Bakery-Fresh Sourdough Garlic Bread Recipe in 5 Steps

Sourdough garlic bread refines ordinary loaves into culinary magic that awakens every taste bud.

Crafted with tangy fermented dough, this recipe combines rustic charm and bold flavors in perfect harmony.

The robust combination melds classic comfort with sophisticated technique, creating something far beyond standard bread preparations.

Homemade versions elevate simple ingredients through careful techniques and passionate cooking approaches.

Artisan bakers understand how fermentation develops complex flavor profiles that tantalize the senses.

Professional kitchens and home cooks alike celebrate this versatile bread as a delectable side or standalone treat.

Your next meal deserves a spectacular accompaniment that impresses everyone at the table.

Pairing Ideas That Go with Sourdough Garlic Bread

• Pair with Fresh Italian Reds: Grab a robust Chianti or Sangiovese to complement the garlic bread's rich, savory flavors. These wines cut through the buttery richness and enhance the herbal notes.
• Create a Hearty Protein Partner: Serve alongside grilled chicken parmesan or a classic beef lasagna. The bread's crispy texture and garlic punch perfectly balance these protein-packed dishes.
• Dip into Zesty Marinara: Prepare a homemade or store-bought marinara sauce for dunking. The tangy tomato base provides a bright contrast to the dense, buttery sourdough, creating a delightful flavor explosion.
• Salad Sidekick Solution: Toss a crisp caesar salad or mixed green salad with light vinaigrette to balance the bread's heavy, indulgent profile. The fresh greens will cleanse the palate between bites.

Toppings and Add-Ins for Sourdough Bread Variations

• Herb Garden Sourdough: Replace Italian seasoning with fresh chopped rosemary, thyme, and sage for an aromatic herb-infused bread that brings garden-fresh flavors to your table.
• Spicy Jalapeño Kick: Swap red pepper flakes with finely chopped fresh jalapeños mixed into the garlic butter for a zesty, spicy version that adds heat to every bite.
• Mediterranean Fusion: Incorporate crumbled feta cheese, chopped kalamata olives, and dried oregano into the garlic butter mixture for a Greek-inspired sourdough bread that transports your taste buds to the Mediterranean coast.
• Truffle Luxe Edition: Drizzle truffle oil over the finished bread and sprinkle with extra parmesan and chopped chives for an elegant, gourmet upgrade that feels like a restaurant-quality appetizer.

Sourdough Garlic Bread with a Crisp Crust and Buttery Core

• Unleash Garlic-Infused Flavor Explosion: This recipe transforms ordinary sourdough into a mouthwatering sensation with deeply roasted garlic and herbs that burst with intense, complex taste in every single bite.
• Craft Super-Easy Crowd-Pleaser: Minimal ingredients and simple preparation make this bread a perfect side dish that impresses guests without requiring professional cooking skills, suitable for both novice and experienced home cooks.
• Create Versatile Party-Ready Dish: Perfect for potlucks, game nights, family dinners, or casual gatherings, this sourdough garlic bread serves as a delectable accompaniment that elevates any meal with minimal effort and maximum flavor impact.
• Enjoy Textural Bread Bliss: The combination of crispy outer edges, soft inner bread, and creamy garlic butter creates a textural wonderland that provides a satisfying crunch and melt-in-your-mouth experience in each slice.

Ingredients You Need for Sourdough Garlic Bread

• Sourdough Loaf: A tangy bread with rich, complex flavor that provides the perfect canvas for garlic and herbs.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, nutty crust with delightful crispy texture when melted.

• Garlic Cloves, Garlic Powder: Fresh and powdered garlic create a robust, intense garlic profile throughout the bread.
• Italian Seasoning, Red Pepper Flakes: Herbs and optional spice that bring warmth and depth to the bread.
• Parsley: Fresh herb that adds bright, green notes and visual appeal.
• Sea Salt: Crucial for balancing and intensifying all the other flavors.

• Butter, Unsalted: Provides rich, creamy base that helps crisp the bread and carries the flavors of herbs and garlic.

How to Toast Sourdough Garlic Bread Just Right

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Oven

Set your oven to 350°F. Grab a sourdough loaf and slice it into 1-inch sections, being careful not to cut completely through. Place the loaf on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Step 2: Create Roasted Garlic Infusion

• Whole garlic cloves
• Red pepper flakes
• Olive oil

Place garlic cloves and red pepper flakes in a small ramekin. Cover with olive oil and bake for 20-25 minutes until soft and tender. Let the roasted garlic cool completely.

