Sourdough Discard Garlic Pull Apart Bread Recipe

Sourdough Discard Garlic Pull Apart Bread Recipe

This Sourdough Discard Garlic Pull-Apart Bread is soft, buttery, and irresistibly fragrant the kind of bake that feels impressive but is wonderfully easy. The sourdough discard adds a gentle tang while keeping the dough tender, making this a perfect side for pasta night or a cozy appetizer to share.

Ingredients

For the dough:

  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup sourdough discard (unfed)
  • 1/2 cup warm milk
  • 2 tbsp sugar
  • 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) instant yeast
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 tsp salt

For the garlic butter:

  • 1/4 cup melted butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • Optional: 1/4 cup grated Parmesan

Steps

  1. Activate the yeast. In a bowl, whisk warm milk and sugar, then sprinkle in the instant yeast. Let it sit a few minutes until foamy.
  2. Combine the dough. Add sourdough discard, egg, softened butter, salt, and flour. Mix until a soft dough forms it should feel slightly tacky but smooth.
  3. Knead & rise. Knead 5–7 minutes until elastic. Place in an oiled bowl, cover, and let rise about 1 hour or until puffy.
  4. Shape into balls. Divide the dough into 12–15 small pieces and roll gently into balls.
  5. Make garlic butter. Mix melted butter, garlic, parsley, and salt. Dip each dough ball in the mixture and arrange in a greased baking dish. Drizzle any extra butter over the top.
  6. Second rise. Let rest 20–30 minutes until slightly fuller.
  7. Bake at 350°F for 22–26 minutes or until golden and fragrant.
  8. Optional: Brush with more garlic butter or sprinkle Parmesan while warm.

Chef’s Tips

  • Use discard straight from the fridge: No need to warm it instant yeast does the heavy lifting.
  • Don’t over-flour the dough: A softer dough makes fluffier pull-apart pieces.
  • Bake in a round dish: It creates that pretty, blooming pull-apart effect.

Variations

  • Cheesy garlic pull-apart: Add mozzarella cubes inside each dough ball.
  • Herb garden version: Mix rosemary, thyme, or basil into the butter.
  • Everything bagel twist: Sprinkle everything seasoning over the top before baking.