Sourdough Garlic Bread Recipe

Craving a warm, buttery side dish that elevates any meal? This sourdough garlic bread recipe is your answer! With its crispy crust, soft interior, and rich garlic flavor, this bread is a crowd-pleaser for family dinners, holiday feasts, or casual gatherings. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s quick, budget-friendly, and uses pantry staples. As a sourdough enthusiast, I love transforming my homemade loaves into this garlicky delight—my family begs for it weekly! It’s naturally vegetarian, can be made vegan or gluten-free with simple swaps, and pairs perfectly with pasta or soups. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned baker, this sourdough garlic bread is easy to master. Let’s dive into this irresistible recipe that’ll fill your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas!

Ingredients

Here’s what you need to make sourdough garlic bread for 6-8 servings, listed in order of use for easy preparation.

Main Ingredients:

• 1 large sourdough loaf (day-old or fresh; use gluten-free sourdough for dietary needs)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened; use vegan butter or olive oil for dairy-free)
• 4-6 cloves garlic (minced; or 1-2 teaspoons garlic powder for milder flavor)
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped, or 1 tablespoon dried parsley)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (optional, for a slight kick)

Optional Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan (or nutritional yeast for vegan)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella (for cheesy variation; use vegan cheese for dairy-free)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning (for extra flavor)
• Red pepper flakes (for a spicy twist)

Equipment:

• Mixing bowl (for garlic butter)
• Baking sheet (for oven baking)
• Aluminum foil (optional, for softer bread)
• Butter knife or spatula (for spreading)
• Grill or skillet (for alternative cooking methods)
• Pastry brush (optional, for even butter application)

How to Make Sourdough Garlic Bread

This sourdough garlic bread is simple to prepare and delivers restaurant-quality flavor in just 20 minutes. Follow these steps for perfect results.

1. Preheat the oven: Set the oven to 375°F (190°C) and place a baking sheet inside to warm (takes 5 minutes).
2. Prepare garlic butter: In a mixing bowl, combine 1/2 cup softened butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until smooth, about 2 minutes. Optionally, add Parmesan or oregano for extra flavor (takes 3-4 minutes).
3. Slice the bread: Cut the sourdough loaf in half lengthwise or into 1-inch slices for individual pieces. For softer bread, score the top without cutting through (takes 2 minutes).
4. Spread garlic butter: Apply garlic butter mixture generously over the cut sides or slices using a butter knife or pastry brush. Ensure even coverage for maximum flavor (takes 3 minutes).
5. Bake the bread: Place bread on the preheated baking sheet, cut side up. Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are golden and butter is melted. For crispier bread, bake uncovered; for softer bread, wrap in foil before baking (takes 10-12 minutes).
6. Serve hot: Remove from oven and slice into portions if needed. Garnish with extra parsley or Parmesan. Serve immediately with pasta, soup, or as an appetizer (takes 2 minutes).

Can You Use Sourdough for Garlic Bread?

Sourdough is perfect for garlic bread! Its tangy flavor and chewy texture complement the rich, garlicky butter, creating a balanced bite. The crusty exterior crisps up beautifully in the oven, while the soft interior soaks up the buttery goodness. Both homemade and store-bought sourdough loaves work well, with day-old bread offering extra sturdiness. Gluten-free sourdough is a great option for dietary needs, ensuring everyone can enjoy this classic side.

How to Make Garlic Bread with Sourdough Starter

While this recipe uses a baked sourdough loaf, you can incorporate sourdough starter by making your bread first. Combine 1 cup active sourdough starter, 3 cups flour, 1 cup water, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1 tablespoon olive oil. Knead for 8-10 minutes, let rise for 8-12 hours, shape into a loaf, and bake at 425°F for 30-35 minutes. Once cooled, use this loaf for garlic bread as described above. The starter adds a deeper, tangy flavor, elevating the dish (takes 12-14 hours for bread preparation).

What’s the Best Butter for Sourdough Garlic Bread?

The best butter for sourdough garlic bread is unsalted butter, allowing you to control the saltiness. High-quality brands like Kerrygold add richness due to their higher fat content. For a vegan option, use plant-based butter like Earth Balance or olive oil for a lighter, Mediterranean-inspired flavor. Soften butter at room temperature for 30 minutes for easy mixing. For extra depth, mix in roasted garlic or herb-infused butter to enhance the flavor profile.

Can You Freeze Sourdough Garlic Bread?

