There’s something magical about a warm, golden loaf shared during the holidays, and this Garlic Herb Sourdough Pull-Apart Tree transforms that comfort into a festive centerpiece. Combining the tang of artisan sourdough with the cozy aroma of roasted garlic and real butter, it’s more than a side dish—it’s a holiday tradition in the making. In this article, you’ll discover the story behind this favorite Garlic Bread Recipe With Sourdough Starter, learn step-by-step how to shape and bake it, and pick up pro tips for using Butter For Sourdough Bread and herbs to craft the perfect Roasted Garlic Sourdough Bread Recipe.
Why This Garlic Herb Sourdough Pull-Apart Tree Belongs on Your Holiday Table
A Family Favorite – Shared Over the Years
For many bakers, holidays are measured not just in gifts or gatherings, but in the smells that fill the kitchen—and for my family, nothing says celebration like a tray of freshly baked sourdough bread. Years ago, while searching for a creative way to serve homemade dough at Christmas, the Garlic Herb Sourdough Pull-Apart Tree was born. Its roots come from our love of traditional sourdough, but with a festive twist that makes it impossible not to smile when it comes out of the oven. Each soft pull-apart piece carries the rustic scent of roasted garlic and the richness of real butter melting into the crust. It’s a Garlic Bread Recipe With Sourdough Starter that connects cherished traditions with a spark of creativity, turning something simple into an occasion all its own.
Imagine a golden tree made of tiny sourdough rolls, brushed lovingly with Butter For Sourdough Bread until every branch gleams, then sprinkled with fragrant herbs and a touch of sea salt. The result is a visually stunning centerpiece that brings joy before the first bite. This Roasted Garlic Sourdough Bread Recipe captures the essence of holiday gatherings—warmth, sharing, and togetherness. Each guest can simply pull off a piece, savoring the soft, flavorful crumb infused with roasted garlic and herbs. Beyond being delicious, the Garlic Herb Sourdough Pull-Apart Tree becomes an edible piece of art that draws everyone to the table, reminding us that the best meals are the ones we share.
Before diving into the magic of shaping and baking, let’s start by gathering what you’ll need to create this Roasted Garlic And Herb Sourdough masterpiece. Every ingredient adds depth, aroma, and texture to the dough. Use this table as your shopping and prep guide—and note a few handy substitutions for your pantry.
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Garlic Herb Sourdough Pull-Apart Tree
- Total Time: 6 hours
- Yield: 1 tree (12 rolls) 1x
Description
A festive pull-apart sourdough bread infused with roasted garlic, fresh herbs, and butter, perfect as a holiday centerpiece.
Ingredients
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and roast a whole head of garlic for 35 to 40 minutes until cloves are soft and caramelized. Let cool and mash the cloves.
2. In a mixing bowl or stand mixer, combine sourdough starter, water, and 50 g melted butter until creamy.
3. Add bread flour, salt, honey, and mashed roasted garlic and mix until a shaggy dough forms.
4. Knead the dough by hand for 8 to 10 minutes or with a mixer for 5 to 6 minutes until smooth and elastic.
5. Cover the dough and let it rest for 30 minutes for autolyse.
6. Stretch and fold in the chopped fresh herbs until evenly distributed, then transfer to an oiled bowl and bulk ferment at room temperature for 4 to 6 hours until doubled.
7. Divide the dough into twelve equal pieces and shape each into a smooth ball.
8. Arrange the dough balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet in a tree shape, touching slightly to allow pull-apart baking.
9. Cover and proof for 1 to 2 hours until puffy.
10. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush the proofed dough with melted butter, sprinkle with herbs and sea salt flakes.
11. Bake for 22 to 25 minutes until golden brown, rotating halfway for even baking.
12. Remove from oven, brush with additional melted butter, let cool slightly, and serve warm.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: bread
- Method: baking
- Cuisine: american
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
Keywords: garlic bread, sourdough, pull-apart bread, holiday bread, roasted garlic bread, herbed sourdough
Gather Your Ingredients & Tools – The Foundation of Flavor
Essential Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes & Substitutions |
|---|---|---|
| Active Sourdough Starter | 150 g (about ¾ cup) | The heart of your dough – use a bubbly, fed starter. For a lighter rise, you could use half starter and half instant yeast, but genuine Herbed Sourdough Bread flavor comes from fermentation. |
| Bread Flour | 400 g (3 ¼ cups) | High-protein bread flour makes the crumb soft but structured. Replace up to 20% with whole wheat for nutty character. |
| Water (room temperature) | 220 ml (scant 1 cup) | Adjust slightly depending on flour absorption. Dough should feel tacky, not sticky. |
| Roasted Garlic (mashed) | 1 whole head (about 5–6 cloves) | Roast garlic until caramelized and sweet; mash or leave whole for stronger pockets of flavor. |
| Unsalted Butter | 50 g (3 ½ Tbsp) | Melted and cooled. Choose quality Butter For Sourdough Bread for richness. Plant-based butter works too. |
| Sugar or Honey | 1 Tbsp | Balances fermentation. Honey offers floral notes that complement herbs. |
| Salt | 1 ½ tsp | Use fine sea salt for balanced gluten and flavor. |
| Chopped Fresh Herbs (parsley, rosemary, thyme) | 2–3 Tbsp total | Fresh herbs add fragrance. Substitute 2 tsp dried if needed for your desired Herbed Sourdough Bread flavor. |
| Olive Oil or Melted Butter (for brushing) | 2 Tbsp | Butter For Sourdough Bread enhances the loaf’s golden, festive finish. |
| Sea Salt Flakes & Extra Herbs | As desired | Sprinkle before or after baking for sparkle and texture. |
Pro tip: For a truly aromatic Roasted Garlic And Herb Sourdough, roast the garlic a day ahead and refrigerate—it mellows beautifully and weaves sweet depth into each bite.
