Dessert

Sourdough Garlic Bread Recipe

Name: Sourdough Garlic Bread Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 14 oz Sourdough Loaf; 12 cloves Garlic (peeled); Red pepper flakes, 1/4 tsp (optional); Olive oil (enough to cover garlic cloves in ramekin); 10 tbsp Butter (unsalted, softened); 2 tsp Italian seasoning; 1 tsp Garlic powder; 2 tbsp Parsley (roughly chopped, plus more for garnish); 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (grated); 1/4 tsp Sea salt

Bylina Carter January 23, 2026January 23, 2026

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Introduction

Sourdough garlic bread is a flavorful twist on the classic favorite, combining crusty sourdough with a rich, garlicky butter spread. This easy recipe yields warm, aromatic slices perfect as a side or snack any time.

A sliced loaf of garlic bread is placed on crumpled brown parchment paper over a white marbled surface. The bread has a golden-brown crust with a soft inside spread with a green herb and garlic mixture that includes visible bits of chopped parsley and garlic. Some slices lie flat, showing the herb spread clearly, while the rest are stacked slightly leaning to the left. To the right of the bread, there is a white bowl filled with thick red marinara sauce with some sauce spilled on the parchment paper next to it. In the bottom left corner, a few peeled garlic cloves are also visible. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

14 oz sourdough loaf
10 tbsp unsalted butter

12 cloves garlic, peeled
2 tsp Italian seasoning

1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
1 tsp garlic powder

2 tbsp parsley, roughly chopped (plus more for garnish)
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
1/4 tsp sea salt

Olive oil (for roasting garlic)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Step 2: Slice the sourdough loaf into 1-inch thick slices, cutting carefully to avoid slicing all the way through the bottom. Place the loaf on a parchment- or foil-lined sheet pan.

Step 3: Place peeled garlic cloves and red pepper flakes into a small ramekin. Cover with olive oil and place inside the oven. Roast for 20–25 minutes until the garlic is fork tender. Let cool completely.
Step 4: Remove the garlic from the oil, reserving the oil for later use. Smash the garlic cloves using a fork until smooth.
Step 5: In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, roasted garlic, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, chopped parsley, Parmesan cheese, and sea salt. Mix well.

Step 6: Using a small spatula or knife, generously spread the garlic butter mixture into all the slits of the bread.
Step 7: Wrap the loaf tightly in foil and bake for 15 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes to crisp the crust slightly.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, drizzle some of the reserved garlic-infused olive oil over the bread before wrapping it in foil.

Swap Parmesan for mozzarella or a blend of Italian cheeses for a gooey variation.
Add fresh thyme or rosemary to the butter mixture for an herby twist.
If you prefer a spicier bread, increase the red pepper flakes to taste.

Storage

Store leftover sourdough garlic bread wrapped tightly in foil or airtight containers at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm in a 350°F oven for 5-10 minutes until heated through. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the bread soggy.

How to Serve

A loaf of garlic bread is sliced into thick pieces, each piece showing a layer of green herbs and minced garlic spread evenly over the soft, light beige inner bread with a golden brown crunchy crust on the outside. The slices are arranged on crumpled brown paper resting on a wooden board, alongside a few separated cloves of white garlic. Next to the bread is a white bowl filled with bright red chunky marinara sauce, some of the sauce slightly spilled onto the brown paper. The scene is set on a white marbled textured surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use another type of bread instead of sourdough?

Yes, you can use any crusty bread like French baguette or Italian bread. Just make sure it’s sturdy enough to hold the garlic butter without becoming soggy.

How do I make the garlic butter spread in advance?

You can prepare the garlic butter mixture up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate it in a covered container. Let it soften slightly at room temperature before spreading it into the bread.