Sourdough Garlic Pull Apart Bread

Few things in life are more satisfying than fresh, warm bread—especially when it's slathered in garlic butter and made with sourdough. Introducing: Sourdough Garlic Pull Apart Bread. This is the kind of bread that makes your kitchen smell like a bakery, your guests swoon, and your taste buds dance.

It’s soft and pillowy on the inside, golden and crisp on the outside, and infused with garlicky goodness in every bite. Whether you're using up extra sourdough discard or active starter, this recipe is an easy showstopper that works for family dinners, parties, or just a cozy night in.

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 1/2 cup (120g) active sourdough starter

• 3/4 cup (180ml) warm water

• 2 1/4 cups (280g) all-purpose flour

• 1 1/2 tsp salt

• 1 Tbsp sugar

• 2 Tbsp olive oil or melted butter

For the Garlic Butter:

• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted

• 4 cloves garlic, finely minced

• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

• 1/4 tsp salt

• Optional: 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Tools You Need

• Mixing bowls

• Measuring cups and spoons

• Dough scraper or knife

• Loaf pan or bundt pan

• Pastry brush

• Rolling pin

• Clean towel or plastic wrap

Instructions

1. Make the Dough In a large bowl, mix active starter, warm water, and sugar until dissolved. Add flour and salt. Stir until a shaggy dough forms.

Add olive oil and knead by hand for about 8–10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. Cover and let rest for 30 minutes, then perform 2–3 stretch and folds every 30 minutes over the next 90 minutes.

Let rise at room temperature for 4–6 hours until doubled, or overnight in the refrigerator.

2. Prepare the Garlic Butter In a small bowl, combine melted butter, minced garlic, parsley, and salt. Set aside.

3. Shape the Dough Punch down the dough and turn it onto a floured surface. Roll into a rectangle about 12x16 inches. Brush with half of the garlic butter mixture.

Cut into squares or rectangles (roughly 2x2 inch pieces). Stack pieces and place them into a greased loaf pan or bundt pan, standing upright like dominoes.

Cover and let rise for 1–2 hours until puffy and near doubled.

4. Bake the Bread Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for 35–40 minutes or until deep golden brown and the center is cooked through.

Remove from oven and brush with remaining garlic butter. Sprinkle with Parmesan if desired.

Cool for 10 minutes before serving warm.

Why Use Sourdough?

Sourdough brings depth, tang, and a tender, chewy texture that commercial yeast can’t match. Whether you’re using active starter or discard, it boosts flavor while making the bread easier to digest.

Plus, it’s a great way to stretch your starter into something truly crowd-pleasing.

Flavor Variations

• Cheesy: Add shredded mozzarella or cheddar between the dough layers.

• Spicy: Mix in chili flakes or jalapeños with the garlic butter.

• Herbed: Use rosemary, thyme, or oregano for an herbaceous twist.

• Sweet: Swap garlic for cinnamon and sugar for a sweet version.

Make-Ahead & Storage

• To make ahead: Prepare the dough and refrigerate overnight before shaping.

• Freeze: Bake, cool, and freeze wrapped tightly. Reheat in oven at 350°F for 15–20 minutes.

• Store leftovers: In an airtight container at room temp for up to 2 days or in the fridge for 4 days. Best reheated before serving.

Tips for Success

• Use a sharp knife or bench scraper to cut dough evenly.

• Don’t overstuff the loaf pan—it needs space to expand.

• Use parchment paper for easy release.

• Let the bread rest briefly before removing from pan.

Serving Suggestions

• As a side with pasta or soup

• Pulled apart and dipped in marinara or ranch

• As a shareable centerpiece on a grazing table

• Topped with a poached egg for brunch

Final Thoughts

This Sourdough Garlic Pull Apart Bread is the kind of recipe that turns a basic dinner into a celebration. It’s approachable enough for weeknight meals and impressive enough for holidays. Each pull-apart piece is filled with soft, sourdough flavor and garlicky richness—making it practically impossible to stop at one.

So grab your sourdough starter, roll up your sleeves, and make some magic. Your kitchen will smell amazing, your family will thank you, and you’ll have a new favorite bread recipe in your collection.