Perfect Parmesan Garlic Bread Recipe

Introduction

Enjoy the rich flavors of homemade Parmesan garlic bread with a perfectly airy crust and a tender crumb. This recipe combines fresh parmesan, garlic, and optional herbs for a savory treat that’s ideal as a side or snack.

Ingredients

• 3 1/4 cups (390g) all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons (10g) salt
• 1 teaspoon (5g) granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons (7g) active dry yeast
• 1 1/2 cups (360ml) warm water (around 110°F/43°C)
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil
• 1 cup (100g) freshly grated parmesan cheese
• 2–3 cloves of minced garlic
• 1 tablespoon (15g) chopped fresh rosemary or parsley (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and granulated sugar.
2. Step 2: In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in the warm water and let it sit for about 5 minutes until foamy.
3. Step 3: Pour the yeast mixture into the dry ingredients. Add olive oil and mix with a wooden spoon until combined. The dough will be sticky.
4. Step 4: Fold in the grated parmesan, minced garlic, and if using, the chopped herbs.
5. Step 5: Cover the bowl with a towel or plastic wrap and let the dough rise in a warm place for 12–18 hours or overnight until doubled and bubbly.
6. Step 6: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and gently shape it into a round loaf without overworking it.
7. Step 7: Place the dough on parchment paper and let it rest for 30 minutes while preheating your oven to 450°F (230°C). If using a Dutch oven, preheat it as well.
8. Step 8: Score the top of the dough with a sharp knife to allow for expansion during baking.
9. Step 9: Place the parchment paper and dough into the hot Dutch oven, cover with the lid, and bake for 30 minutes.
10. Step 10: Remove the lid and bake for an additional 15 minutes until golden brown and hollow sounding when tapped.
11. Step 11: Cool the bread on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes before slicing to set the texture.

Tips & Variations

• For extra garlic flavor, brush the crust with garlic butter right after baking.
• Substitute rosemary with thyme or oregano for a different herbal note.
• If you don’t have a Dutch oven, bake the bread on a preheated baking stone or heavy baking sheet and place a pan of water in the oven for steam.

Storage

Store the bread in an airtight container or wrapped in foil at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat slices in a toaster oven or oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes to refresh the crust. For longer storage, freeze sliced bread wrapped tightly and thaw before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes, you can substitute instant yeast with the same amount. Mix it directly with the flour instead of dissolving in water.

What if my dough doesn’t rise enough?

Make sure the water is warm but not hot, and that your yeast is fresh. Rising time can vary depending on room temperature, so allow extra time if needed.

Perfect Parmesan Garlic Bread Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 92 reviews

This Perfect Parmesan Garlic Bread recipe combines a rustic, crispy crust with a rich, cheesy interior infused with fresh garlic and optional herbs. Using a slow rise for the dough and baking in a preheated Dutch oven ensures a fluffy, flavorful loaf with a golden crust that’s ideal for any meal or snack.

• Author: Maya
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 13 hours 5 minutes
• Yield: 1 loaf (approximately 12 servings) 1x
• Category: Bread
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dry Ingredients

• 3 1/4 cups (390g) all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons (10g) salt
• 1 teaspoon (5g) granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons (7g) active dry yeast

Wet Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups (360ml) warm water (around 110°F/43°C)
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil

Flavorings

• 1 cup (100g) freshly grated parmesan cheese
• 2–3 cloves minced garlic
• 1 tablespoon (15g) chopped fresh rosemary or parsley (optional)

Instructions

1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, mix the flour, salt, and sugar until evenly combined.
2. Activate Yeast: In a small bowl, dissolve the active dry yeast in warm water (110°F/43°C) and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
3. Mix Dough: Pour the yeast mixture into the dry ingredients, add olive oil, and stir with a wooden spoon until the dough forms and is sticky.
4. Add Flavorings: Fold in freshly grated parmesan cheese, minced garlic, and optionally chopped fresh rosemary or parsley.
5. First Rise: Cover the bowl with a kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let the dough rise in a warm place for 12–18 hours or overnight until doubled in size and bubbly.
6. Shape Dough: Transfer the risen dough to a floured surface and gently shape it into a round loaf without overworking.
7. Prepare Oven and Dough Rest: Place the shaped dough on parchment paper, let it rest for 30 minutes while preheating the oven to 450°F (230°C). Preheat a Dutch oven inside the oven as well.
8. Score Dough: Using a sharp knife, score the top of the dough to allow expansion while baking.
9. Bake Covered: Carefully transfer the dough with parchment paper into the hot Dutch oven, cover with the lid, and bake for 30 minutes.
10. Bake Uncovered: Remove the lid and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped.
11. Cool Bread: Let the bread cool on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes before slicing to allow the texture to set properly.

Notes

• Use warm water around 110°F (43°C) to properly activate the yeast without killing it.
• Do not overwork the dough during shaping to maintain a light, airy crumb.
• Letting the dough rise slowly overnight enhances flavor and texture.
• Preheating the Dutch oven ensures a good oven spring and crispy crust.
• Allow cooling before slicing to avoid gummy texture inside the bread.
• Fresh herbs are optional but add a pleasant fragrance and flavor.

Keywords: parmesan garlic bread, homemade bread, parmesan cheese bread, garlic bread loaf, Dutch oven bread