Name: Sourdough Discard Pull-Apart Garlic Bread Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 2 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup sourdough discard (room temperature); 3 cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup warm water; 2 teaspoons instant yeast; 1 teaspoon salt; ¼ cup sugar; ½ cup unsalted butter, melted; 4 cloves garlic, minced (freshly minced recommended); ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; Optional: 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese; Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes

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Introduction

Sourdough Discard Pull-Apart Garlic Bread is a delightful way to use leftover sourdough discard while creating a flavorful, cheesy treat. This bread is layered with garlic butter and melted mozzarella, making it perfect for sharing or serving alongside your favorite meal.

A loaf of garlic bread sits on crumpled white parchment paper against a white marbled surface, with the top half showing multiple twisted layers of golden-brown bread sprinkled with green herbs and coarse salt, while the bottom half is sliced into thick pieces revealing a soft, pale interior also flecked with herbs. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 cup sourdough discard
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup warm water
2 teaspoons instant yeast
1 teaspoon salt
¼ cup sugar
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
4 cloves garlic, minced
¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Optional: 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes

Instructions

Step 1: In a large bowl, whisk together the sourdough discard, warm water, and instant yeast. Let it sit for about five minutes until slightly bubbly, indicating the yeast is active.
Step 2: Add the flour, salt, and sugar to the bowl. Stir until a shaggy dough forms, then turn it onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about ten minutes until the dough feels smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky but not sticky.
Step 3: Place the dough in a clean bowl, cover with a towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm spot for about one hour, or until doubled in size.
Step 4: While the dough rises, mix melted butter, minced garlic, and chopped parsley in a small bowl to make the garlic butter.
Step 5: Once risen, gently punch down the dough to release air bubbles. Roll it out into a large rectangle about ½-inch thick.
Step 6: Brush the dough generously with the garlic butter, making sure to cover the entire surface. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese evenly over the top. Add Parmesan or red pepper flakes if desired.
Step 7: Cut the dough into small squares or rectangles. Stack the pieces vertically and place them carefully into a greased loaf or bundt pan.
Step 8: Cover the pan and let the dough rest for another 30 minutes to rise again.
Step 9: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the bread for 30 to 35 minutes, until golden brown and puffed. The top should sound hollow when tapped.
Step 10: Let the bread cool for at least ten minutes before removing from the pan. Slice or pull apart to serve and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

Use freshly minced garlic for a richer and more aromatic flavor compared to pre-minced varieties.
Make sure your sourdough discard is at room temperature before mixing to ensure even fermentation.
For a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter mixture before spreading.
Substitute mozzarella with cheddar or a blend of cheeses for a different cheesy flavor.

Storage

Store leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, wrap tightly and freeze for up to one month. Reheat slices in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to restore freshness and melt the cheese.

How to Serve

This image shows a metal loaf pan filled with many layers of soft dough folded closely together. Each dough layer is pale and smooth with small bits of green herbs and white flakes sprinkled on and between the layers, creating a textured look. The dough looks fluffy and fresh, with the herbs adding a vibrant pop of green throughout. The pan sits on a white marbled surface, enhancing the clean, fresh feel of the image. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe without instant yeast?

Instant yeast helps the bread rise quickly, but you can use active dry yeast by dissolving it in warm water first. The rising time may be longer, so adjust accordingly.

What can I do if I don’t have sourdough discard?

If you don’t have sourdough discard, you can use an equal amount of yogurt or buttermilk to add some tang, but the texture and flavor will vary slightly from the original sourdough version.