A delightful Sourdough Discard Garlic Pull Apart Bread is the perfect way to elevate your garlic bread game. This recipe combines the unique tang of sourdough discard with rich garlic flavors, making it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it at a family dinner, a casual gathering, or as a tasty snack, this pull-apart bread offers an engaging experience, inviting everyone to dig in and enjoy.

Jump to:
- Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Tools and Preparation
- Essential Tools and Equipment
- Importance of Each Tool
- Ingredients
- How to Make Sourdough Discard Garlic Pull Apart Bread
- Step 1: Combine Ingredients
- Step 2: Knead the Dough
- Step 3: Let It Rise
- Step 4: Prepare the Topping
- Step 5: Shape the Dough Pieces
- Step 6: Second Rise
- Step 7: Preheat Oven
- Step 8: Bake Your Bread
- How to Serve Sourdough Discard Garlic Pull Apart Bread
- With a Fresh Salad
- As an Appetizer
- Dipping Sauces
- With Main Courses
- How to Perfect Sourdough Discard Garlic Pull Apart Bread
- Best Side Dishes for Sourdough Discard Garlic Pull Apart Bread
- Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Storage & Reheating Instructions
- Refrigerator Storage
- Freezing Sourdough Discard Garlic Pull Apart Bread
- Reheating Sourdough Discard Garlic Pull Apart Bread
- Frequently Asked Questions
- What is sourdough discard?
- Can I use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour?
- How do I customize my garlic pull apart bread?
- What can I serve with Sourdough Discard Garlic Pull Apart Bread?
- Final Thoughts
- 📖 Recipe Card
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, you can whip up this delicious bread even if you’re new to baking.
- Flavorful: The combination of garlic and fresh herbs infuses every bite with mouthwatering flavor.
- Versatile Use: Perfect as an appetizer or side dish, this bread pairs well with soups, salads, and more.
- Use Your Discard: Transform sourdough discard into something special instead of tossing it away.
- Fun to Share: The pull-apart style makes it interactive and fun for friends and family to enjoy together.
Tools and Preparation
Before getting started on your Sourdough Discard Garlic Pull Apart Bread, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make the process smoother.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Stand mixer with dough hook
- Large mixing bowl
- Kitchen scale (optional)
- 9×5-inch loaf pan
- Plastic wrap or kitchen towel
Importance of Each Tool
- Stand mixer with dough hook: This tool saves time and effort by mixing the dough uniformly.
- Kitchen scale: Ensures precise measurements for even baking results.
- Loaf pan: Provides the right shape for pull-apart bread, enhancing its presentation.
Ingredients
A delicious recipe for Sourdough Discard Garlic Pull Apart Bread – a tasty and fun way to enjoy your garlic bread!
Grab This Chef Knife Now - Almost Gone!
- Stays Razor-Sharp: Ice-hardened blade keeps its edge longer than ordinary knives
- Superior Grip Control: Unique finger hole design gives you perfect balance and safety
- Built to Last a Lifetime: Premium stainless steel blade with elegant beech wood handle
Customer Reviews ★★★★★
- 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)
- 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)
How to Make Sourdough Discard Garlic Pull Apart Bread
Step 1: Combine Ingredients
In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, combine the warmed milk, instant yeast, and sugar. Add the following ingredients:
2 cups + 1 Tablespoon all-purpose flour
200 grams sourdough discard
1 lightly beaten egg
1 tablespoon chopped herbs
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon garlic powder
With the mixer on low speed, slowly add 2 tablespoons of melted butter. Increase speed to medium until a shaggy dough forms.
Step 2: Knead the Dough
Transfer the dough to a smooth work surface. Knead until smooth, approximately 3–4 minutes. The dough should be slightly tacky but not sticky. Add more flour or milk as needed.
Step 3: Let It Rise
Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl and cover with plastic wrap. Allow it to rise for 60–90 minutes, or until it doubles in size.
