Garlic Herb Sourdough Pull-Apart Bread Recipe

There’s nothing quite like the irresistible aroma of freshly baked Garlic Herb Sourdough Pull-Apart Bread wafting from your oven. This dreamy loaf is buttery, fragrant, and delightfully soft, with hidden pockets of garlicky-herb goodness in every bite. It’s the ultimate comfort bake—perfect for using up your sourdough discard and sharing with friends and family!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Garlic Herb Sourdough Pull-Apart Bread is that it comes together with a handful of straightforward ingredients, each one key to the bread’s fluffy structure and tasty aroma. Here’s how every item brings its magic to your baking adventure!

• Non-dairy or regular dairy milk: Warmed just right, milk keeps the dough ultra-tender and lends a beautiful crumb.
• Instant yeast: The secret to a reliable rise, working perfectly alongside the sourdough discard.
• Granulated sugar: Just a touch to feed the yeast and balance all the savory flavors.
• All-purpose flour: Dependable and versatile, it’s the backbone of our soft, pull-apart texture.
• Sourdough discard (unfed): Adds depth, irresistible tang, and gives the bread an artisanal edge.
• Egg: Helps create a rich dough that’s easy to handle and bakes up beautifully golden.
• Fresh parsley or rosemary: Go for whichever herb you love or have on hand—it’s the soul of the herby filling!
• Kosher salt: Enhances every flavor, from the dough to the topping.
• Garlic powder: Delivers pure, even garlic flavor in every bite without the risk of burning.
• Unsalted butter: Melted in the dough for richness, and softened for that decadent, spreadable filling.
• Flaky sea salt: Sprinkled on top, it adds crunch and a gorgeous finish.

Variations

The fun of this Garlic Herb Sourdough Pull-Apart Bread is how easily it welcomes your own creative twists. Whether you’re switching up herbs, adding cheese, or catering to dietary restrictions, it’s built for playful experimentation!

• Cheesy Pull-Apart Delight: Sprinkle grated mozzarella or sharp cheddar between each dough layer for a gooey, irresistible upgrade.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap in your favorite 1-to-1 gluten-free all-purpose flour and check that your sourdough discard is gluten-free.
• Vegan Variation: Use a plant-based milk, vegan butter, and skip the egg (replace with 3 tablespoons aquafaba or a flax egg) for a bread everyone can enjoy!
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter mixture for a gentle heat that complements the herbs.

How to Make Garlic Herb Sourdough Pull-Apart Bread

Step 1: Mix the Dough

Begin by combining your warmed milk, instant yeast, and sugar in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the dough hook. Add flour, room-temperature sourdough discard, lightly beaten egg, chopped herbs, salt, and garlic powder. With the mixer on low, drizzle in the melted butter. Once everything is incorporated, increase the speed and watch a shaggy (but promising!) dough start to form.

Step 2: Knead to Silky Smoothness

Transfer your dough onto a clean surface and knead for 3-4 minutes. It should feel elastic, soft, and just a little bit tacky without sticking all over your hands. If it’s too sticky, sprinkle in extra flour a tablespoon at a time; if it feels dry, add a splash of milk. You’re looking for dough that springs back when pressed lightly.

Step 3: First Rise

Place the dough into a greased bowl, turning it so it’s coated on all sides. Cover with plastic wrap and set in a cozy spot. After 60-90 minutes, you’ll be rewarded with dough that’s doubled in size—soft, airy, and ready for shaping.

Step 4: Make the Herb Garlic Butter

While the dough is rising, make the magic that’ll infuse every bite: in a bowl, mix the softened butter with your chosen chopped herbs, garlic powder, and kosher salt. Set aside one generous tablespoon for brushing over the finished loaf. The remaining mixture is your secret weapon for spreading between the dough layers.

Step 5: Shape, Fill & Stack

After the rise, gently turn the dough out and divide into 12 equal pieces (a scale helps, but your best guess is fine). Flatten each one into a rough circle, about 4 inches across. Smear with 1-2 teaspoons of your aromatic garlic butter, then fold like a taco. Stack each into a greased loaf pan, fold side down. This is where that signature pull-apart look begins!

Step 6: Let It Puff Up Again

Cover the loaf pan with plastic wrap or a towel and let the dough rest for 30-45 minutes. The pieces will puff up but shouldn’t overflow the pan. This second rise ensures tender, airy layers that release perfectly when baked.

Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection

Preheat your oven to 350°F while the loaf finishes rising. Bake uncovered for 30 minutes, then tent loosely with foil and bake another 5-10 minutes—until golden brown on top and about 200°F inside. The aroma will be mouthwatering!

Step 8: Finish and Serve

While the bread is still warm, brush the reserved garlic herb butter over the top, then finish with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt. Let it cool briefly in the pan, then serve and watch everyone eagerly pull pieces apart.

How to Serve Garlic Herb Sourdough Pull-Apart Bread

Garnishes

Finish with an extra sprinkle of chopped fresh herbs and flaky sea salt just as the bread comes out of the oven. For extra flair, a gentle dusting of grated Parmesan or a brush of melted butter makes it shine both visually and flavor-wise.

Side Dishes

This bread was made for dunking! Pair it with a hearty soup like tomato basil, creamy roasted garlic potato, or even serve alongside a colorful salad and protein-rich main. It’s also the ultimate companion to pastas, especially when you want something extra to mop up that leftover sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Present Garlic Herb Sourdough Pull-Apart Bread directly in its loaf form for that classic “tear and share” experience, or gently pull it apart and arrange pieces in a basket with a ramekin of herbed oil or marinara sauce for dipping. For parties, slice and fan out on a wood board surrounded by olives, cheeses, and charcuterie—it’s an edible centerpiece!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover bread tightly wrapped in foil or stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If your kitchen runs warm or you want it to last a little longer, refrigerate it to maintain its freshness.

Freezing

To freeze, cool the loaf completely, then wrap it snugly first in plastic wrap, then in foil. Freeze for up to two months. For single servings, pull apart and freeze individual pieces for speedy snacking or last-minute appetizers!

Reheating

For that “just baked” feeling, reheat bread in a 325°F oven—covered loosely with foil—until warmed through (about 10-15 minutes). If reheating from frozen, no need to thaw; just add a few extra minutes and brush with a bit of extra butter for maximum flavor!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Trust me, Garlic Herb Sourdough Pull-Apart Bread is the kind of bake that wins hearts at first bite—whether you’re a seasoned sourdough baker or just love savory, shareable breads. Once you pull apart that first buttery, garlicky layer, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it. Give it a try, and let your kitchen (and your loved ones!) be filled with the warmth and joy only homemade bread can bring.

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