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Garlic Parmesan Herb Bread Recipe

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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 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