Step 3: Whip Up Flavor-Packed Butter Blend

• Roasted garlic cloves
• Softened butter
• Garlic powder
• Italian seasoning
• Fresh parsley
• Parmesan cheese
• Salt

Remove garlic from oil (save oil for another recipe). Mash garlic cloves with a fork. In a mixing bowl, combine mashed garlic with softened butter and remaining ingredients. Mix until smooth and well incorporated.

Step 4: Layer on Delicious Garlic Goodness

Use a small offset spatula to generously spread the garlic butter mixture into each bread slice, ensuring every crevice is filled with flavor.

Step 5: Bake to Crispy Perfection

Wrap the entire loaf in aluminum foil. Bake for 15 minutes. Remove foil and continue baking for an additional 5 minutes until the top turns golden brown and crispy.

Garlic Bread Tips for Golden Crunch and Flavor

• Slice Strategically: Cut sourdough bread with care, leaving the bottom intact for a beautiful fan-like presentation that holds together while baking.
• Roast Garlic Gently: Slow-roasting garlic in olive oil brings out a rich, mellow sweetness that transforms the entire flavor profile of the bread.
• Butter Balance: Use room temperature butter for smooth, even spreading that ensures each bread slice gets maximum garlic and herb coverage.
• Seasoning Secret: Fresh parsley and high-quality parmesan cheese elevate the garlic butter from simple to extraordinary, adding depth and complexity.
• Crisp Technique: Wrapping in foil first steams the bread, then uncovering allows edges to crisp up perfectly, creating a delightful textural contrast between soft interior and crunchy exterior.

Store and Reheat Sourdough Bread for Best Results

• Refrigeration: Wrap the leftover sourdough garlic bread tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain its freshness and prevent drying out.
• Reheating in Oven: Preheat the oven to 350℉. Unwrap the bread and place it on a baking sheet. Cover loosely with foil to prevent burning. Warm for 10-12 minutes until heated through and crispy on the edges.
• Freezing Option: Slice the bread and place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating in the oven for best texture and flavor restoration.

Sourdough Garlic Bread Recipe

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4.8 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Homemade sourdough garlic bread brings Italian comfort straight to kitchen counters with minimal ingredients and maximum flavor. Rich herb-infused butter and tangy sourdough combine into a golden, crispy side that elevates any meal for hungry bread enthusiasts.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 14 oz (396 grams) Sourdough Loaf
• 10 tablespoons (150 milliliters) Butter, unsalted
• 12 cloves Garlic, peeled
• ½ cup (50 grams) Parmesan Cheese, grated

Seasonings and Herbs:

• 2 teaspoons Italian Seasoning
• 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
• 2 tablespoons Parsley, roughly chopped
• ¼ teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes (optional)
• ¼ teaspoon Sea Salt

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Instructions

1. Prepare the sourdough loaf by carefully cutting 1-inch thick slices without completely separating them, creating a fan-like appearance. Position the loaf on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
2. Create a fragrant garlic infusion by combining whole garlic cloves and red pepper flakes in a small dish. Generously coat with olive oil and roast in the preheated oven at 350℉ for 20-25 minutes until garlic becomes tender and golden.
3. Allow the roasted garlic to cool completely, then gently mash the softened cloves using a fork. Transfer to a mixing bowl and blend with room-temperature butter, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, fresh parsley, and grated parmesan cheese. Season with a subtle salt sprinkle.
4. Carefully separate the bread slices and meticulously spread the aromatic garlic butter mixture between each slice, ensuring even distribution and maximum flavor penetration.
5. Encase the prepared loaf in aluminum foil and bake for 15 minutes to allow flavors to meld and butter to penetrate. Uncover the bread and return to the oven for an additional 5 minutes, achieving a crisp, golden-brown exterior with irresistible edges.

Notes

• Infuse olive oil with garlic and red pepper flakes for a flavor-packed base that elevates the entire bread experience.
• Smash roasted garlic cloves into a creamy mixture, blending softened butter, herbs, and cheese for an irresistible spread.
• Create deep cuts in the sourdough loaf to maximize garlic butter penetration, ensuring every bite is packed with savory goodness.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 290
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 370 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 7 g
• Cholesterol: 45 mg