Sourdough No-Knead Garlic Bread

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Sourdough No-Knead Garlic Bread

Yields: 1 large loaf
Prep Time: 15 min (active)
Rise Time: 8–12 hours (overnight)
Bake Time: 40–45 min

Ingredients

For the dough:

  • 500 g (about 4 cups) bread flour

  • 10 g (1 ½ tsp) salt

  • 100 g (about ½ cup) active sourdough starter (fed and bubbly)

  • 350 g (1 ½ cups) water (room temperature)

  • 2 tbsp olive oil (optional for extra tenderness)

For the garlic butter:

  • 4–5 cloves garlic, finely minced (or roasted for a milder flavor)

  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted (or olive oil for vegan)

  • 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional)

  • ½ tsp salt

  • ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

1. Mix the dough (night before)

  1. In a large bowl, mix flour and salt.

  2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the sourdough starter and water until cloudy.

  3. Combine wet and dry ingredients until no dry flour remains. The dough will look rough and sticky.

  4. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a damp towel. Rest at room temperature 8–12 hours (overnight).

2. Shape and second rise

  1. In the morning, the dough should have doubled and look bubbly.

  2. Lightly flour your work surface and gently shape the dough into a ball.

  3. Place it seam side up in a well-floured proofing basket or bowl lined with a towel.

  4. Let it rise for 1–2 hours, until slightly puffy.

3. Prepare the garlic butter

  • Mix all garlic butter ingredients in a small bowl.

  • (Optional) Brush half the mixture over the top of the dough before baking for extra flavor.

4. Bake

  1. Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) with a Dutch oven inside for at least 30 minutes.

  2. Carefully transfer the dough onto parchment paper, then into the hot pot.

  3. Cover and bake for 30 minutes.

  4. Remove the lid and bake another 10–15 minutes until golden and crisp.

  5. Immediately brush the hot loaf with the remaining garlic butter.

5. Cool & serve

Let the bread cool for at least 30 minutes before slicing — the interior continues to set.

Serve warm with soups, pasta, or just a smear of butter.

💡 Variations

  • Cheesy Garlic Bread: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella or parmesan before the final bake.

  • Herbed Loaf: Add dried oregano, thyme, or rosemary to the dough before the first rise.

  • Roasted Garlic Version: Roast a whole head of garlic and mash it into the dough for a subtle sweetness.

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