Step 4: Prepare the Topping
While your dough rises, make the topping by mixing together:
7 tablespoons softened butter
Chopped herbs
Garlic powder
½ teaspoon salt
Set aside 1 tablespoon of this mixture for later use. Grease your loaf pan.
Step 5: Shape the Dough Pieces
Once risen, turn out the dough onto a work surface. Divide into 12 equal pieces, about 55 grams each. Flatten each piece into a circle about 4 inches in diameter, spread with 1–2 teaspoons butter mixture, then fold in half like a taco. Place them fold-side down in the prepared loaf pan.
Step 6: Second Rise
Cover with plastic wrap or a towel and let rise for another 30–45 minutes, until puffed but not above pan edges.
Step 7: Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 350℉ while waiting for the final rise.
Step 8: Bake Your Bread
Bake for 30 minutes, then cover with aluminum foil and bake another 5–10 minutes until golden brown. Brush warm bread with remaining butter mixture and sprinkle with flaky sea salt. Cool in pan for 10 minutes before serving.
How to Serve Sourdough Discard Garlic Pull Apart Bread
Sourdough Discard Garlic Pull Apart Bread is a delightful treat that can elevate any meal. Its soft, buttery texture and rich garlic flavor make it perfect for sharing. Here are some delicious serving suggestions to enjoy this bread.
With a Fresh Salad
- Caesar Salad: The crisp romaine and creamy dressing pair wonderfully with the warm garlic bread.
- Caprese Salad: The fresh mozzarella and ripe tomatoes balance the richness of the bread nicely.
As an Appetizer
- Bruschetta: Top slices of the pull-apart bread with diced tomatoes, basil, and balsamic glaze for a fresh twist.
- Spinach Artichoke Dip: Serve alongside a warm bowl of dip for a comforting snack.
Dipping Sauces
- Marinara Sauce: A classic tomato sauce adds a tangy flavor that complements the garlic perfectly.
- Garlic Butter Dip: Enhance the garlic flavor with a warm garlic butter sauce for dipping.
With Main Courses
- Grilled Chicken: Pair your pull-apart bread with juicy grilled chicken for a hearty meal.
- Pasta Dishes: It goes well with almost any pasta, especially those with creamy or tomato-based sauces.

How to Perfect Sourdough Discard Garlic Pull Apart Bread
To achieve the best results with your Sourdough Discard Garlic Pull Apart Bread, consider these helpful tips.
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensuring all ingredients are at room temperature helps the dough rise more effectively.
- Knead Thoroughly: Kneading until smooth develops gluten, giving your bread its lovely texture.
- Allow Proper Rising Time: Don’t rush the rise; letting it double in size enhances flavor and texture.
- Monitor Baking Time: Keep an eye on your loaf while baking to achieve that perfect golden brown color.
- Brush with Extra Butter: Adding more butter when it comes out of the oven gives extra richness and moisture.
- Store Properly: To maintain freshness, wrap leftover bread tightly in plastic wrap or foil.
Best Side Dishes for Sourdough Discard Garlic Pull Apart Bread
Sourdough Discard Garlic Pull Apart Bread pairs beautifully with various side dishes. Here are some great options to complement your meal.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal veggies roasted until tender add nutritional value and flavor contrast.
- Creamy Mashed Potatoes: The smoothness of mashed potatoes pairs well with the textured pull-apart bread.
- Grilled Asparagus: The slight char from grilling enhances the flavors of both dishes beautifully.
- Coleslaw: A crunchy slaw offers a refreshing bite that balances out the rich garlic flavors.
- Stuffed Bell Peppers: These vibrant peppers filled with grains or meat provide heartiness alongside your bread.
- Zucchini Fritters: Crispy fritters are an excellent way to incorporate more veggies into your meal while being deliciously satisfying.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Sourdough Discard Garlic Pull Apart Bread, some common mistakes can lead to less-than-perfect results. Here are key pitfalls to avoid.