Yes, you can freeze sourdough garlic bread to enjoy later! Prepare the garlic butter and spread it on the bread as directed. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. To serve, thaw in the fridge overnight (takes 8 hours), then bake at 375°F for 12-15 minutes. Alternatively, freeze baked garlic bread in airtight containers; reheat at 350°F for 8-10 minutes. Freezing preserves flavor but may slightly soften the crust.

How to Make Cheesy Sourdough Garlic Bread

For cheesy sourdough garlic bread, add cheese to the classic recipe. After spreading garlic butter, sprinkle 1 cup shredded mozzarella and 1/4 cup grated Parmesan over the bread. Bake at 375°F for 12-15 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly, optionally broiling for 1-2 minutes for a golden top. Use vegan cheese for dairy-free diets. This gooey variation is a hit at parties and pairs well with marinara sauce for dipping (takes 15-17 minutes).

How to Make Sourdough Garlic Bread Without an Oven

No oven? No problem! You can make sourdough garlic bread without an oven using a skillet or stovetop. Prepare garlic butter as above. Slice the loaf into 1-inch pieces and spread butter on both sides. Heat a large skillet over medium heat, then cook each slice for 2-3 minutes per side until golden and crispy. Alternatively, use a griddle for larger batches. This method yields a crunchier texture and takes about 10-12 minutes total.

Can You Make Sourdough Garlic Knots?

Yes, you can make sourdough garlic knots for a fun twist! Use the sourdough starter dough recipe above. After the first rise, divide the dough into 12-16 pieces. Roll each piece into a 6-inch rope and tie it into a knot. Let rise for 2-3 hours, then bake at 400°F for 15-18 minutes until golden. Brush with garlic butter (butter, garlic, parsley) immediately after baking. These knots are soft, flavorful, and perfect for appetizers (takes 3-4 hours total).

How to Make Sourdough Garlic Bread on the Grill

For a smoky flavor, make sourdough garlic bread on the grill. Prepare garlic butter and spread it on sliced sourdough. Wrap each half in aluminum foil to prevent burning. Preheat grill to medium (350°F). Place bread on the grates, cut side up, and grill for 8-10 minutes, checking for melted butter and slight crispness. Unwrap for the last 2 minutes for extra char. This method adds a barbecue flair, ideal for summer cookouts (takes 10-12 minutes).

Why Is My Sourdough Garlic Bread Hard?

If your sourdough garlic bread is hard, it could be due to several factors:

• Overbaking: Bake for only 10-12 minutes to avoid drying out the bread. Check early to prevent toughness.
• Stale bread: Use fresh or day-old sourdough; older loaves become hard when heated. Soak slightly with extra butter to revive.
• Too little butter: Apply generously to keep the bread moist.
• Improper storage: Store in airtight containers post-baking to retain softness. Reheat wrapped in foil to restore texture.

How to Serve

Serve sourdough garlic bread warm for the best experience. Slice into 1-inch pieces or tear apart for a rustic feel (takes 2 minutes). Pair with pasta, soups, or salads for a complete meal. For parties, set up a dipping station with marinara or olive oil (takes 5 minutes to arrange). Garnish with extra parsley or Parmesan for flair. Serve with red wine or sparkling water to complement the rich flavors.

Can You Freeze Sourdough Garlic Bread?

As mentioned, freeze unbaked garlic bread by spreading butter, wrapping it tightly, and storing it for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight and bake as directed. Baked garlic bread can also be frozen; reheat at 350°F for 8-10 minutes to restore crispness.

Any Ingredient Swaps?

This recipe is versatile with plenty of swaps:

• Bread: Use gluten-free sourdough or ciabatta for variety.
• Butter: Swap for vegan butter, olive oil, or ghee for a nutty flavor.
• Garlic: Use roasted garlic for sweetness or garlic powder for convenience.
• Cheese: Replace Parmesan with Asiago or nutritional yeast for vegan diets.
• Herbs: Try rosemary or basil instead of parsley for a different aroma.
• Spicy: Add red pepper flakes or cayenne for heat.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving, Based on 8 Servings)

Calculated using an online nutrition calculator for sourdough garlic bread with butter and Parmesan.

• Calories: 220 kcal
• Protein: 5g
• Carbs: 25g
• Fat: 12g

Note: Nutrition varies with additions like cheese or vegan substitutes. Use less butter for lower fat content.

Final Thoughts

This sourdough garlic bread recipe is a quick, flavorful side dish that elevates any meal. With its crispy edges, buttery richness, and tangy sourdough base, it’s perfect for beginners and seasoned cooks alike. Customize with cheese, herbs, or vegan swaps to suit your table. Share your creations with #SourdoughGarlicBread and enjoy the compliments!

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