Sourdough Discard Garlic Pull Apart Bread

A delicious recipe for Sourdough Discard Garlic Pull Apart Bread is a perfect way to elevate your garlic bread experience. This delightful bread is not only bursting with flavor, but it’s also an excellent way to use up that sourdough discard sitting in your fridge. Great for gatherings or as a comforting side dish, this pull-apart bread is both fun to make and even more enjoyable to eat!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple Preparation – With straightforward steps, making this pull-apart bread is easy for bakers of all levels.
• Delicious Flavor – The blend of garlic, herbs, and buttery goodness creates a mouthwatering aroma and taste.
• Versatile Serving Options – This bread works beautifully as an appetizer, side dish, or even a snack on its own.
• Use Up Sourdough Discard – Perfectly utilize leftover sourdough starter without wasting any ingredients.
• Customizable Recipe – Feel free to add your favorite herbs or spices for a unique twist on the classic flavor.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the baking process, gather your essential tools. Having everything ready will make the experience smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer with dough hook
• Kitchen scale
• 9×5-inch loaf pan
• Plastic wrap or kitchen towel
• Oven

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer with dough hook – Simplifies the mixing and kneading process, ensuring a well-combined dough.
• Kitchen scale – Guarantees precise measurements for consistent results in each batch of bread.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create your Sourdough Discard Garlic Pull Apart Bread:

• 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: Prepare the Dough

Combine the warmed milk, instant yeast, and sugar in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook. Add the flour, sourdough discard, beaten egg, chopped herbs, salt, and garlic powder. With the mixer on low speed:
1. Slowly add 2 Tablespoons of melted butter.
2. Increase speed to medium and mix until a shaggy dough forms.

Step 2: Knead the Dough

Transfer the dough to a smooth work surface:
1. Knead until smooth for about 3–4 minutes. The dough should feel slightly tacky but not sticky.
2. If needed, adjust consistency by adding flour or milk (1 Tablespoon at a time).

Step 3: First Rise

Place the dough in a large greased bowl and cover it with plastic wrap. Let it rise for about:
1. 60–90 minutes or until doubled in size.

Step 4: Make the Topping

While waiting for the dough to rise:
1. In a small bowl, combine softened butter, chopped herbs, garlic powder, and salt.
2. Set aside 1 Tablespoon of this mixture to brush on after baking.
3. Grease your loaf pan.

Step 5: Shape the Dough

Once risen:
1. Turn out the dough onto a work surface and divide it into 12 equal pieces using a kitchen scale.
2. Flatten each piece into a rough circle about 4 inches in diameter.
3. Spread with 1–2 teaspoons of topping, fold like a taco, then place seam-side down in the loaf pan.

Step 6: Second Rise

Cover with plastic wrap or a towel:
1. Let it rise again for about 30–45 minutes, until puffed but not above loaf pan edges.

Step 7: Preheat Oven

Preheat your oven to 350℉ while waiting for the final rise.

Step 8: Bake

Bake for about 30 minutes, then:
1. Cover with aluminum foil and bake an additional 5–10 minutes until golden brown.
2. Internal temperature should reach about 200℉.

While still warm:
1. Brush with remaining topping and sprinkle flaky sea salt before cooling in the pan for about ten minutes before serving.

Enjoy your homemade Sourdough Discard Garlic Pull Apart Bread!

How to Serve Sourdough Discard Garlic Pull Apart Bread

Sourdough Discard Garlic Pull Apart Bread is a delightful treat that pairs well with various dishes and occasions. Whether you are hosting a family gathering or simply enjoying a cozy night in, here are some serving suggestions to elevate your experience.

As an Appetizer

• Serve warm with marinara sauce for dipping. The combination of cheesy, garlicky bread and rich tomato sauce creates a perfect starter.
• Pair with a creamy spinach dip. The soft texture of the pull-apart bread complements the richness of the dip beautifully.

With Soup

• Enjoy alongside a hearty tomato basil soup. The flavors meld perfectly, making for a comforting meal.
• Serve with a classic chicken noodle soup. This pairing offers warmth and satisfaction on chilly days.

At BBQs and Picnics

• Bring it to your next barbecue as a delicious side option. It adds a unique twist to traditional sides like coleslaw and baked beans.
• Pack it for picnics. Its pull-apart nature makes it easy to share and enjoy without utensils.

For Breakfast or Brunch

• Toast slices lightly and spread with cream cheese or butter. This can make for an excellent breakfast treat.
• Serve alongside scrambled eggs for a delightful brunch dish that is both filling and flavorful.

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How to Perfect Sourdough Discard Garlic Pull Apart Bread

To master the art of making Sourdough Discard Garlic Pull Apart Bread, consider these helpful tips.

• Use room temperature ingredients: This helps the dough rise more effectively, contributing to a lighter texture.
• Knead adequately: A good kneading technique ensures gluten development, which gives the bread its structure. Aim for 3-4 minutes of kneading until smooth.
• Watch the rising time: Allow the dough to rise until it doubles in size. This is crucial for achieving that fluffy pull-apart quality.
• Experiment with toppings: Add grated cheese or spices to the dough for varied flavors and textures in your garlic bread experience.
• Cool before slicing: Letting the bread cool slightly helps maintain its shape when cutting, preventing it from falling apart too easily.

Best Side Dishes for Sourdough Discard Garlic Pull Apart Bread

Pairing your Sourdough Discard Garlic Pull Apart Bread with delicious side dishes can enhance your meal significantly. Here are some excellent options:

1. Caesar Salad: A crisp Caesar salad offers a refreshing contrast to the rich garlic flavors of the bread.
2. Roasted Vegetables: Seasoned roasted veggies add color and nutrition while balancing the heaviness of the bread.
3. Grilled Chicken Skewers: These provide protein and can be marinated in flavors that complement the garlic notes in your bread.
4. Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw brings crunch and acidity, making it an ideal counterpoint to buttery garlic bread.
5. Pasta Primavera: Light pasta dishes filled with fresh vegetables pair nicely without overwhelming the palate.
6. Stuffed Peppers: These can be filled with grains and meats, offering hearty portions alongside your flavorful pull-apart bread.
7. Baked Zucchini Fries: Crispy zucchini fries make for a fun, healthy side that everyone will love.
8. Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn adds a lovely summer vibe, especially during outdoor gatherings!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Sourdough Discard Garlic Pull Apart Bread can be a delightful experience, but it’s easy to make mistakes. Here are some common pitfalls to steer clear of.

• Using cold ingredients: Always use warm milk and room-temperature sourdough discard. Cold ingredients can slow down yeast activation, affecting the rise.
• Over-kneading the dough: Knead just until smooth. Over-kneading can lead to tough bread instead of a tender texture.
• Skipping the rise time: Don’t rush the dough’s rise. Allow it to double in size for the best flavor and texture.
• Not measuring accurately: Use a kitchen scale for precise measurements. Inaccurate amounts can result in dense or overly wet bread.
• Ignoring oven temperature: Preheat your oven properly. Baking at the wrong temperature can affect how evenly your bread cooks.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Sourdough Discard Garlic Pull Apart Bread in an airtight container.
• It will last for about 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Sourdough Discard Garlic Pull Apart Bread

• Wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap and then foil.
• You can freeze it for up to 3 months; just thaw at room temperature when ready to eat.

Reheating Sourdough Discard Garlic Pull Apart Bread

• Oven: Preheat to 350℉ and bake for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat slices on medium power for about 15-20 seconds. Be careful not to overheat, as it may become chewy.
• Stovetop: Place slices in a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm gently until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have questions about making Sourdough Discard Garlic Pull Apart Bread, you’re not alone! Here are some common inquiries.

Can I use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour?

Yes, all-purpose flour works perfectly fine for this recipe. It will yield a slightly softer texture but still delicious.

How do I know when my dough has risen enough?

The dough should have doubled in size and feel light and airy when you touch it gently.

Is there a way to customize this recipe?

Absolutely! You can add cheese, different herbs, or spices according to your taste preferences for added flavor.

What is sourdough discard?

Sourdough discard is the portion of sourdough starter that you remove before feeding it. It’s perfect for adding flavor without wasting any starter!

Final Thoughts

Sourdough Discard Garlic Pull Apart Bread is not only flavorful but also incredibly versatile. You can easily customize this recipe by adding herbs or cheese based on your taste preferences. Give it a try, and enjoy this comforting treat with family or friends!