This Sourdough Garlic Bread is a delicious treat! It’s crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, packed with savory garlic and fresh herbs. Perfect for pairing with soup or pasta!
I love how easy it is to make. Just spread that garlic goodness on your sourdough and bake until golden! It’s so good, you’ll want to make it again and again. Who could resist it? 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sourdough Bread: The star of this recipe! Choose a fresh loaf for the best taste. If sourdough isn’t available, any crusty bread like French or Italian bread can work in a pinch.
Butter: Unsalted butter lets you control the saltiness. If you’re looking for a healthier option, you can substitute with olive oil or a plant-based spread. Just make sure it’s softened for easy mixing.
Garlic: Fresh garlic provides the best flavor. If you don’t have any, garlic powder is a suitable substitute; use about 1 teaspoon for convenience. Just remember, it won’t be quite as strong.
Parsley: Fresh parsley adds a nice pop of color and flavor. Substitute with dried parsley if you’re out, but use less (about 1 teaspoon) since dried herbs are potent.
Parmesan Cheese: This is optional, but it adds extra richness. For a dairy-free version, you can omit it or use nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
How Do I Score the Bread Without Messing It Up?
Scoring the sourdough loaf is important to allow the butter mixture to seep in while keeping the loaf intact. Here’s how to do it right!
- Use a sharp knife or a bread lame to make diagonal cuts about 1 inch apart.
- Cut deep enough to create pockets for the butter but avoid cutting all the way through; aim to leave the bottom crust intact.
- For a fun twist, try scoring in a criss-cross pattern for an eye-catching presentation!
Take your time with scoring to ensure even melting of the butter and a beautiful presentation once baked. Enjoy making your garlic bread!
How to Make Sourdough Garlic Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Garlic Butter:
- 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 freshly ground black pepper
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
For the Bread:
- 1 loaf sourdough bread
For Dipping (Optional):
- Marinara sauce for dipping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 25 minutes to bake, making a total of about 35 minutes from start to finish. Your tasty garlic bread will be ready to enjoy in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures it’s hot enough to give your garlic bread that perfect crispy texture.
2. Make the Garlic Butter:
In a small bowl, mix together the softened butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, and black pepper until everything is well combined. If you’re using Parmesan cheese, fold it into the butter mixture as well for an extra kick of flavor.
3. Score the Sourdough Loaf:
Take your sourdough bread and score it! Make diagonal cuts about 1 inch apart. Be sure to cut deep enough to create pockets for the butter but don’t cut through the bottom crust—this keeps the loaf intact.
4. Spread the Garlic Butter:
Generously spread the garlic butter mixture into the cuts you made in the loaf. Make sure to push the butter deep into the crevices to maximize flavor!
5. Wrap and Bake:
Wrap the entire loaf loosely in aluminum foil and place it on a baking sheet. Bake it in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. After that, unwrap the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the bread is golden and crispy on top.
6. Cool and Slice:
Once the bread is done baking, take it out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Then, slice it fully to serve!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your warm sourdough garlic bread with marinara sauce on the side for dipping if you’d like. Enjoy your flavorful and crispy creation!
Can I Use Garlic Powder Instead of Fresh Garlic?
Yes, you can use garlic powder if you’re out of fresh garlic! A good rule of thumb is to use about 1 teaspoon of garlic powder to replace 1 to 2 cloves of fresh garlic. Just mix it into the butter mixture, and you’ll still get that garlicky flavor.
How Should I Store Leftover Garlic Bread?
If you have any leftovers, let the garlic bread cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months—just thaw in the fridge before reheating!
How Do I Reheat Garlic Bread?
To reheat garlic bread, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Wrap the bread in aluminum foil and warm it for about 10-15 minutes until heated through. This helps keep it nice and soft. For a crispy top, you can unwrap it for the last few minutes of reheating.
Can I Add Other Herbs or Cheese?
Absolutely! You can experiment by adding other herbs like oregano or thyme for different flavors. Additionally, feel free to incorporate other types of cheese such as mozzarella or cheddar for a cheesy twist!
