Why You’ll Love This Artisan Sourdough Garlic Bread Recipe
When you take your first bite of this Artisan Sourdough Garlic Bread, you’ll immediately understand why it’s become a staple in my kitchen.
The crust is perfectly golden and crisp, while the inside is soft and chewy, infused with a rich garlic flavor that elevates any meal.
I love how it pairs beautifully with pasta or just a simple olive oil dip.
The aroma that fills my home while it bakes is irresistible, turning everyday moments into something special.
Plus, the process of making it’s incredibly rewarding, allowing me to share something truly homemade with family and friends.
You’ll adore it!
Ingredients of Artisan Sourdough Garlic Bread
When it comes to making that drool-worthy Artisan Sourdough Garlic Bread, the first step is gathering the right ingredients. You want to guarantee everything is fresh and ready to go. After all, the tastiest bread starts with the best components.
So, let’s break down what you’ll need for this delicious recipe.
Here’s your shopping list for Artisan Sourdough Garlic Bread:
- 1/4 teaspoon sourdough starter
- 2 cups flour (plus an additional 3 cups for later)
- 1 cup warm water (for the sponge)
- 3/4 cup warm water (for the dough)
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1/2 teaspoon yeast
- 2/3 cup whole garlic cloves (or more if you’re a garlic lover)
Now, before you dash off to the store, here’s a little something to keep in mind. The quality of your ingredients can really make a difference.
For instance, using freshly minced garlic could elevate the flavor even more, and a good quality flour will give you that beautiful rise and texture.
And let’s not forget about the sourdough starter—if you’ve got a bubbly and active one at home, you’re already ahead of the game. If not, maybe it’s time to start nurturing one.
Trust me; your kitchen will thank you for the delightful aroma and your friends will too when they get to enjoy the fruits of your labor.
How to Make Artisan Sourdough Garlic Bread
Making Artisan Sourdough Garlic Bread is a delightful adventure that starts with just a little patience and some basic ingredients. To kick things off, you’ll begin with your 1/4 teaspoon of sourdough starter. This little guy is the secret to that tangy flavor we all love.
Combine it with 2 cups of flour and 1 cup of warm water in a large plastic bowl. Cover it up with plastic wrap and let it hang out in a warm spot for 18 to 20 hours. During this time, the magic happens—your sponge will bubble up and smell wonderfully sour. If you’re feeling particularly ambitious, you can even pop it in the fridge for up to a week, just remember to bring it back to room temperature before you start baking.
Once your sponge is ready and bubbling like a happy little cauldron, it’s time to bring in the heavy hitters. In the same mixing bowl, add the remaining ingredients: 3 cups of flour, 3/4 cup of warm water, 2 tablespoons of sugar, 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of yeast.
Mix it all together until it’s a cohesive dough, and then let it rest for about 20 to 30 minutes. This is where the dough gets to relax, and you can sneak in a quick snack or binge-watch a couple of YouTube videos about bread-making.
After the rest, give it a good mix for 5 to 10 minutes until it’s smooth, then cover it again and let it rise for about 2 to 3 hours.
Now for the fun part—garlic! When your dough has risen, turn it out onto a lightly greased surface and flatten it out like you’re preparing for a pizza. Sprinkle those 2/3 cup of whole garlic cloves evenly over the dough, and then roll it up like a cinnamon roll, pinching the edges as you go.
Place your loaf in a warm spot and cover it with a towel to rise for another 2 hours. Before baking, preheat your oven to a fiery 475°F. After a quick slash on top of the loaf and a spritz of water to keep it moist, pop it in the oven for 3 minutes.
Then, lower your oven temperature to 375°F and keep an eye on it, spraying with water as needed. After about 30 to 40 minutes, your kitchen will be filled with the intoxicating aroma of freshly baked garlic bread, and you’ll know it’s done when the bottom sounds hollow when tapped.
Enjoy the fruits of your labor, because frankly, you deserve it.
Artisan Sourdough Garlic Bread Substitutions & Variations
After enjoying the delightful process of crafting your Artisan Sourdough Garlic Bread, you might find yourself wanting to experiment with different flavors and ingredients.
You can swap out the garlic for roasted red peppers or olives for a Mediterranean twist. For a cheesy variation, try adding shredded parmesan or mozzarella inside the dough.
If you love herbs, mix in fresh rosemary or thyme to enhance the aroma. Want a spicy kick? Incorporate crushed red pepper flakes or jalapeños.
Don’t hesitate to adjust the flour type; whole wheat or spelt can add a unique flavor and texture to your bread.
Additional Tips & Notes
To guarantee your Artisan Sourdough Garlic Bread turns out perfectly, I recommend keeping a close eye on the dough’s consistency during each rise.
Make sure your kitchen is warm enough to help the yeast work its magic. If you’re not a fan of a strong garlic flavor, feel free to adjust the amount of garlic cloves.
Also, remember that every oven behaves differently; don’t hesitate to tweak the baking temperature or time as needed.
Finally, if you have leftovers, they can be stored in an airtight container for a few days, or you can freeze them for later enjoyment.