sourdough garlic bread Recipe

If you love the comforting aroma of toasted garlic filling your kitchen and the satisfying crunch of perfectly baked bread, then this sourdough garlic bread recipe is destined to become one of your all-time favorites. Combining a crusty, tangy sourdough loaf with a rich, buttery garlic spread that’s generously infused with fresh parsley and just the right amount of spice, this dish elevates simple ingredients into something truly unforgettable. Whether you’re pairing it with your favorite pasta or enjoying it as a stand-alone treat, sourdough garlic bread delivers burst of flavor and texture that feels like a warm hug from the inside out.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe is a shining example of how a few simple, high-quality ingredients come together to create incredible flavor. Each component plays its own special role, from the tangy sourdough base to the fresh burst of parsley that gives the bread a lovely color and brightness.

• Sourdough bread: Choose a fresh loaf with a good crust and chewy crumb to stand up to the rich garlic butter.
• Unsalted butter: Softened for easy mixing, it provides the creamy, luscious base that carries the garlic and herbs.
• Garlic cloves: Minced finely to ensure every bite is infused with robust garlic flavor.
• Fresh parsley: Chopped finely to add a bright, herbal freshness and a burst of inviting green color.
• Salt: Just enough to enhance the garlic and butter without overpowering them.
• Black pepper: Adds a mild heat and complexity to the garlic bread.
• Red pepper flakes (optional): For those who like a hint of spice, these bring a subtle, warming kick.

How to Make sourdough garlic bread

Step 1: Preheat the oven

Start by setting your oven to 375°F (190°C) to get it ready to perfectly toast your sourdough garlic bread. Having the oven properly heated ensures even baking and that lovely golden crust.

Step 2: Prepare the garlic herb butter

In a bowl, mix the softened butter with minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if you’re using them. Stir until every bit of butter is well combined with the flavorful garlic and herbs, creating a fragrant paste that will melt beautifully into the bread.

Step 3: Slice your sourdough

Cut your sourdough loaf in half lengthwise for ease of spreading, then slice each half into smaller sections if desired, or leave as halves depending on how large you want your servings. This step is simple but important to ensure every piece gets enough of that garlicky goodness.

Step 4: Spread the garlic butter

Using a pastry brush or butter knife, generously spread your garlic herb butter over the cut sides of the sourdough bread. The more evenly you distribute it, the more delicious every bite will be.

Step 5: Arrange on baking sheet

Place the prepared bread cut-side up on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This setup helps keep your pan clean and also promotes even baking and browning of the bread’s edges.

Step 6: Bake until golden and bubbly

Bake the bread in your preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes until you see the edges turn a gorgeous golden brown and the garlic butter is bubbling with aromatic delight. This is when the magic happens — the bread crisps up just right and soaks in all those wonderful flavors.

Step 7: Cool and serve

Give your sourdough garlic bread a few minutes to cool so the butter sets slightly, making it easier—and more delicious!—to slice and serve. The enticing aroma will have everyone eager to dig in.

How to Serve sourdough garlic bread

Garnishes

To make your sourdough garlic bread look as good as it tastes, sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley or a light dusting of grated Parmesan cheese right after baking. For an extra splash of color and flavor, a drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil can enhance the bread’s richness beautifully.

Side Dishes

This sourdough garlic bread pairs perfectly with Italian classics like creamy pasta dishes, hearty soups, or fresh garden salads. It’s also a fantastic companion to grilled meats or roasted vegetables, serving as the perfect vehicle to soak up savory sauces and juices.

Creative Ways to Present

Take your presentation up a notch by arranging the sliced bread in a rustic basket lined with a linen cloth for a cozy, inviting look. You can also turn leftovers into garlic bread croutons by cubing and toasting them until crisp, perfect for salads or soups.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with extra sourdough garlic bread, wrap the cooled pieces tightly in foil or plastic wrap and store them in the refrigerator. This keeps the bread fresh for a day or two without sacrificing too much of its delicious texture and flavor.

