This sourdough garlic bread is simply amazing! With its crunchy crust and soft, flavorful inside, it makes every bite memorable. The garlic adds a lovely zing!
I can’t resist making it for pizza nights—or just when I want something good. It’s super easy, just spread the garlic butter on the bread and toast it up. Yum!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Sourdough Bread: A large loaf is key here. You can choose any good-quality sourdough. If you can’t find sourdough, a crusty Italian or French bread can work, but the texture may differ slightly.
Unsalted Butter: I always use unsalted to control the saltiness of my dish. If you’re dairy-free, oil like olive oil can be a great substitute, though it will alter the flavor a bit.
Garlic: Use fresh garlic for the best flavor. If you’re in a pinch, garlic powder can be used, but reduce the amount to 1-2 teaspoons since it’s more concentrated.
Fresh Parsley: I love using fresh parsley for its bright flavor, but you can swap it with basil, cilantro, or even use a pinch of dried parsley if that’s all you have.
Parmesan Cheese: This is optional, but it adds a nice touch. For a substitute, try Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option.
Dried Oregano or Italian Seasoning: These add great depth. If you’re missing these, any dried herb like thyme or Herbes de Provence can be a good alternative.
How Do I Perfectly Prepare the Garlic Butter Mixture?
The garlic butter mixture is essential for flavor. Start with softened butter; this makes it easy to spread. You want to combine the minced garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper evenly, so every bite is tasty!
- Use a fork or spatula to mix until it’s well blended.
- Taste the mixture! If you love garlic, feel free to add an extra clove.
- Spread the mixture thoroughly between the bread slices; this ensures even flavor throughout.
Remember, don’t rush. A little care here goes a long way in making the bread mouthwatering! Enjoy your homemade garlic bread warm for the best experience.
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, finely minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning (optional)
For the Bread:
- 1 large loaf of sourdough bread
For Serving:
- Marinara or pizza sauce, for dipping (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious garlic bread recipe will take about 10 minutes to prepare and 20-25 minutes to bake. Enjoying it fresh from the oven? That’s just 35 minutes from start to finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures your garlic bread will be perfectly baked and crispy.
2. Slice the Bread:
Take your large loaf of sourdough bread and slice it into 1- to 1.5-inch thick pieces. But here’s a little trick: don’t cut all the way through! Leave the bottom intact, so the loaf stays together and holds all that delicious filling.
3. Make the Garlic Butter:
In a medium bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, pepper, and if you’re using it, the grated Parmesan cheese and dried oregano. Mix everything together until it’s well combined and creamy.
4. Spread the Garlic Mixture:
Now comes the fun part! Gently take the garlic butter mixture and spread it between each slice of the bread, making sure it fills every little gap. This way, every bite will be bursting with flavor!
5. Wrap The Bread:
Take a sheet of aluminum foil and wrap the entire loaf of garlic buttered bread loosely. This will help steam it a bit while baking, keeping it moist and delicious.
6. Bake the Bread:
Place the wrapped bread on a baking sheet and pop it in the oven. Let it bake for about 15 minutes, allowing the butter to melt and all those wonderful flavors to blend together.
7. Crisp It Up:
After 15 minutes, carefully remove the foil, and bake the bread for an additional 5-7 minutes. This will give it that perfect crispy texture and golden-brown color that we all love!
8. Cool and Serve:
Once done, take it out of the oven and let it cool slightly. It’ll be super tempting, but trust me, letting it rest for a couple of minutes makes it easier to handle.
9. Enjoy!
Slice it up and serve your warm, crispy sourdough garlic bread with a side of marinara or pizza sauce for dipping if you like. Enjoy the deliciousness!
There you have it, your homemade sourdough garlic bread ready to impress your friends and family!
Can I Use Olive Oil Instead of Butter?
Yes! If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, olive oil works beautifully. Just replace the butter with the same amount of olive oil, but keep in mind it may alter the flavor slightly.
How Can I Store Leftover Sourdough Garlic Bread?
To store leftovers, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and keep them at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the wrapped bread for up to a month. Just make sure to heat it up in the oven to regain its crispiness!
Can I Prepare This Garlic Bread in Advance?
Absolutely! You can prep the garlic butter and spread it between the slices on the bread, then wrap and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply bake it following the same instructions, adding a few extra minutes if it’s cold from the fridge.
What Variations Can I Try?
You can mix it up by adding different herbs or spices, like crushed red pepper flakes for a bit of heat or using other cheeses like mozzarella or cheddar. Experiment with your favorite flavors to make it your own!
