Name: Garlic Parmesan Herb Bread Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 1 h 35 min
Cuisine: Italian
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; 1 cup warm water (about 100-110°F); 6 cloves garlic, finely chopped; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 tablespoon butter (split for topping)

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Introduction

Garlic Parmesan Herb Bread is a delightful homemade treat that fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas of garlic, herbs, and melted cheese. Perfectly crusty on the outside and soft on the inside, this bread pairs wonderfully with soups, salads, or simply enjoyed warm with butter.

The image shows a fresh braided bread loaf sitting on a white marble surface, with a small white bowl of butter in the background. The bread has three thick intertwined layers with a golden brown crust on top, covered with a mix of herbs and seeds, giving it a slightly rough texture. The inside of the bread looks soft and fluffy with a light yellow color visible through the cracks and cuts. There are small bits of herbs sprinkled on the top layer, making it look flavorful and inviting. The photo was taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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

Step 1: Combine the warm water, granulated sugar, and instant dry yeast in a large bowl. Stir gently and let sit for about 5 minutes until foamy and bubbly.
Step 2: Stir in salt, dried basil, oregano, rosemary, and minced garlic until well blended.
Step 3: Add 2 cups of flour and the grated parmesan cheese to the bowl. Mix until a sticky dough forms. Gradually add more flour while mixing until the dough is soft and stretchy.
Step 4: Lightly flour your countertop and knead the dough for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Add flour as needed to prevent sticking.
Step 5: Lightly oil a bowl with olive oil and place the dough inside, turning it to coat with oil. Cover with a damp towel or plastic wrap and let rise in a warm, draft-free spot for about 1 hour, until doubled in size.
Step 6: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a baking sheet with olive oil.
Step 7: Punch down the dough and divide it into two equal rounds. Shape each into a smooth ball and place on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between them.
Step 8: Cover the loaves loosely and let rise for an additional 15–20 minutes.
Step 9: Brush each loaf with half a tablespoon of melted butter for a golden, flavorful crust.
Step 10: Bake for 18–20 minutes until golden brown and hollow sounding when tapped on the bottom. Transfer to a cooling rack and let cool slightly before slicing and serving.

Tips & Variations

Use fresh herbs in place of dried by tripling the quantity for a brighter flavor.
Try adding mozzarella or cheddar cheese for a gooey, cheesy twist.
Brush loaves with herb-infused olive oil instead of butter for a unique flavor.
Substitute half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier texture.
Add red pepper flakes for a subtle spicy kick.
Incorporate chopped sun-dried tomatoes or green onions for extra bursts of flavor.
Use a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version.

Storage

Store leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. To keep it longer, slice and freeze the bread for up to three months. Reheat slices in a toaster or oven for best results, and consider brushing with a bit of butter or olive oil to refresh flavor and moisture.

How to Serve

The image shows a close-up of a golden-brown braided bread loaf with a shiny, slightly crispy crust. The bread is sprinkled with herbs and coarse salt on top, giving it a textured look with small green and white specks. The braided strands are thick and fluffy inside, visible where the bread slightly pulls apart, showing a soft, white crumb. The bread rests on a rectangular surface with a white marbled texture and a small white bowl with a pale yellow spread is blurred in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?

Absolutely! Fresh herbs can enhance the flavor even more. Use about three times the amount of fresh herbs as you would dried to maintain the right balance.

How do I store leftover Garlic Parmesan Herb Bread?

Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, slice and freeze the bread for up to three months. Reheat gently before serving.