Tools You’ll Need for Perfect Results
- Stand Mixer or Large Bowl: Speeds kneading and builds strength for ideal Herbed Sourdough Bread texture.
- Kitchen Scale: Precision ensures consistent fermentation and crumb.
- Dough Scraper: Helps manage sticky dough and shape the tree branches easily.
- Proofing Bowls: Maintain even warmth around 75°F for consistent rise.
- Parchment & Baking Sheet: Base for your tree; ensures easy removal.
- Pastry Brush: For brushing luscious Butter For Sourdough Bread or oil evenly over rolls.
- Cooling Rack: Keeps the crust crisp but the insides soft.
Pro tip: If your kitchen runs cool, proof your Roasted Garlic And Herb Sourdough in a cozy nook like a slightly warm oven or wrapped inside a towel to maintain fermentation consistency.
Step-by-Step Preparation – Building Your Roasted Garlic Sourdough Bread Tree
Crafting the Dough and Roasting the Garlic
Every great Roasted Garlic Sourdough Bread Recipe begins with patience and care. Roast the garlic first: trim the bulb, drizzle with olive oil, wrap in foil, and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 35–40 minutes until caramelized and soft. Cool and mash lightly with a fork.
In a large bowl or mixer, whisk the sourdough starter, water, and melted butter until creamy. Add flour gradually, then salt, sugar, and mashed roasted garlic. Mix until a shaggy dough forms, then knead for 8–10 minutes by hand or 5–6 minutes with a mixer until smooth and elastic.
Cover with a damp towel and let rest for 30 minutes (autolyse). After resting, fold in fresh herbs using a gentle stretch-and-fold method to strengthen the dough and evenly distribute flavors. Lightly oil the bowl with Butter For Sourdough Bread, cover, and bulk ferment 4–6 hours at room temperature, or refrigerate overnight for deeper flavor. The dough is ready when doubled and airy.
Shaping, Baking, and Finishing Touches
Turn the dough onto a floured surface and divide into golf ball–sized portions. Roll each smooth, tucking edges underneath. Assemble on a parchment-lined baking sheet in a triangular tree pattern—one ball at the top, then rows of two, three, four, and so on, finishing with a couple for the trunk. Let proof 1–2 hours until puffy.
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush rolls generously with melted Butter For Sourdough Bread, sprinkle herbs, sea salt, and optional parmesan for a snowy touch. Bake for 22–25 minutes until golden, rotating the pan midway. Tent with foil if browning too fast.
Cool on a rack for 10 minutes, then brush again with butter. Add decorative rosemary sprigs or roasted cherry tomatoes for ornament flair. The resulting Garlic Bread Recipe With Sourdough Starter pulls apart beautifully—soft inside, crisp outside, infused with roasted garlic aroma. Whether as a side or centerpiece, this Roasted Garlic Sourdough Bread Recipe embodies the season’s warmth and generosity.
FAQs, Tips, and Conclusion
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use instant yeast instead of a sourdough starter?
Yes. Substitute 1 ½ tsp instant yeast, add 25–30 g extra flour, and reduce fermentation to 1–1½ hours. While quicker, it won’t match the tangy flavor of a true Garlic Bread Recipe With Sourdough Starter.
2. How do I store leftover roasted garlic sourdough bread?
Cool completely, wrap in foil, or seal airtight for up to 2 days. Freeze pieces up to one month and reheat at 325°F (165°C) for 10 minutes to revive the tender crumb of your Roasted Garlic And Herb Sourdough.
3. Can I make the dough ahead and refrigerate it?
Yes. Refrigeration enhances tang and ease of shaping. After bulk fermentation, chill up to 24 hours, then rest 1–2 hours before forming. This enriches your Herbed Sourdough Bread flavor.
4. What butter is best for brushing?
Use cultured or European butter—high in fat and flavor. Butter For Sourdough Bread gives shine and depth. For dairy-free baking, plant-based butters or olive oil work beautifully.
5. How do I keep the bread soft after baking?
Cover it loosely with foil once slightly cooled to trap gentle steam. Avoid refrigeration. For leftovers, warm wrapped in foil and brush with butter before serving for renewed softness.
Bringing It All Together
Baking a Garlic Herb Sourdough Pull-Apart Tree offers more than flavor—it’s an experience that fuses fragrance, creativity, and connection. The blend of tangy starter, roasted garlic, real herbs, and velvety Butter For Sourdough Bread turns a simple recipe into a celebration centerpiece. Each pull-apart piece invites sharing, laughter, and warmth.
Even if you’re new to sourdough, this Roasted Garlic And Herb Sourdough is forgiving and flexible. Experiment with your favorite herbs or add a sprinkle of cheese for richness. No matter your variation, every loaf embodies festive joy and homemade comfort.
As the golden pieces disappear, may the aroma of Herbed Sourdough Bread linger as a reminder that the best holiday flavors come not from perfection, but from generosity shared around the table.
