaf until golden brown and cooked through. If the top browns too quickly, loosely cover it during the final minutes.

Step 8 Finish and Serve

Brush the warm bread with the reserved garlic butter and sprinkle with flaky salt. Allow it to cool slightly before pulling apart and serving.

How to Serve Sourdough Discard Garlic Pull Apart Bread

This bread is incredibly flexible and works in many settings.

As an Appetizer

• Serve warm with marinara or herb butter, or alongside creamy dips like those that pair well with a Buffalo Chicken Sandwich spread.
  
• Pair with creamy dips for extra indulgence

With Soups and Salads

• Enjoy alongside tomato based soups
  
• Serve with fresh green salads for balance

For Brunch or Snacks

• Add to a brunch table with eggs and roasted vegetables
  
• Pull apart pieces for an easy afternoon snack

Tips for Perfect Results

• Use room temperature discard for better dough consistency
  
• Knead until the dough is smooth to develop structure
  
• Do not rush the rising times for best texture
  
• Watch the loaf closely near the end of baking
  
• Let the bread rest briefly before serving

Best Side Dishes to Pair With This Bread

• Creamy pasta dishes
  
• Roasted seasonal vegetables
  
• Simple grilled chicken or fish
  
• Fresh salads with light dressings
  
• Hearty soups and stews

This pull apart bread complements a wide range of meals, especially fresh pasta salads like Lemon Orzo Salad, grilled proteins, and comforting soups.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Adding too much flour which can dry out the dough
  
• Skipping the second rise which affects softness
  
• Overfilling the pan and restricting expansion
  
• Baking at too high a temperature
  
• Cutting the bread too soon before it sets

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store leftover bread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.

Freezing Instructions

Wrap the cooled loaf tightly and freeze for up to two months. Thaw before reheating.

Reheating Methods

• Oven reheating brings back the best texture
  
• Microwave individual pieces briefly for quick warming
  
• Reheat gently in a covered pan over low heat

Sourdough Discard Garlic Pull Apart Bread

This Sourdough Discard Garlic Pull Apart Bread is soft, fluffy, and packed with buttery garlic flavor. It’s the perfect way to use up sourdough discard while making an irresistible shareable bread that pulls apart into tender, savory layers. Ideal as an appetizer, side dish, or party bread, this recipe is beginner-friendly and incredibly satisfying.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Rest Time 1 hour hr

Total Time 1 hour hr 50 minutes mins

Course Appetizer, Bread, Side Dish

Cuisine American, European

Servings 8 Serving

Calories 260 kcal

Ingredients

  

For the Dough

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup sourdough discard (unfed)
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
• ¾ cup warm milk
• 2 ¼ teaspoons instant yeast

For Garlic Butter Filling

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning
• ½ cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese (optional)

Instructions

 

• Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, mix warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy. Add sourdough discard, oil, salt, and flour. Mix until a soft dough forms.
• Knead: Knead the dough for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Cover and let it rest for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
• Make Garlic Butter: In a small bowl, combine melted butter, garlic, parsley, salt, pepper, and herbs.
• Shape the Bread: Roll the dough into a rectangle. Brush generously with garlic butter and sprinkle cheese if using. Cut into strips, stack them, then cut into squares.
• Assemble: Place stacked dough pieces vertically into a greased loaf pan.
• Bake: Bake at 180°C (350°F) for 30 minutes, or until golden brown on top.
• Serve: Cool slightly, then pull apart and enjoy warm.

Notes

• You can make this recipe cheese-free for a lighter version.
• Add chili flakes for a spicy garlic bread twist.
• Best served fresh, but leftovers can be reheated in the oven.
• This bread freezes well after baking, just reheat before serving.

Nutrition (Per Serving – Approximate)

• Calories: 260 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Protein: 7g
• Fat: 9g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 4g

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast

Yes, simply activate it in warm milk before mixing with the other ingredients.

Can I add cheese to this bread

Cheese can be added between the layers for a richer flavor.

Is this bread suitable for beginners

Yes, the steps are simple and forgiving, making it great for new bakers.

Can I make it ahead of time

You can prepare and shape the dough ahead, then bake fresh when needed.

Final Thoughts

Sourdough discard garlic pull apart bread is a rewarding bake that combines comfort, flavor, and practicality. It transforms leftover sourdough discard into a soft, shareable loaf that fits effortlessly into everyday meals and special occasions alike. Once you make it, this recipe is likely to become a regular favorite in your kitchen.