Sourdough Discard Pull-Apart Garlic Bread

Sourdough Discard Pull-Apart Garlic Bread is a warm, buttery, and irresistibly soft bread that turns leftover sourdough discard into a show-stopping side dish everyone reaches for first. Each fluffy piece is brushed with garlic butter, baked until golden, and designed to be pulled apart by hand, making it perfect for sharing. The sourdough discard adds tenderness and depth without a sour taste, while the garlic and butter create that classic comfort flavor that pairs with almost any meal. Whether you’re serving pasta, soup, or hosting a cozy gathering, this bread brings bakery-style results right from your kitchen.

Ingredients

• 1 cup sourdough discard (unfed)
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 2¼ teaspoons instant yeast
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup warm milk
• 3 tablespoons melted butter
• 1 large egg
• 4 tablespoons butter, melted (for topping)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
• ½ cup shredded mozzarella or parmesan cheese (optional)

Preparation Steps

Step 1: Make the Dough
In a large bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy. Add sourdough discard, melted butter, egg, salt, and flour. Mix until a soft dough forms, then knead for 6–8 minutes until smooth and elastic. The dough should be slightly tacky but not sticky.

Step 2: First Rise
Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size. This rise helps create the soft, pillowy texture that makes pull-apart bread so satisfying.

Step 3: Shape the Bread
Punch down the dough and divide it into 24–30 small pieces. Roll each piece into a ball. Arrange the balls loosely in a greased baking dish or loaf pan, leaving space for expansion.

Step 4: Second Rise
Cover the pan and let the dough rise again for 30–40 minutes until puffy and touching. This second rise ensures light layers that pull apart easily after baking.

Step 5: Add Garlic Butter
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Mix melted butter with minced garlic and parsley. Brush generously over the dough balls. Sprinkle cheese on top if using.

Step 6: Bake
Bake for 25–30 minutes until golden brown on top and baked through. If browning too quickly, tent loosely with foil.

Step 7: Finish and Serve
Brush with extra garlic butter right after baking and serve warm while soft and fragrant.

Variations

• Add shredded cheddar or mozzarella between dough balls
• Use roasted garlic instead of raw for mellow flavor
• Add Italian seasoning or rosemary to the butter
• Make it cheesy by stuffing cubes of mozzarella inside each ball

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with pasta dishes or soups
• Pair with marinara or garlic butter dipping sauce
• Add to holiday dinner tables
• Enjoy as an appetizer or side dish

Prep Time / Cooking Time / Total Time

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes (including rise time)

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Approx. 210 calories – 6g protein – 7g fat – 30g carbs

Conclusion

Sourdough Discard Pull-Apart Garlic Bread is soft, buttery, and packed with comforting garlic flavor, making it a perfect way to transform leftover sourdough discard into something special. Easy to make and impossible to resist, this bread is guaranteed to disappear fast at any table.