Freezing

For longer storage, place the wrapped bread in a freezer-safe bag and freeze. When you want to enjoy it again, thaw at room temperature and reheat in the oven for a freshly toasted experience that’s almost as good as day one.

Reheating

To bring your sourdough garlic bread back to life, pop it in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes, uncovered, to restore its crisp edges and warm, melted garlic butter filling. Avoid microwaving as it can make the bread soggy.

FAQs

Can I use regular bread instead of sourdough for this garlic bread?

Absolutely! While sourdough adds a lovely tangy flavor and texture, you can substitute it with other rustic breads like French or Italian loaf, although the flavor profile will differ slightly.

Is it okay to use pre-minced garlic from a jar?

Freshly minced garlic will always offer the best, most vibrant flavor, but in a pinch, pre-minced garlic works fine. Just be mindful of its potency since jarred garlic can be milder.

How can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Swap the unsalted butter for a vegan buttery spread or olive oil blend for a dairy-free version. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious and garlicky.

What can I do if I don’t have fresh parsley on hand?

Fresh parsley gives a lovely brightness, but if unavailable, dried parsley can be used at about one-third the quantity. You can also experiment with other fresh herbs like basil or cilantro for a twist.

Can I add cheese to the sourdough garlic bread?

Definitely! Adding shredded mozzarella or Parmesan on top before baking creates a wonderfully melty, cheesy layer that pairs perfectly with the garlic butter.

Final Thoughts

There’s something undeniably satisfying about tearing into a warm slice of sourdough garlic bread that’s golden, buttery, and bursting with flavor. It’s a humble dish that feels indulgent and comforting all at once. Whether you’re making it for a casual snack or as part of a special meal, I hope this recipe inspires you to bring a little extra joy—and garlic—to your table soon!

sourdough garlic bread Recipe

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★★★★★

5.2 from 8 reviews

• Author: Noah
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 8 slices 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This delicious sourdough garlic bread features crusty, flavorful sourdough slathered with a rich garlic-herb butter blend and baked to golden perfection. Perfect as a side dish for pasta, soups, or salads, it combines the tangy taste of sourdough with the savory notes of fresh garlic and parsley for a comforting and tasty treat.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Garlic Butter Mixture

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (113g)
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (15g)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (3g)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (1g)
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) (1g)

Bread

• 1 loaf sourdough bread (about 450g)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the garlic bread.
2. Prepare the Garlic Butter Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Mix until well incorporated, creating a flavorful garlic herb butter.
3. Slice the Sourdough Bread: Slice the sourdough loaf in half lengthwise. You can further cut each half into four smaller pieces for easier serving, or keep the loaf whole if preferred.
4. Spread the Garlic Butter: Using a pastry brush, generously spread the garlic butter mixture over the cut sides of the sourdough bread, ensuring an even coating for maximum flavor.
5. Prepare for Baking: Place the bread halves or pieces cut-side up on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and helps with easy cleanup.
6. Bake the Bread: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown and the butter is bubbling, indicating the bread is perfectly toasted.
7. Cool and Serve: Remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving. This helps the flavors meld and prevents burns from hot butter.

Notes

• You can add extra herbs like oregano or thyme for additional flavor variations.
• For a cheesier garlic bread, sprinkle grated Parmesan or mozzarella cheese on top before baking.
• Red pepper flakes are optional and can be adjusted based on your preferred spice level.
• Use room temperature butter for easier mixing and spreading.
• If you do not have fresh garlic, garlic powder can be used as a substitute, but fresh garlic provides a more robust flavor.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 75g)
• Calories: 220
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 280mg
• Fat: 11g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 26g
• Fiber: 1.5g
• Protein: 5g
• Cholesterol: 30mg

Keywords: sourdough garlic bread, garlic bread, sourdough recipe, garlic butter bread, homemade garlic bread