This Sourdough Garlic Bread is a tasty treat that’s perfect for sharing! With a crusty outside and soft inside, the garlic flavor shines through every bite.
I love to make this bread warm and buttery—it’s hard to resist! Pair it with soup or enjoy it on its own for a delightful snack. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sourdough Bread: The star of this recipe! It has a chewy texture and tangy flavor that pairs perfectly with garlic. If you can’t find sourdough, a crusty French or Italian bread works as a good alternative.
Unsalted Butter: This adds richness to the bread. If you’re dairy-free, try using vegan butter or olive oil for a lighter option.
Garlic: Fresh garlic gives the best flavor. If you’re in a pinch, garlic powder can substitute, but use less (start with 1/2 teaspoon) as the flavor is more concentrated.
Parsley: This adds freshness and color. Feel free to swap in other herbs like basil or chives if you prefer. Dried herbs can also work; just use 1 tablespoon instead.
Parmesan Cheese: Optional, but delicious! If you’re vegan or dairy-free, nutritional yeast can give a cheesy flavor without the dairy.
How Do You Slice Sourdough Bread Without Making a Mess?
Slicing sourdough can be tricky since it’s crusty on the outside but soft on the inside. Here’s how to do it cleanly:
- Use a serrated bread knife for the best results. This type of blade grips and cuts through the crust without squishing the bread.
- To slice, hold the loaf steady on a cutting board. Start at one end and saw gently back and forth to make even cuts without pressing down too hard.
- Try to cut about 3/4 inch thick, leaving the bottom intact to hold the loaf together.
How to Make Sourdough Garlic Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 loaf sourdough bread (about 16 oz)
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 4-5 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Marinara sauce or your favorite dipping sauce (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful Sourdough Garlic Bread takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 20 minutes to bake, for a total time of around 30 minutes. It’s quick to make and perfect for snacking or as a side dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures the bread bakes evenly and turns crispy on the outside.
2. Slice the Bread:
Using a serrated bread knife, slice the sourdough loaf into pieces about 3/4 inch thick. Be careful to not cut all the way through; leave the bottom of the loaf intact so it stays together nicely.
3. Make the Garlic Butter Mixture:
In a small bowl, mix together the softened butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. If you want a cheesy flavor, stir in the Parmesan cheese as well.
4. Spread the Garlic Butter:
Take the garlic butter mixture and carefully spread it between each slice of sourdough. Make sure to coat the bread evenly and get some butter on the crust, too!
5. Wrap the Loaf:
Wrap the prepared loaf loosely in aluminum foil to help keep it moist as it bakes. Place it on a baking sheet to catch any drips.
6. Bake the Bread:
Put the bread in your preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes. After that, carefully open the foil and let it bake for another 5-7 minutes until the top is golden and crispy.
7. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, take it out of the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes. This will help the flavors set. Then, slice it further if needed and serve warm with marinara sauce or your favorite dipping sauce if desired.
Enjoy this crispy, buttery, and garlicky Sourdough Garlic Bread—it’s a treat that everyone will love!
Can I Use Whole Wheat Sourdough Bread Instead?
Absolutely! Whole wheat sourdough will give the garlic bread a nuttier flavor and a heartier texture. Just be sure to adjust baking time if the loaf is denser.
Can I Make This Recipe Without Butter?
Yes! You can substitute the butter with olive oil or a dairy-free butter alternative. Olive oil adds a nice flavor and keeps the bread moist!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Any leftovers can be wrapped in foil or plastic wrap and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, wrap in foil and warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until heated through.
Can I Freeze Sourdough Garlic Bread?
Yes, you can! Wrap the baked and cooled garlic bread tightly in foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. To enjoy, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven to restore its crispiness.