Last updated on March 5th, 2025 at 01:00 am

This sourdough garlic toast (pan con ajo) is crispy, flavourful, and the perfect side for any meal. Serve it with soup, pair it with pasta, or turn it into crunchy croutons for a salad. Made with simple ingredients yet packed with bold garlic flavour, this easy recipe is one you’ll keep coming back to!

finished plate of sourdough garlic toast

How I Fell in Love with Sourdough Garlic Toast in Spain

I first fell in love with sourdough garlic toast (pan con ajo) while living in Spain for a year, training as a chef on a scholarship from the Trade Commission of Spain.

During my time in Madrid, the heat was intense—some days, it felt like the only thing I could eat was gazpacho. And no matter how many times I had it, I always served it with this toast. It became a staple—simple, cheap, and satisfying.

Even in my broke kitchen years, this was a go-to. A few slices of bread, garlic, and olive oil was all I needed to make something that felt complete.

Now, this toast has evolved into a weeknight favourite for my family. I serve it alongside hearty soups like lentil or bean soup, and it’s something everyone loves. It’s also amazing with eggs, making it a simple but satisfying breakfast or brunch option.

cutting the garlic in half to make sourdough garlic toast

What Makes Sourdough Garlic Toast So Good?

Sourdough garlic toast (pan con ajo) is the kind of food that’s simple but unforgettable. With just a few high-quality ingredients, you get a toast that’s crispy, garlicky, and packed with flavour.

Perfectly crisp texture – The crunch of well-toasted sourdough is unbeatable.
Deep flavour from olive oil & garlic – No butter, just real ingredients that let the bread shine.
Simple but high-quality – Only three ingredients, but the flavour impact is massive.

Whether you’re serving it with soup, eggs, or as a snack, this toast always delivers.

Best Bread for Sourdough Garlic Toast

You can make sourdough garlic toast (pan con ajo) with almost any bread, but I love using crusty, open-crumb sourdough or baguettes. The balance of crisp crust and airy interior makes for the perfect bite.

slicing the sourdough bread for sourdough garlic toast

Why Sourdough Works Best

Crispy crust – Holds up to olive oil without getting soggy.
Airy crumb – Soaks in just enough garlic and oil for maximum flavour.
Deep flavour – Naturally fermented sourdough adds complexity.

Best Types of Sourdough for Garlic Toast

Classic Sourdough – A balanced crust-to-crumb ratio with great chew.
- Beginner Sourdough Recipe
Baguette-Style Sourdough – The perfect crust-to-crumb ratio for a crisp bite.
- How to Make Sourdough Baguettes
Sourdough Focaccia – A softer, more absorbent option with deep olive oil flavour.
- Sourdough Focaccia Recipe

At the end of the day, use what you have—but a good crusty sourdough will always make the best garlic toast.

How to Make Sourdough Garlic Toast

Ingredients

Ingredient	Amount	Notes
Sourdough bread	Thick slices	Day-old or slightly stale bread works best for better crisping.
Olive oil	As needed	Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil for the best flavour.
Garlic	Fresh cloves, cut in half	Rubbing raw garlic directly on hot toast infuses deep flavour.
Flaky salt	To taste	Enhances the flavour and adds crunch.

Why Use Day-Old Sourdough?
Slightly stale bread toasts better and crisps up more evenly compared to fresh bread. If your sourdough is too soft, it may toast unevenly or turn chewy instead of crispy.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Sourdough Garlic Toast

Toast the Bread – Toast thick slices of sourdough until deep golden and crispy.
Drizzle with Olive Oil – Add a generous splash of good-quality olive oil for richness.
Rub with Garlic – While the bread is still hot, rub a cut garlic clove over the surface to infuse it with flavour.
Season with Flaky Salt – Finish with a pinch of flaky salt to enhance every bite.

toasting the bread to make sourdough garlic toast

drizzling olive oil from a le creuset olive oil container onto sourdough garlic toast

