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Garlic bread is a beloved side dish that pairs well with a variety of meals, from pasta to soups to salads.

When you swap out traditional bread for sourdough, you add a delicious tangy flavour and chewy texture that takes this classic dish to the next level.

Whether you’re serving it alongside a family dinner or enjoying it as a snack, sourdough garlic bread is sure to be a hit. Here’s how to make it, step by step.

Ingredients

• 1 loaf of sourdough bread
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 4-6 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley (chopped)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
• Olive oil for drizzling (optional)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). If you have a convection setting, it’s a great option to use here for a crispier crust.

Prepare the garlic butter: In a small mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper.

Mix well until the ingredients are fully incorporated. If you like cheesy garlic bread, you can also stir in the Parmesan cheese at this stage.

Slice the sourdough loaf: Using a serrated knife, slice the sourdough loaf into even slices, about 1 inch thick.

Be careful not to cut through the bottom of the loaf, so the slices stay connected.

This method allows the garlic butter to soak into the bread more thoroughly.

Spread the garlic butter: Carefully open each slice slightly and spread a generous amount of the garlic butter mixture on both sides of each slice. Be sure to cover as much surface area as possible to ensure every bite is flavorful.

Wrap the loaf in foil: Once the garlic butter has been spread on the bread, wrap the entire loaf in aluminium foil.

This helps the bread heat evenly and prevents it from drying out.

Bake the garlic bread: Place the wrapped loaf on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes.

This allows the garlic butter to melt and infuse into the bread, while the bread itself becomes warm and soft.

Optional step for extra crispiness: If you prefer your garlic bread a little crispier, after the initial baking time, open the foil and bake the loaf uncovered for an additional 5 minutes. This will help the top of the bread develop a golden, crispy crust.

Drizzle with olive oil (optional): For added richness, you can drizzle a bit of olive oil over the top of the bread before serving.

Serve warm: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool slightly before slicing it fully. Serve warm, and enjoy the rich, garlicky flavour with your favourite dishes.

Tips and Tricks

Use fresh garlic: Freshly minced garlic provides a stronger, more vibrant flavour compared to pre-minced garlic or garlic powder. It’s worth the extra effort to chop it yourself.

Customize your herbs: While parsley is traditional, you can experiment with other herbs like basil, oregano, or thyme to add different flavour notes to your garlic bread.

Add cheese: If you’re a fan of cheesy garlic bread, don’t hesitate to add more Parmesan or even sprinkle some mozzarella over the top before the final bake for a gooey finish.

Make it spicy: For a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter mixture.

Variations

Herbed Sourdough Garlic Bread: Add a mix of fresh or dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, and oregano to the garlic butter for an extra layer of flavour.

Cheesy Sourdough Garlic Bread: Top the bread with a mixture of shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, then bake uncovered until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Garlic Bread Bites: Instead of making one large loaf, slice the sourdough into bite-sized pieces before applying the garlic butter. Bake these in a single layer on a baking sheet for a fun, shareable appetizer.

Serving Suggestions

Sourdough garlic bread is a versatile side that pairs well with a wide range of dishes. Here are some ideas for what to serve it with:

Pasta dishes: The tangy flavour of sourdough garlic bread complements creamy pasta like fettuccine Alfredo, as well as tomato-based sauces like marinara or Bolognese.

Soups: Serve a slice alongside a bowl of hearty soup, such as tomato, minestrone, or creamy potato leek soup.

Salads: Garlic bread adds a satisfying crunch to a fresh salad. Try it with a Caesar salad or a mixed greens salad with vinaigrette.

Grilled meats: Sourdough garlic bread makes a great accompaniment to grilled steaks, chicken, or pork chops.

Why Sourdough Garlic Bread Is Special

The sourdough garlic bread recipe is special because it combines the tangy flavour of sourdough with the rich, savoury taste of garlic.

The crispy crust of the sourdough bread makes it perfect for toasting, while the soft inside soaks up all the yummy garlic butter.

This recipe is also a great way to get creative in the kitchen. You can try different types of butter, like garlic herb butter or garlic cheese butter, to make your bread even more flavorful.

You can also experiment with different kinds of cheese or herbs to find your perfect combination.

Conclusion

Sourdough garlic bread is a simple yet flavorful dish that’s sure to impress. The tangy sourdough paired with rich garlic butter creates a perfect balance of flavours, making it a delightful addition to any meal.

Whether you’re enjoying it with pasta, soup, or on its own, this garlic bread recipe is easy to make and always satisfying.

With a few simple ingredients and steps, you can create a delicious side that everyone will love.