Sourdough Garlic Bread is a delicious twist on the classic garlic bread, featuring the tangy flavor of sourdough paired with rich, garlicky butter. The crispy crust and soft, flavorful interior make each bite irresistible. Whether you’re serving it as a side to your favorite pasta dish, as an appetizer, or just enjoying it on its own, this sourdough garlic bread will elevate any meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Sourdough Garlic Bread is the perfect combination of savory, garlicky goodness and the tangy, chewy texture of sourdough. The natural sourness of the bread adds a depth of flavor that regular white bread can’t match. The garlic butter mixture is easy to make and packs plenty of bold flavor, making it an excellent side to complement any meal. The crispy edges and soft, buttery center will keep you coming back for more. Plus, it’s a great way to use up any leftover sourdough!

Sourdough Garlic Bread Recipe

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 loaf sourdough bread (a French or round sourdough works well)
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried parsley)
1/4 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a spicy kick)
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for extra flavor)
Olive oil (for brushing, optional)

Directions

Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
Prepare the garlic butter mixture: In a small bowl, mix together the softened butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). If you want extra flavor, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese for a cheesy twist.
Slice the sourdough bread: Slice the sourdough loaf in half horizontally, then slice each half into smaller pieces if you’d like individual servings. Alternatively, you can leave the loaf intact for a pull-apart bread effect.
Spread the garlic butter: Generously spread the garlic butter mixture over the cut sides of the sourdough. Make sure to cover every corner, so every bite has that garlicky goodness.
Optional: Brush with olive oil: For an extra crispy, golden crust, you can lightly brush the outer edges of the bread with a bit of olive oil.
Bake the bread: Place the garlic buttered bread on the prepared baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes, or until the bread is golden and crispy around the edges.
Serve: Remove from the oven and let it cool for a minute or two. Serve warm, garnished with additional fresh parsley if desired.

Servings and Timing

Servings: Makes 8-12 slices, depending on how you slice the bread.
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cooking time: 10-15 minutes
Total time: 15-20 minutes

Variations

Cheesy Garlic Bread: Add a layer of shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese on top of the garlic butter before baking for a cheesy, gooey twist.
Herbed Garlic Bread: Add other fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or basil to the garlic butter mixture for a more complex flavor.
Vegan Garlic Bread: Substitute the butter with vegan butter or olive oil and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a dairy-free version.
Spicy Garlic Bread: Mix a small amount of sriracha or chili paste into the garlic butter for an extra spicy kick.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftover garlic bread in an airtight container at room temperature for 1-2 days. The bread will lose its crispiness but will still be flavorful.
Freezing: If you want to freeze garlic bread, wrap it tightly in foil or plastic wrap and store it in a freezer-safe bag for up to 1-2 months. To reheat, bake in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes until warm and crispy again.

FAQs

1. Can I use other types of bread for garlic bread?

Yes! While sourdough bread gives this recipe a unique flavor, you can use any type of bread, such as baguette, ciabatta, or Italian bread, for garlic bread.

2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the garlic butter mixture ahead of time and store it in the fridge. When ready to bake, just spread the mixture over the bread and bake as usual.

3. Can I make garlic bread with pre-sliced bread?

Yes, you can use pre-sliced bread for convenience. Just make sure to spread the garlic butter mixture on each slice and bake as usual.

4. Can I make this recipe on the grill?

Yes! For a smoky flavor, you can grill the garlic bread. Preheat the grill to medium heat, wrap the bread in aluminum foil, and grill for 5-7 minutes until golden and crispy.

5. How do I make the bread extra crispy?

For extra crispiness, you can broil the garlic bread for 1-2 minutes at the end of the baking time. Just be sure to keep an eye on it to prevent burning.

6. Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?

Yes, you can substitute garlic powder for fresh garlic. Use about 1 teaspoon of garlic powder for every clove of garlic. However, fresh garlic will provide a more robust flavor.

7. Can I make this recipe without parsley?

Yes! If you don’t have fresh parsley, you can skip it or substitute it with other herbs like basil, thyme, or oregano for a different flavor.

8. Can I make garlic bread with gluten-free bread?

Yes, you can use gluten-free bread in place of regular bread for a gluten-free version of garlic bread. Just be sure to choose a sturdy gluten-free bread to hold up to the garlic butter.

9. How can I make this garlic bread spicier?

To add a spicy kick, incorporate a little bit of chili flakes, cayenne pepper, or even a drizzle of sriracha into the garlic butter mixture.

10. How do I keep garlic bread from getting soggy?

To prevent soggy garlic bread, be sure to use a generous amount of butter and avoid over-wetting the bread. Additionally, baking it at a high temperature ensures the bread gets crispy without becoming soggy.

Conclusion

Sourdough Garlic Bread is a simple yet flavorful dish that takes the classic garlic bread to the next level. The tangy sourdough adds depth and complexity to the savory garlic butter, making each bite a deliciously satisfying experience. Whether served with pasta, soup, or just on its own, this garlic bread will quickly become a favorite. It’s easy to prepare, highly customizable, and perfect for any occasion! Enjoy!