This Sourdough Garlic Bread is the perfect blend of crispy and soft, with a delightful garlic flavor. Made with tangy sourdough, it’s great as a side or just for snacking!
Honestly, the smell of garlic wafting through your kitchen is hard to beat. I love serving it warm with a little butter. It’s like a hug for your taste buds! 🥖❤️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sourdough Bread: A crusty loaf of sourdough is perfect for this recipe due to its chewy texture. If you can’t find sourdough, any sturdy bread like French or Italian will work well. Just avoid soft breads like sandwich loaves.
Butter: Unsalted butter gives you control over the saltiness. If you want a dairy-free option, try using margarine or coconut oil. Also, olive oil can be a tasty alternative for a richer flavor.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is key for that bold flavor. If you have garlic powder on hand, you can use about 1 teaspoon instead, but fresh will always give you the best taste.
Parsley: Fresh parsley adds brightness to the bread. If you don’t have it, try using dried herbs like Italian seasoning or dried basil, though the flavor won’t be quite the same.
Cheese: Adding cheese is optional, but it makes the bread extra delicious! Parmesan and mozzarella are fantastic, but feel free to experiment with other cheeses like feta or cheddar.
How Do I Cut the Sourdough Bread Without Messing It Up?
Cutting the bread properly is essential for ensuring every slice gets garlic butter. Use a serrated knife for best results. Here’s how:
- Place the loaf on a cutting board and hold it steady.
- Make diagonal cuts about 1.5 inches apart, slicing almost to the bottom but leaving it intact so the loaf holds together.
- After slicing, open up each cut slightly to make spreading the butter easier.
Taking this extra step ensures that every bite of your garlic bread is packed with flavor!
How to Make Sourdough Garlic Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 large loaf of sourdough bread
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 4-6 cloves garlic, finely minced or grated
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese or mozzarella
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe requires about 10 minutes for preparation and 25 minutes for baking—15 minutes wrapped in foil and another 10 minutes uncovered for that golden, crisp finish. So, in total, you’ll need about 35 minutes to enjoy this delicious garlic bread!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures your garlic bread will bake evenly and get that lovely golden crust.
2. Make the Garlic Butter:
In a small mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. Use a fork or spatula to mix everything together until it’s well blended and smooth.
3. Prepare the Bread:
Take your sourdough loaf and lay it on a cutting board. With a serrated knife, make diagonal cuts across the loaf about 1.5 inches apart. Be sure to cut almost all the way through but leave the bottom intact so the loaf stays together.
4. Apply the Garlic Butter:
Take your garlic butter mixture and generously spread it into each cut. Make sure to push some butter down into the crevices for maximum flavor!
5. Optional Cheese Time:
If you’re adding cheese, now is the time to sprinkle the grated Parmesan or mozzarella into the cuts of the loaf. This will melt beautifully during baking and add extra yum!
6. Wrapping the Bread:
Next, wrap the entire loaf loosely in aluminum foil. This will help the bread steam a little and keep it moist while baking.
7. Baking:
Place the wrapped loaf onto a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. After that, carefully unwrap the foil and bake for another 10 minutes. This will allow the edges to become golden and crisp!
8. Cool and Serve:
Once it’s done, remove the garlic bread from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Then, slice it up and serve warm! It’s perfect with marinara sauce or as a side to your favorite pasta or soup.
Enjoy your deliciously soft, buttery, garlicky sourdough garlic bread!
Can I Use Store-Bought Garlic Butter Instead of Making My Own?
Yes, absolutely! Store-bought garlic butter is a convenient substitute and can save you time. Just spread it generously into the cuts of your sourdough bread, and you’re good to go!
What If I Don’t Have Fresh Garlic?
No problem! You can use garlic powder instead. About 1 teaspoon of garlic powder will do the trick, but keep in mind that the flavor may not be as strong as with fresh garlic. Adjust to your taste!
How Can I Store Leftover Garlic Bread?
If you have leftovers, wrap them tightly in aluminum foil or store in an airtight container. They can be kept in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, just wrap in foil and pop in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.
Can I Freeze the Garlic Bread?
Yes, garlic bread freezes well! Wrap the cooled, baked loaf tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, let it thaw in the fridge overnight and then reheat as mentioned above.