-
Ignoring yeast freshness: Always check that your instant yeast is fresh. Expired yeast can prevent the dough from rising properly, resulting in dense bread.
-
Not measuring ingredients correctly: Use a kitchen scale for precision. Improper measurements can alter the dough consistency and affect the final product.
-
Skipping the rise time: Allowing the dough to rise is crucial for texture and flavor. Don’t rush this step; ensure it doubles in size for optimal results.
-
Overworking the dough: Knead just enough until smooth. Over-kneading can make the bread tough instead of light and fluffy.
-
Neglecting to cover while rising: Cover the dough with plastic wrap or a towel during rising. This prevents it from drying out and helps ensure a successful rise.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Place parchment paper between layers if stacking to avoid sticking.
Freezing Sourdough Discard Garlic Pull Apart Bread
- Wrap tightly in aluminum foil or freezer-safe bags.
- Can be frozen for up to 2 months for best quality.
Reheating Sourdough Discard Garlic Pull Apart Bread
- Oven: Preheat to 350℉, wrap in foil, and heat for about 10-15 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat slices on a microwave-safe plate for 20-30 seconds.
- Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over low heat until heated through, about 5 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some commonly asked questions about Sourdough Discard Garlic Pull Apart Bread.
What is sourdough discard?
Sourdough discard is the leftover starter that you remove when feeding your active sourdough culture. It’s perfect for adding flavor and moisture to recipes like this bread.
Can I use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour?
Yes, all-purpose flour works well in this recipe. It will yield a slightly different texture but still produces delicious results in your Sourdough Discard Garlic Pull Apart Bread.
How do I customize my garlic pull apart bread?
Feel free to add cheese, olives, or other herbs! These additions can create exciting flavors and textures tailored to your preferences.
What can I serve with Sourdough Discard Garlic Pull Apart Bread?
This bread pairs beautifully with soups, salads, or as a side dish at any meal. It’s also great as an appetizer with dips!
Final Thoughts
Sourdough Discard Garlic Pull Apart Bread is an irresistible treat that’s both cozy and versatile. This recipe allows for various customizations, so feel free to experiment with flavors or toppings you love. Whether enjoyed fresh from the oven or reheated later, this delightful bread is sure to please!
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
Print
Sourdough Discard Garlic Pull Apart Bread
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: Serves approximately 12 pieces 1x
Description
Sourdough Discard Garlic Pull Apart Bread is a savory delight that redefines traditional garlic bread. With its soft, buttery texture and rich garlic infusion, this recipe skillfully utilizes sourdough discard to create a unique flavor profile that will impress your family and friends. Perfect for any occasion, this interactive pull-apart bread invites everyone to share in the experience of tearing off their own piece. Whether served as an appetizer, side dish, or snack, it’s sure to become a new favorite in your kitchen.
Ingredients
- ¼ cup non-dairy or regular dairy milk (warmed)
- 1½ teaspoons instant yeast
- 2 teaspoons granulated sugar
- 2 cups + 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 200 grams sourdough discard (unfed)
- 1 egg (lightly beaten)
- Fresh herbs (parsley or rosemary)
- Garlic powder
- Unsalted butter
- Flaky sea salt
Instructions
- In a stand mixer, combine warmed milk, yeast, and sugar. Add flour, sourdough discard, egg, herbs, salt, and garlic powder. Mix on low speed and then medium until shaggy dough forms.
- Knead on a work surface for 3–4 minutes until smooth and slightly tacky.
- Place dough in a greased bowl; cover and let rise for 60–90 minutes until doubled.
- Prepare topping by mixing softened butter with herbs and garlic powder.
- Divide risen dough into 12 pieces; flatten circles and add butter mixture before folding them like tacos into a loaf pan.
- Let it rise again for 30–45 minutes; preheat oven to 350℉.
- Bake for 30 minutes covered with foil for even browning; brush with remaining butter mixture afterward.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece (approximately 55g)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 20mg





