This Sourdough Garlic Bread is the perfect mix of crunchy and soft. Made with fresh sourdough, it brings a yummy garlic flavor that makes your mouth water!
Trust me, the smell while it’s baking is incredible. I love pairing it with pasta or just munching on it while watching a movie. Who can resist warm garlic bread? 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sourdough Bread: This is the star of the dish! Look for a fresh loaf with a crunchy crust and soft inside. If sourdough isn’t available, any crusty bread like French or Italian can work too.
Butter: Unsalted butter is best for flavor control. If you prefer a dairy-free option, use plant-based butter or olive oil instead—both will still give great taste.
Garlic: Fresh garlic gives a lovely aroma and flavor. If you’re in a pinch, garlic powder can substitute, but use half as much since it’s more concentrated.
Fresh Parsley: This adds a pop of color and a fresh taste. If you don’t have fresh parsley, dried herbs like Italian seasoning or basil work well, but use less since dried herbs are stronger.
Parmesan Cheese: While it’s optional, it adds a nice salty bite. For a dairy-free version, try nutritional yeast as a substitute, which gives a cheesy flavor (without the cheese!).
How Can I Perfectly Slice Sourdough Without Messing It Up?
Slicing sourdough correctly is crucial for even spreading and baking. Here’s how to do it right:
- Use a serrated knife to get clean cuts. A bread knife works best!
- Start by planting the knife at the crust and apply gentle pressure as you slice downwards.
- Slice about 1-inch apart but leave the bottom of the loaf intact to hold it together. This makes it easier to spread the butter and keeps the slices connected during baking.
Perfect slices also allow the garlic butter to soak in nicely for flavor throughout. Try to keep your cuts as straight as possible for an even bake!
How to Make Sourdough Garlic Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 loaf of sourdough bread
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 4-5 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Sourdough Garlic Bread takes about 10 minutes to prep and an additional 20-25 minutes to bake, so you’re looking at roughly 30-35 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a quick side dish or snack!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures your bread gets that perfect golden-brown crust.
2. Slice the Sourdough:
Take your loaf of sourdough bread and slice it into 1-inch thick pieces. Make sure you don’t cut all the way through—leave the bottom intact. This keeps the slices together and makes it easier to spread the buttery goodness!
3. Make the Garlic Butter:
In a medium bowl, mix the softened butter, minced garlic, finely chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. Stir it all together until it’s well blended and creamy. This mixture is what gives your bread that amazing flavor!
4. Spread the Garlic Butter:
Generously spread the garlic butter mixture between each slice of bread and on the top. Don’t be shy—make sure every nook and cranny gets coated!
5. Add Parmesan (Optional):
If you love cheese, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese on top of the bread for an extra burst of flavor. It’s a tasty option, but feel free to skip it if you prefer!
6. Wrap and Bake:
Wrap the loaf in aluminum foil and place it on a baking sheet. This helps keep the bread soft while it bakes. Bake for about 15 minutes.
7. Crisp It Up:
After the initial baking time, unwrap the foil and let the bread bake for an additional 5-7 minutes. This step creates that perfect crispy crust that everyone loves!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Once the bread is golden and crispy, take it out of the oven and let it cool slightly. Cut it fully and serve it warm with marinara sauce or your favorite dipping sauce. Enjoy this scrumptious treat!
Can I Use Store-Bought Sourdough Bread for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Store-bought sourdough bread works perfectly for this recipe. Just make sure it’s fresh for the best flavor and texture. If it’s a bit stale, lightly toast it before adding the garlic butter.
Can I Prepare the Garlic Butter in Advance?
Yes, you can! The garlic butter can be mixed and stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just bring it back to room temperature before spreading on the bread.
How Should I Store Leftover Garlic Bread?
To store any leftovers, wrap the garlic bread tightly in foil or place it in an airtight container. It will last in the fridge for about 2-3 days. Simply reheat in the oven or toaster to regain its crispiness.
What Can I Serve with Sourdough Garlic Bread?
This garlic bread pairs wonderfully with pasta dishes, soups, or salads. It’s also great as a snack on its own, especially dipped in marinara sauce or olive oil!
