Garlic Parmesan Herb Bread Recipe

Introduction

Garlic Parmesan Herb Bread is a flavorful homemade loaf that combines aromatic herbs, savory garlic, and rich parmesan cheese. This soft, golden bread is perfect as a side or for dipping in olive oil. Easy to make and wonderfully fragrant, it’s sure to elevate any meal.

Ingredients

• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup warm water (about 100-110°F)
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon instant dry yeast
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 2 teaspoons dried rosemary
• 6 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 2 to 2½ cups all-purpose flour
• ⅓ cup parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 tablespoon butter (split for topping)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

1. Step 1: Combine the yeast, sugar, and warm water in a large bowl. Let it sit for about a minute until it becomes foamy.
2. Step 2: Stir in the salt, dried basil, oregano, rosemary, and finely chopped garlic until well blended.
3. Step 3: Add 2 cups of flour and the grated parmesan cheese to the bowl. Mix until a sticky dough forms.
4. Step 4: Gradually add more flour, a little at a time, while mixing until the dough feels soft and stretchy.
5. Step 5: Lightly oil a clean bowl and place the dough inside. Cover with a towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for about an hour, or until doubled in size.
6. Step 6: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a baking sheet with olive oil.
7. Step 7: Gently punch down the dough to release the air. Divide it into two equal balls, shape them into round loaves, and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
8. Step 8: Cover the dough loosely and let it rise for an additional 15 to 20 minutes.
9. Step 9: Brush half a tablespoon of melted butter on top of each dough round just before baking.
10. Step 10: Bake the bread for 18 to 20 minutes until golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
11. Step 11: Remove the bread from the oven and transfer to a cooling rack before slicing.

Tips & Variations

• For a softer crust, brush the loaf with melted butter immediately after baking.
• Try mixing in fresh herbs like thyme or parsley for a different herb flavor.
• Use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic if preferred, reducing the amount to 1 teaspoon.
• Adding a sprinkle of extra parmesan on top before baking adds a delicious cheesy crust.

Storage

Store the bread in an airtight container or wrapped in foil at room temperature for up to 2 days. To keep it longer, freeze the bread wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to 3 months. Reheat by warming in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10 minutes to refresh its texture and flavor.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?

Yes, you can use active dry yeast, but be sure to dissolve it in warm water with sugar and let it sit for 5–10 minutes until bubbly before adding other ingredients.

Is it necessary to let the dough rise twice?

Yes, the first rise allows the dough to develop flavor and texture, and the second rise helps the shaped loaves become light and fluffy before baking.

Garlic Parmesan Herb Bread Recipe

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4.9 from 84 reviews

This Garlic Parmesan Herb Bread recipe is a flavorful homemade bread infused with aromatic herbs like basil, oregano, and rosemary, combined with garlic and parmesan cheese for a deliciously cheesy and savory twist. Perfectly soft and slightly crusty on the outside, this bread is ideal for serving alongside soups, salads, or as a tasty snack.

• Author: Sophie
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
• Yield: 2 medium-sized bread rounds 1x
• Category: Bread
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dry Ingredients

• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon instant dry yeast
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 2 teaspoons dried rosemary
• 2 to 2½ cups all-purpose flour
• ⅓ cup parmesan cheese, grated

Wet Ingredients

• 1 cup warm water (about 100-110°F)
• 6 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon butter (split for topping)

Instructions

1. Activate the Yeast: Combine yeast, sugar, and warm water in a large bowl and let it sit for a minute until it becomes foamy, indicating that the yeast is active and ready to use.
2. Mix Herbs and Garlic: Stir in the salt, dried basil, oregano, rosemary, and finely chopped garlic into the yeast mixture until well blended, distributing the flavors evenly.
3. Form Dough: Add 2 cups of flour along with the grated parmesan cheese into the bowl and mix until a sticky dough forms. This initial mixing develops the structure of the bread.
4. Knead Dough: Gradually add more flour while mixing until the dough reaches a soft and stretchy consistency, which is crucial for a light, fluffy bread texture.
5. First Rise: Oil a clean bowl and place the dough inside. Cover it with a towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm spot for about an hour until it doubles in size, allowing the dough to ferment and develop flavor.
6. Prepare for Baking: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a baking sheet with olive oil to prevent sticking.
7. Shape Dough: Gently punch down the risen dough to release air, then divide it into two equal balls. Shape them into rounds and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
8. Second Rise: Cover the dough rounds loosely and let them rise an additional 15-20 minutes, ensuring they puff up slightly before baking.
9. Butter Topping: Brush half a tablespoon of softened butter on top of each dough round to help develop a golden crust while baking.
10. Bake Bread: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes until the loaves turn golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom, indicating they’re fully baked.
11. Cool Bread: Remove the bread from the oven and transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely before slicing and serving, ensuring the crumb sets properly.

Notes

• Use warm water between 100-110°F for optimal yeast activation.
• If desired, fresh herbs can be used instead of dried; double the quantity for fresh herbs.
• Allow bread to cool completely before slicing to prevent gumminess.
• You can adjust the garlic quantity based on preference for milder or stronger garlic flavor.
• For a crustier exterior, bake the bread on a preheated baking stone or tray.
• Store leftovers wrapped tightly to maintain freshness for up to 2 days, or freeze for longer storage.

Keywords: Garlic bread, Parmesan bread, Herb bread, Homemade bread, Italian bread, Savory bread