Pro Tips for the Best Sourdough Garlic Toast

Slice the bread evenly – Thicker slices = more chew, thinner slices = extra crispy. Find your perfect balance.
Toast to your liking – Light golden = softer texture, deep golden = extra crunch. Adjust based on preference.
Use good olive oil – Since olive oil is a main flavour, extra virgin olive oil makes a big difference.
Try roasting the garlic – If raw garlic is too strong, roasting it first gives a milder, slightly sweet flavour.
Don’t skimp on the salt – A pinch of flaky salt enhances the flavour and adds the perfect crunch.

sourdough garlic toast on a plate with olive oil and garlic

Serving Ideas for Sourdough Garlic Toast

Sourdough garlic toast is more than just a side—it’s the perfect crispy, flavour-packed addition to a variety of dishes. Here are some of the best ways to serve it:

Soups & Stews

Gazpacho – A classic Spanish pairing that’s light, fresh, and perfect for summer.
Corn & Coconut Soup – The crispiness of the toast contrasts beautifully with this creamy soup.
Lentil Soup – Hearty and packed with protein, this is a go-to for colder months.
Bean & Chorizo Soup – A smoky, rich soup that pairs perfectly with garlicky toast.

Alongside Pasta & Gnocchi

Ricotta Gnocchi in Tomato Sauce – A soft, pillowy dish that pairs beautifully with crispy garlic toast.
Tomato-Based Pasta – Like a classic pasta pomodoro or spaghetti arrabbiata.
Creamy Pastas – Think fettuccine alfredo or cacio e pepe, where the toast can soak up the extra sauce.

Other Delicious Ways to Enjoy It

With cured meats & cheese – Perfect for a simple appetizer or charcuterie board.
Topped with tomatoes – Like a simple pan con tomate or bruschetta.
With eggs – Great for dipping into runny yolks from soft-boiled or poached eggs. Try it with my Soft-Boiled Duck Eggs Recipe for the ultimate dippy egg experience.

sourdough garlic toast served with coppa

How to Get It Just Right

Sourdough garlic toast is simple, but small tweaks can take it from good to perfect. Here’s how to fine-tune it:

Too Crunchy or Too Soft?

Problem: The bread is too crunchy and dry or too soft and lacks crispiness.
Fix: Adjust toasting time and bread thickness. Thicker slices need more time, while thinner slices crisp up quickly.

Burnt Bread?

Problem: The toast got too dark or toasted unevenly.
Fix: Keep an eye on it, especially under the broiler. If pan-toasting, use medium heat to crisp without burning.

Garlic Flavour Too Strong?

Problem: The raw garlic is too intense.
Fix: Use roasted garlic for a milder, slightly sweet flavour, or let the toast sit for a minute after rubbing—the garlic mellows over time.

Toast Feels Dry?

Problem: The toast lacks richness or feels too dry.
Fix: Drizzle extra olive oil after toasting for a smoother, more flavourful bite.

Note: If your bread is too stale (several days old and very dry), it will always be on the drier side even with olive oil. For best results, use day-old or slightly stale sourdough, which crisps up beautifully without drying out too much.

Final Thoughts on Sourdough Garlic Toast

Crispy, garlicky, and packed with flavour—sourdough garlic toast (pan con ajo) is one of those simple recipes that never gets old. With just a few high-quality ingredients, you get deep flavour, the perfect crunch, and endless ways to serve it.

Whether you’re pairing it with soup, pasta, or eggs, or just snacking on it straight off the cutting board, this toast is a must-try.

Other Ways to Use Old Sourdough

If you have extra sourdough, don’t let it go to waste—here are some more great ways to use it:

Sourdough Stuffing – Perfect for holiday dinners or a flavourful side.
Sourdough Breadcrumbs – A great way to add crunch to pasta, casseroles, and more.
Homemade Garlic Sourdough Croutons – Another garlicky favourite, perfect for salads and soups.

Tried this recipe? Let me know in the comments how you like to eat your sourdough garlic toast!

Want more sourdough recipes? Check out my collection of sourdough favourites! You can also head to my YouTube Channel for step-by-step baking videos!