Description
This Garlic Parmesan Herb Bread is a flavorful, soft, and aromatic homemade bread infused with garlic, parmesan, and fragrant herbs like basil, oregano, and rosemary. Perfectly golden and tender, it makes a delightful accompaniment to soups, stews, or enjoyed on its own with butter.
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 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 (plus extra for greasing)
- 1 tablespoon butter (split for topping)
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: Combine the instant dry yeast, granulated sugar, and warm water in a large bowl and let it sit for about a minute until the mixture becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Mix in Flavorings: Stir in salt, dried basil, oregano, rosemary, and finely chopped garlic until well blended with the yeast mixture.
- Add Flour and Cheese: Add 2 cups of all-purpose flour and grated parmesan cheese to the bowl and mix to form a sticky dough.
- Knead the Dough: Gradually add more flour while mixing, until the dough becomes soft and stretchy without being too sticky.
- First Rise: Lightly oil a bowl, place the dough inside, and cover it with a towel or plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm spot for about an hour, or until the dough doubles in size.
- Prepare for Baking: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a baking sheet with olive oil.
- Shape Dough: Gently punch down the risen dough, divide it into two equal balls, shape them into rounds, and place them on the greased baking sheet.
- Second Rise: Cover the dough rounds loosely and let them rise for an additional 15-20 minutes to puff up slightly.
- Butter Topping: Brush half a tablespoon of melted butter on top of each dough round to enhance flavor and browning.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until the bread turns golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven, transfer the bread to a cooling rack, and allow it to cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm, optionally with butter or soup.
Notes
- Warm water should be between 100-110°F to properly activate the yeast without killing it.
- Adding parmesan cheese gives a savory depth and slight nuttiness to the bread.
- You can customize the herbs according to preference, but dried basil, oregano, and rosemary balance well together.
- Brush the bread with butter immediately after baking for a richer crust.
- Store leftover bread in an airtight container and reheat before serving for best texture.
- Use fresh garlic for a stronger garlic flavor, or roast it beforehand for a milder, sweeter taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: Garlic Parmesan Herb Bread, homemade bread recipe, garlic bread, herb bread, parmesan bread, easy bread recipe, Italian bread
