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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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Find it online: https://frommamamaya.com/perfect-parmesan-garlic-bread-recipe/