Sourdough discard pull apart garlic bread

Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Rising Time: 1 hour
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours
Servings: 8-10

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 1 cup sourdough discard (unfed)
• 1 cup warm water
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Garlic Butter:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried parsley)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough:
   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the sourdough discard, warm water, and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the top and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
   • Add the flour and salt to the yeast mixture. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
   • Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Alternatively, use a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment.
   • Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
2. Prepare the Garlic Butter:
   • In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
3. Shape the Dough:
   • Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release any air bubbles. Turn it out onto a floured surface.
   • Roll the dough into a rectangle about 1/2 inch thick.
   • Brush the dough generously with the garlic butter mixture, reserving some for later.
   • Using a pizza cutter or sharp knife, cut the dough into small squares (about 2×2 inches).
4. Assemble the Bread:
   • Grease a bundt pan or a round cake pan.
   • Layer the dough squares in the pan, slightly overlapping them to create a pull-apart effect.
   • Once all the dough squares are in the pan, brush the top with the remaining garlic butter and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese if using.
5. Bake the Bread:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
   • Cover the pan loosely with a cloth and let the dough rise for another 15-20 minutes while the oven preheats.
   • Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and cooked through.
6. Serve:
   • Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for a few minutes before turning it out onto a serving plate.
   • Serve warm, and enjoy the pull-apart goodness!

This sourdough discard pull-apart garlic bread is perfect for sharing and pairs wonderfully with soups, stews, or as an appetizer. Enjoy!