Garlic Parmesan Herb Bread Recipe
This Garlic Parmesan Herb Bread recipe offers a delightful blend of aromatic herbs, fresh garlic, and savory parmesan cheese baked into a soft, fluffy loaf. Perfectly golden with a buttery crust, it’s an easy-to-make bread that pairs wonderfully with soups, salads, or as a standalone treat.
- Author: Elena
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
- Yield: 2 loaves 1x
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
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)
- Prepare the Yeast Mixture: Pour warm water (100-110°F) into a large bowl, then add granulated sugar and instant dry yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy and bubbly, indicating the yeast is activated.
- Combine Ingredients: Stir in salt, minced garlic, dried basil, oregano, and rosemary to the yeast mixture. Next, add 2 cups of all-purpose flour and grated parmesan cheese, mixing until you form a sticky dough. If necessary, add more flour gradually to achieve the right consistency.
- Knead the Dough: Lightly flour your countertop, turn out the dough, and knead for 8-10 minutes until the dough becomes soft, smooth, and elastic. Add flour sparingly if the dough feels too sticky.
- First Rise: Lightly oil a large bowl and place the dough inside, turning it to coat in oil. Cover with a damp towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm, draft-free place for about 1 hour until it doubles in size.
- Shape the Loaves: Gently punch down the risen dough to release air bubbles. Divide it into two equal portions and shape each into a round ball. Place them on a greased baking sheet, leaving space between loaves.
- Second Rise: Cover the dough balls loosely and allow them to rise for another 15-20 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare for Baking: Brush each loaf with half a tablespoon of melted butter to give a golden, flavorful crust.
- Bake the Bread: Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until the loaves are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from oven and transfer to a cooling rack. Let cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm, optionally with butter or paired with soups and salads.
Notes
- Ensure the water temperature is warm (100-110°F) to activate yeast properly; too hot water can kill the yeast.
- Patience during rising is key for fluffy bread; allow dough to double in size before shaping and baking.
- Adjust herbs and cheese according to personal preference for varied flavors.
- If dough feels too sticky, add flour gradually during kneading to achieve a smooth, elastic texture.
- Brushing loaves with butter before baking enhances flavor and gives a beautiful golden crust.
Keywords: garlic bread, parmesan bread, herb bread, homemade bread, Italian bread, garlic parmesan, easy bread recipe