Sourdough Discard Cheesy Garlic Pull-Apart Bread

This cheesy garlic pull-apart bread is a crowd-pleaser, featuring soft dough balls infused with garlic and butter, all held together by gooey cheese. Perfect for sharing, this recipe makes use of sourdough discard, adding a delightful tang to every bite!

Servings: 8-10

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 30-35

Total Time: 1 hour

Ingredients:

For the Dough:

250g sourdough discard
200g warm water
400g all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon sugar
1 tablespoon active dry yeast
2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Cheesy Garlic Mixture:

1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried parsley (or 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped)
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 cup (100g) shredded cheese (mozzarella, white cheddar, or a blend)

Instructions:

Activate the Yeast:
- In a bowl, mix warm water and sugar. Sprinkle yeast on top and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
Make the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the sourdough discard, flour, salt, olive oil, and the activated yeast mixture. Mix until a sticky dough forms.
Knead the Dough:
- Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Alternatively, use a stand mixer with a dough hook.
First Rise:
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-3 hours, or until doubled in size.
Prepare the Cheesy Garlic Mixture:
- In a small bowl, mix the melted butter, minced garlic, parsley, and Italian seasoning. Set aside.
Form the Dough Balls:
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into small pieces (about 1-2 inches in diameter). Shape each piece into a ball.
Assemble in the Pan:
- Grease a bread loaf baking pan. Place the dough balls into the pan, stacking them closely together. Drizzle half of the cheesy garlic mixture over the top and sprinkle with shredded cheese.
Second Rise:
- Cover the pan with a kitchen towel and let it rise again for about 30-45 minutes, or until the dough balls have puffed up.
Preheat and Bake:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the bread for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown on top.
Flip and Serve:
- Once baked, remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Carefully flip the pan over onto a serving plate to release the pull-apart bread. Drizzle the remaining cheesy garlic mixture over the top.

Additional Tips:

Cheese Choices: Feel free to mix different cheeses for varied flavor.
Storage: Store leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or freeze for longer storage.
Reheating: To reheat, wrap in foil and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes.