The Ultimate Crispy Sourdough Garlic Toast: A 10-Minute Delight
Craving a quick, flavorful side dish or a satisfying snack? Look no further than this incredibly easy sourdough garlic toast! In just 10 minutes, you can transform simple sourdough slices into golden-edged, wonderfully tangy, and perfectly chewy delights. Slathered with rich homemade garlic herb butter, this toast is not just a side; it’s a star. It pairs beautifully with hearty soups, classic pasta dishes, or can be enjoyed on its own as an irresistible treat. Prepare to elevate your meals with minimal effort and maximum flavor!
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About This Irresistible Sourdough Garlic Toast
Remember the sourdough baking craze that swept the nation a few years back? Many of us, myself included, jumped on the bandwagon during the pandemic, nurturing a sourdough starter with great dedication. While the romantic idea of baking fresh bread every weekend is alluring, the reality of life with a bustling toddler often means less time for such ambitious projects. Maintaining a starter and baking regularly can be quite a commitment!
Even if my dream of consistent homemade sourdough loaves is still a future aspiration, that doesn’t stop me from enjoying the incredible flavor and texture that sourdough bread offers. And when it comes to making the most of a beautiful sourdough loaf, this garlic toast recipe is an absolute game-changer. It’s incredibly simple, requiring minimal effort but delivering maximum impact, making it perfect for those busy weeknights or a spontaneous craving.
With just a good loaf of sourdough and about 10 minutes of your time, you can create something truly magical. The distinctive tangy flavor of sourdough bread, combined with its robust, chewy interior and ability to crisp up beautifully, makes it the ideal foundation for garlic toast. Each slice develops those coveted golden, crunchy edges while retaining a wonderfully soft and satisfying chew on the inside. But the real secret? A generous layer of our luscious homemade garlic herb butter. This simple addition elevates the toast from good to absolutely extraordinary, infusing every bite with aromatic garlic and fresh herbs.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity: just slather slices of your favorite sourdough with the aromatic butter, then let your oven’s broiler work its quick magic. The results are so impressive, it almost feels too easy to be true. This dish has quickly become a beloved staple in my kitchen, serving as the perfect complement to everything from a comforting Sunday pasta dinner to a warming weeknight bowl of soup. And honestly, it’s so good that I often find myself making a few extra pieces just to enjoy as a snack while I’m finishing up dinner prep. When something is this delicious and ready in a flash, there’s no reason not to indulge!
Key Ingredients for Perfect Sourdough Garlic Toast
Crafting the perfect sourdough garlic toast starts with selecting quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to gather:
Sourdough Bread
The star of our show! Choose a high-quality loaf of sourdough bread. Whether you’re using a crusty artisanal loaf from your local bakery or a triumphant homemade creation from your own sourdough starter, the distinctive tangy flavor and sturdy texture of sourdough are essential. If you’re baking your own bread, remember to allow the loaf to cool completely to room temperature (typically 1 to 2 hours) before slicing. This crucial step ensures the bread sets properly, resulting in cleaner slices and a better texture for toasting. Experiment with different varieties or flavors of sourdough for subtle variations in your toast!
Garlic Herb Butter
This is where the magic truly happens! While you can certainly use store-bought garlic butter, I highly recommend taking a few extra minutes to make our homemade garlic herb butter. It’s incredibly simple to prepare: just soften some good quality butter and then enthusiastically mix it with finely minced fresh garlic and a selection of fragrant fresh herbs. The vibrant flavors of homemade butter elevate this toast to an entirely new level. Don’t worry if you don’t want to commit to a full batch; I’ve included a scaled-down version of the butter mixture recipe further down in the recipe notes for your convenience.
Essential Tools for Your Garlic Toast Journey
While this recipe is wonderfully simple, having the right tools on hand can make the process even smoother and more enjoyable. Here are the must-haves for preparing your perfect sourdough garlic toast:
- Half Sheet Baking Pan: A sturdy half sheet baking pan provides ample space for your sourdough slices, allowing them to crisp evenly without overcrowding. This ensures optimal air circulation for that desirable golden-brown finish.
- Silicone Mat or Parchment Paper: Lining your baking pan with either a silicone mat or a piece of parchment paper is highly recommended. Not only does this prevent the buttered bread from sticking to the pan, but it also makes cleanup an absolute breeze. Plus, it helps achieve that perfectly crisp bottom crust.
- Bread Knife: For clean, even slices of your sourdough loaf, a serrated bread knife is indispensable. Its sharp, toothed edge glides through the crust and tender interior without squishing the bread, ensuring each slice is perfectly uniform and ready for buttering and toasting.
Having these simple tools ready will streamline your preparation, letting you focus on the delicious outcome.
Crafting Your Sourdough Garlic Toast: A Step-by-Step Guide
Making this incredible sourdough garlic toast is surprisingly straightforward. Follow these simple steps for perfectly golden and flavorful results:
Step 1: Prepare the Spread
Begin by generously spreading an equal amount of your prepared garlic herb butter onto one side of each sourdough bread slice. Ensure the butter covers the entire surface for maximum flavor and crispiness. Once buttered, arrange the slices in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet. Make sure the buttered side is facing up so it can toast beautifully under the broiler. Using a silicone mat or parchment paper will ensure they don’t stick and make for easy transfer later.
Step 2: Perfectly Toast the Slices
Carefully place the baking sheet into your oven, which should be preheated and set to the broil function. Broiling is a fast and efficient method for achieving that coveted golden-brown crispness. Keep a very close eye on your toast during this stage; broilers can be intense, and bread can go from perfectly toasted to unfortunately burnt in a matter of seconds. Typically, 3 to 5 minutes should suffice, but watch for the edges to turn golden and the butter to bubble and caramelize. The precise timing will depend on your specific oven and broiler strength.
Once toasted to your liking, remove the baking sheet from the oven.
Step 3: Serve Immediately
For the best experience, serve your crispy sourdough garlic toast immediately while it’s still warm and fragrant. The aromas of garlic and herbs will fill your kitchen, making it an instant hit with anyone around. Enjoy it as a side, an appetizer, or simply as a satisfying snack!
Expert Tips and Tricks for the Best Sourdough Garlic Toast
While this recipe is quite forgiving, these additional tips and tricks will help you achieve absolutely perfect sourdough garlic toast every single time, ensuring maximum flavor and ideal texture:
- Cool Your Sourdough Completely: This is a critical step if you’re using a freshly baked homemade sourdough loaf. Resist the urge to slice into warm bread! Allowing your sourdough to cool completely to room temperature (at least 1 to 2 hours, or even longer for very large loaves) is essential. Cutting into hot bread too soon can release internal steam, leading to a gummy texture and making it harder to get clean, even slices. A fully cooled loaf will yield a much better base for your toast.
- Consider a Toaster Oven for Convenience: If you prefer not to use your main oven’s broiler, or if you’re just making a couple of slices, a toaster oven is an excellent alternative. Simply preheat your toaster oven to 450°F (230°C). Place the buttered sourdough slices directly on the rack or a small toaster oven baking sheet. Toast for approximately 3 to 5 minutes, keeping a watchful eye on them to prevent burning. The process is similar to using a broiler, just on a smaller scale.
- Embrace Fresh Herbs: The use of fresh herbs is truly what elevates the garlic herb butter from good to exceptional. While dried herbs can be used in a pinch, fresh basil, parsley, oregano, or rosemary provide a much brighter, more aromatic, and complex flavor profile that truly shines in this toast. Don’t be shy about mixing and matching your favorites!
- Don’t Skimp on the Butter: While moderation is key in many recipes, for garlic toast, a generous slathering of the garlic herb butter is what creates that rich flavor and helps achieve a beautifully golden and crispy exterior. Don’t be afraid to be liberal with your spread!
- Experiment with Garlic Intensity: Adjust the amount of minced garlic in your butter mixture to suit your personal taste. For a milder garlic flavor, use less; for a bold, pungent kick, feel free to add a bit more. Remember that garlic tends to mellow slightly when cooked, so it’s okay to be a little generous.
- Watch the Broiler Closely: We cannot stress this enough! Broilers are powerful and fast. Never walk away from your oven while broiling, as the toast can go from perfectly golden to charred in mere seconds. Stand by and peek frequently until you achieve your desired level of crispness and color.
- Pre-slice Your Loaf: For easier butter application and more uniform results, slice your entire sourdough loaf beforehand. You can toast as many slices as you need and save the rest for later.
More tasty bread recipes: No Knead Overnight Bread | Harvest Pumpkin Seed Bread | No Yeast White Bread | Bacon Parmesan Quick Bread
Does Sourdough Make Exceptional Toast? Absolutely!
In my opinion, sourdough bread isn’t just good for toast; it’s hands down one of the absolute best bread choices you can make for it! Its unique characteristics lend themselves perfectly to creating a superior toast experience, whether you’re making this savory garlic toast, a simple avocado toast, or just slathering it with butter and jam.
Here’s why sourdough stands out:
- Tangy Flavor Profile: The distinctive, subtly sour flavor of sourdough adds an incredible depth that other breads simply can’t match. This tanginess provides a wonderful contrast and complement to rich toppings like garlic herb butter, creating a more complex and satisfying taste experience.
- Ideal Texture: Sourdough loaves typically feature a thick, robust crust and a chewy, open-crumb interior. When toasted, the crust becomes wonderfully crispy and crackly, while the interior retains a delightful chewiness. This textural contrast is what makes each bite so enjoyable.
- Sturdy Foundation: The substantial nature of sourdough slices means they can hold up to a multitude of ingredients without becoming soggy or falling apart. This makes it an ideal canvas for piling on generous amounts of butter, spreads, or even heartier toppings like scrambled eggs or smashed avocado.
- Fantastic for Broiling: Sourdough’s density and moisture content allow it to crisp up beautifully under high heat, like a broiler, achieving that perfect golden-brown exterior without drying out the inside.
So yes, if you’re looking for a flavorful, texturally satisfying, and versatile base for your toast, sourdough is undoubtedly the way to go!
Homemade vs. Store-Bought: Your Garlic Herb Butter Options
While I passionately advocate for making your own garlic herb butter for this recipe, I understand that sometimes time is of the essence. You absolutely don’t have to make the full garlic herb butter recipe if you’re short on time, but be aware that using homemade will truly elevate the flavor profile of your toast.
If you opt for a quicker version or a simplified approach, here are a few options:
Quick & Easy Garlic Herb Butter (Scaled Down):
For a smaller batch that still packs a punch, simply mix the following ingredients together in a small bowl until well combined:
- 3 Tablespoons salted, softened butter (if you only have unsalted butter, add a tiny pinch of fine sea salt)
- 1 clove garlic, finely minced (or 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder for convenience)
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh basil
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh parsley (or you can substitute with fresh thyme, oregano, or rosemary, depending on your preference and what you have on hand)
Simple Garlic Butter:
No fresh herbs available? No problem! You can still make a delicious garlic butter. Just combine softened butter with finely minced fresh garlic (or garlic powder). This will give you that essential garlic flavor, even without the aromatic complexity of herbs.
Plain Butter Toast:
If you’re truly pressed for time or prefer a very subtle flavor, you can certainly just spread salted butter directly onto the sourdough slices before toasting. However, be aware that this will result in a more ‘plain’ toast, and you’ll miss out on the incredible depth of flavor that the fresh herbs and garlic bring to this recipe. I truly believe that taking just a few minutes to whip up at least a basic garlic butter is well worth the effort for a truly memorable sourdough garlic toast.
The choice is yours, but for the ultimate experience, homemade garlic herb butter is highly recommended!
Storage Tips for Your Homemade Garlic Herb Butter
If you find yourself with leftover homemade garlic herb butter, don’t let it go to waste! It’s fantastic for future batches of toast, smearing on baked potatoes, or enhancing other savory dishes. Store it properly to maximize its freshness and flavor:
Simply transfer any unused garlic herb butter into an airtight container. Keep it stored in the refrigerator, where it will remain fresh and flavorful for up to 1 week. For longer storage, you can also freeze it (see freezing instructions below for the toast, which also apply to the butter).
Exploring Other Bread Options for Garlic Toast
While sourdough is undoubtedly our top recommendation for its unique flavor and texture, you can certainly adapt this recipe to use other types of crusty artisanal bread if sourdough isn’t available or if you simply prefer something different. The key is to choose a bread that has a good crust and a sturdy crumb that can stand up to the butter and the broiling process.
In our experience, a wonderful alternative is a good quality Italian country loaf. Its rustic texture and mild flavor pair exceptionally well with the garlic herb butter, yielding a delicious and satisfying garlic toast. Other great choices include:
- Ciabatta: Known for its airy texture and crispy crust, ciabatta makes an excellent, lighter garlic toast.
- French Baguette: While smaller, thin slices of baguette toast up quickly and offer a delightful crunch, perfect for appetizers.
- Crusty French or Italian Bread: Any rustic, crusty loaf from your local bakery will generally work well, provided it’s not too soft or overly dense.
Avoid very soft, sandwich-style breads, as they tend to become soggy and don’t develop the same desirable crispy-chewy texture under the broiler. Whichever bread you choose, ensure it’s sliced to a similar thickness as sourdough for even toasting.
Need some inspiration for side dishes? Check out my side dish recipes page!
Perfect Pairings: What to Serve with Your Garlic Sourdough Bread
This crispy sourdough garlic toast is incredibly versatile and makes a fantastic accompaniment to a wide variety of meals. Its savory, aromatic profile complements so many dishes, turning an ordinary meal into something special. Here are some of our favorite ways to enjoy it:
- Classic Pasta Dishes: The most obvious and beloved pairing! Garlic bread is the ultimate companion for any pasta. Try it alongside a quick and easy Pasta Napolitana for a light, fresh meal, or with a comforting Penne Pomodoro. For something richer and heartier, it’s divine with robust meat sauces like Instant Pot Short Rib Ragu or a classic Instant Pot Bolognese. The toast is perfect for soaking up every last drop of that delicious sauce!
- Soups and Stews: There’s nothing quite as comforting as dipping a piece of warm, garlicky toast into a hearty bowl of soup or stew. It adds texture and flavor, making a simple meal feel more substantial. Consider pairing it with a creamy tomato soup, a robust lentil stew, or a classic French onion soup.
- Salads: Serve garlic toast alongside a crisp green salad or a more substantial Caesar salad. It adds a wonderful crunch and a burst of savory flavor that beautifully contrasts with fresh greens and tangy dressings.
- Grilled Meats: Whether you’re grilling steak, chicken, or pork chops, a slice of garlic sourdough toast makes an excellent side dish. The robust flavors stand up well to grilled proteins.
- Appetizer or Snack: Don’t underestimate its power as a standalone snack! Cut into smaller pieces, it makes a wonderful appetizer for entertaining, especially when served with a marinara dipping sauce or alongside a cheese board.
- Eggs and Breakfast: While typically a dinner item, garlic toast can be surprisingly good with eggs! Think of it as a savory alternative to regular toast for breakfast or brunch.
No matter how you choose to serve it, this garlic sourdough bread is sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
Storage, Reheating, and Freezing Your Sourdough Garlic Toast
Enjoying your sourdough garlic toast fresh from the oven is ideal, but sometimes you might have leftovers or want to prepare a batch in advance. Here’s how to properly store, reheat, and even freeze your delicious toast to enjoy it later:
Storage
If you have any leftover garlic bread, ensure it cools completely before storing to prevent sogginess. Once cooled, place the slices in an airtight container, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, or put them in a resealable bag. Stored at room temperature on your kitchen countertop, they will maintain their quality for about 1 day. Beyond that, the texture might soften slightly, but the flavor will still be there.
Reheating
To bring your stored garlic toast back to its crispy glory, reheating is simple:
- Oven or Toaster Oven: Place the slices on a baking tray. Reheat in a preheated oven or toaster oven at 400°F (200°C) for approximately 1 to 2 minutes, or until they are warmed through and crisp again. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.
- Pro Tip for Leftovers: Transform a leftover slice into a quick and delicious mini-pizza! Top with a spoonful of marinara sauce, a sprinkle of mozzarella cheese, and a dash of Parmesan cheese. Reheat in the oven or toaster oven until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and gooey. It’s a fantastic way to repurpose and enjoy!
Freezing
Garlic sourdough toast freezes beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep or having a quick side dish ready anytime:
To freeze, individually wrap each slice of buttered sourdough toast tightly in a layer of plastic wrap, ensuring as little air as possible is trapped. This prevents freezer burn. Once wrapped, place the slices in an airtight freezer container or a heavy-duty freezer-safe resealable bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, you can reheat them directly from frozen using the oven or toaster oven method mentioned above, adding a minute or two to the cooking time.
More Garlicky Recipes to Ignite Your Taste Buds
If you’re a true garlic lover, the journey doesn’t have to end with this incredible sourdough garlic toast! Garlic is a versatile ingredient that can elevate countless dishes. Here are a few more garlicky recipes from my kitchen that you absolutely must try:
- 5-Minute Garlic Aioli: This homemade garlic aioli is a revelation, and the best part? It’s ready in just 5 minutes! Its creamy, pungent flavor makes it the perfect accompaniment for almost anything. Use it as a dip for crispy fries or roasted vegetables, slather it generously on sandwiches and burgers, or drizzle it over grilled chicken or fish for an instant flavor boost.
- Air Fryer Roasted Garlic: Discover the ultimate shortcut to making delectable roasted garlic with your air fryer. This method is quicker and yields perfectly caramelized, sweet, and mellow garlic cloves that are a dream come true. Use them to enrich your homemade aioli, swirl into butter, mash into pasta sauces, or simply spread on warm bread.
- Baked Lemon Garlic Salmon: For a healthy, flavorful, and incredibly easy weeknight dinner, look no further than this baked lemon garlic salmon. It’s simple to prep, bursting with bright citrus and aromatic garlic flavors, and conveniently baked in foil. This means not only is it delicious, but cleanup is an absolute breeze – a true win-win for busy cooks!
Dive into these recipes and let the wonderful world of garlic transform your cooking!
There’s nothing I love more than hearing from you, my wonderful readers! If you embark on the delightful journey of making this sourdough garlic toast recipe, please take a moment to share your experience. Your feedback is invaluable and genuinely means the world to me. I pour my heart into creating these recipes, and seeing them come to life in your homes is the greatest reward.
Please consider giving this recipe a star rating on the recipe card below and/or leaving a comment with your thoughts. Did you love the crispy edges? How did the homemade garlic herb butter turn out for you? Your comments help other home cooks discover and trust these recipes, and I make it a point to respond to every single one.
If you have any questions as you’re preparing this toast, don’t hesitate to drop them in the comments section below. I’m always happy to help!
And of course, if you snap some mouth-watering photos of your finished sourdough garlic toast, be sure to tag me on Instagram, Facebook, or Pinterest if you make the recipe! I love being able to see these recipes come to life in your homes – it’s my favorite thing to look through those photos. It really means the world to me!
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Thank you for being here and happy toasting!
Sourdough Garlic Toast Recipe Card
Ingredients
- 4 slices sourdough bread about ⅓ loaf
- 3 Tbsp garlic herb butter* softened to room temperature
Instructions
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Spread the sourdough bread slices with equal amounts of garlic herb butter. Place on a baking sheet lined with a silicone mat or parchment paper, buttered side facing up.
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Place in the oven set to broil. Broil for 3 to 5 minutes, until golden brown and toasted. Keep an eye on your oven! It can quickly go from toasted to burnt under the broiler.
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Serve immediately.
Video
Notes
- 3 Tablespoon salted softened butter (if using unsalted butter, add a pinch of sea salt)
- 1 clove garlic, minced (or 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder)
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh basil
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh parsley (or thyme, oregano, rosemary)
Don’t have fresh herbs? Just mix together butter and fresh garlic for garlic butter.