Introduction
If you’re looking for a fun and flavorful way to use your sourdough discard, this Sourdough Discard Garlic Pull Apart Bread is the perfect recipe. Soft layers of homemade bread are brushed with a rich garlic butter mixture, folded, stacked, and baked until golden brown. The result is a warm, buttery loaf that’s packed with garlic flavor and incredibly satisfying to pull apart and share.
Unlike traditional garlic bread, this recipe creates individual buttery layers that peel apart effortlessly. Every bite is soft, fluffy, and infused with herbs and garlic. Whether served as an appetizer, side dish, or party snack, this pull apart bread is guaranteed to be a crowd favorite.
The best part is that it uses simple pantry ingredients and sourdough discard that might otherwise go to waste. It’s an easy, delicious way to turn leftover starter into something truly special.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Great way to use sourdough discard
- Soft, fluffy, pull-apart texture
- Rich garlic butter flavor
- Perfect for sharing
- Easy to customize with herbs and cheese
- Excellent side dish for pasta, soup, and salads
- Freezer friendly
- Beginner-friendly recipe
Ingredients
For the Bread Dough
- ¼ cup warm milk
- 1½ teaspoons instant yeast
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 2 cups plus 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 200g sourdough discard
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley or rosemary
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
For the Garlic Butter Topping
- 7 tablespoons softened butter
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley or rosemary
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- Flaky sea salt for garnish
Optional Add-Ins
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Shredded mozzarella
- Fresh minced garlic
- Italian seasoning
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine warm milk, instant yeast, and sugar. Let sit for a few minutes until slightly foamy.
Add flour, sourdough discard, beaten egg, herbs, salt, and garlic powder.
Mix on low speed while slowly adding the melted butter.
Continue mixing until a rough dough forms.
Step 2: Knead the Dough
Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface.
Knead for 3–4 minutes until smooth and elastic.
The dough should feel soft and slightly tacky but not sticky.
If needed, add a small amount of flour or milk to achieve the right consistency.
Step 3: First Rise
Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl.
Cover and let rise in a warm place for 60–90 minutes, or until doubled in size.
During this time, prepare the garlic butter mixture.
Step 4: Make the Garlic Butter
In a small bowl, combine softened butter, chopped herbs, garlic powder, and salt.
Mix until smooth and spreadable.
Reserve 1 tablespoon of the mixture for brushing on the baked loaf.
Step 5: Shape the Pull Apart Bread
Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
Transfer the risen dough onto a work surface and divide it into 12 equal pieces.
Flatten each piece into a rough oval or circle about 4 inches wide.
Spread each piece generously with garlic butter.
Fold each piece in half like a taco.
Place the folded pieces upright in the prepared loaf pan.
Continue until all pieces are arranged inside the pan.
Step 6: Second Rise
Cover the loaf pan loosely with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel.
Allow the dough to rise for 30–45 minutes until puffy.
Do not let the dough rise above the edge of the pan.
Step 7: Bake
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Bake for 30 minutes.
If the top begins browning too quickly, cover loosely with aluminum foil and continue baking for an additional 5–10 minutes.
The loaf should be golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 200°F (93°C).
Step 8: Finish and Serve
Remove the bread from the oven.
Immediately brush the top with the reserved garlic butter.
Sprinkle with flaky sea salt.
Allow the bread to cool for 10 minutes before serving.
Serve warm and pull apart the buttery layers by hand.
Tips for Success
Use Softened Butter
Soft butter spreads more easily and evenly over each dough layer.
Don’t Worry About Perfect Shapes
The rustic appearance is part of the charm of pull apart bread.
Add Cheese for Extra Flavor
Sprinkle Parmesan or mozzarella between layers before folding.
Serve Warm
This bread tastes best when fresh and warm from the oven.
Storage Instructions
Room Temperature
Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheat for 20–30 seconds in the microwave before serving.
Freezer
Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm before serving.
Serving Suggestions
This garlic pull apart bread pairs perfectly with:
- Pasta dishes
- Tomato soup
- Chicken Alfredo
- Lasagna
- Grilled meats
- Salads
- Holiday dinners
It also makes an excellent appetizer for parties and family gatherings.
Variations
Cheesy Garlic Pull Apart Bread
Add Parmesan or mozzarella between each layer.
Herb Lover’s Version
Use rosemary, parsley, basil, and thyme together.
Spicy Garlic Bread
Add red pepper flakes to the butter mixture.
Extra Garlic Version
Replace garlic powder with fresh minced garlic for stronger flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Sourdough Discard Garlic Pull Apart Bread is soft, buttery, flavorful, and incredibly fun to eat. The pull-apart layers are packed with garlic butter and herbs, creating a bread that’s perfect for sharing with family and friends.
Whether served alongside dinner or enjoyed on its own, this homemade loaf transforms simple ingredients into a bakery-worthy treat that everyone will love.
