If you’re anything like me, nothing beats the aroma of freshly baked bread infused with savory herbs and the irresistible punch of garlic and parmesan. This Garlic Parmesan Herb Bread Recipe is a delightful way to elevate your bread-baking game with simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together to create a golden, crusty loaf bursting with flavor. Whether you’re serving it as a side or enjoying it on its own, this bread is guaranteed to become a fast favorite in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Garlic Parmesan Herb Bread Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients list. Each component plays a vital role—from the warm water and active yeast that create a light, fluffy texture, to the parmesan and herbs that layer in that mouthwatering flavor you crave.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation that gives your bread structure and chewiness.
- 1 tablespoon sugar: Feeds the yeast to help the dough rise beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- 1 packet dry active yeast: The magic ingredient that makes your bread rise and become airy.
- 3/4 cup warm water: Activates the yeast and hydrates the dough perfectly.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Adds richness and helps create a tender crumb.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the bread with savory, aromatic goodness.
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, salty kick that melts into every bite.
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano: Brings a hint of earthiness and depth.
- 1 tablespoon dried basil: Offers a sweet, herbal note to brighten the loaf.
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Herb Bread Recipe
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Start by combining warm water and sugar in a bowl, then stir in the yeast. Let this mixture sit for 5 to 10 minutes until it becomes foamy and bubbly—this means the yeast is active and ready to work its magic.
Step 2: Mix and Knead the Dough
Add olive oil, all-purpose flour, and salt to your yeast mixture. Stir until the dough starts to come together, then knead on a floured surface for 5 to 7 minutes until smooth and elastic—you want that dough feeling soft but not sticky.
Step 3: Let the Dough Rise
Place your dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise somewhere warm for about an hour. You’re looking for it to double in size, which means the yeast is doing its job and your bread will have a great texture.
Step 4: Shape and Prepare the Loaf
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release air bubbles, then shape it into a loaf. Place the loaf on a greased baking sheet to prepare for the flavorful topping.
Step 5: Add the Garlic Parmesan Herb Topping
Mix the minced garlic, grated parmesan, oregano, and basil in a small bowl. Sprinkle this fragrant mixture evenly over the top of your loaf. This step will create the signature savory, cheesy crust that makes this Garlic Parmesan Herb Bread Recipe so unforgettable.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake the loaf for 25 to 30 minutes until it turns a gorgeous golden brown on top. Let it cool slightly before slicing so the cheese topping sets just right, ensuring every bite is a perfect combination of crisp crust and soft interior.
How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Herb Bread Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a little extra freshly grated parmesan or chopped fresh herbs like parsley or basil right before serving for an extra burst of flavor and a lovely pop of color. A brush of melted butter on warm slices also amps up the richness.
Side Dishes
This bread pairs beautifully with soups like tomato basil or creamy potato leek, and it’s a winner alongside pasta dishes. It also complements salads and grilled veggies wonderfully, making it incredibly versatile for any meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Try slicing the loaf into thick pieces, then toast and top with smashed avocado and a sprinkle of chili flakes. Or serve warm slices alongside a homemade spinach and artichoke dip for a crowd-pleasing appetizer. The Garlic Parmesan Herb Bread Recipe is your canvas for tasty creativity.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover bread in a sealed plastic bag or airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This will help maintain freshness without the bread drying out.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, wrap the cooled loaf tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil before freezing. It will keep well for up to 3 months without losing flavor or texture.
Reheating
To bring back that fresh-baked feel, reheat slices in a toaster oven or warm the entire loaf in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. You’ll get that crispy crust and soft inside all over again.
FAQs
Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried in this recipe?
Absolutely! Fresh herbs will give a brighter, more vibrant flavor. Use about three times the amount of fresh herbs compared to dried to get the right balance.
What if I don’t have parmesan cheese? Can I substitute it?
Yes, you can use another hard cheese like Pecorino Romano or Asiago if you prefer. Just keep in mind the saltiness and adjust other seasonings if needed.
Can this bread be made gluten-free?
While the recipe relies on all-purpose flour for structure, you can experiment with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. You might need to adjust liquids and rising times accordingly.
How do I know when the bread is fully baked?
The bread should be golden brown on top and sound hollow when tapped underneath. An internal temperature around 190°F (88°C) ensures it’s baked through.
Can I add other ingredients like cheese chunks or olives?
Definitely! Stirring in olives, cheese cubes, or even sun-dried tomatoes before shaping the dough adds exciting flavors and textures. Just be mindful of extra moisture or salt.
Final Thoughts
Making this Garlic Parmesan Herb Bread Recipe is one of those kitchen wins that fills the house with inviting aromas and leaves everyone wanting more. It’s simple, flavorful, and so rewarding to bake from scratch. I can’t wait for you to try it and enjoy every delicious slice just as much as I do!
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Garlic Parmesan Herb Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Description
This Garlic Parmesan Herb Bread is a flavorful homemade loaf featuring a soft, airy texture infused with fragrant garlic, savory parmesan cheese, and Italian herbs. Perfect as a side for soups, pastas, or enjoyed on its own, this recipe blends simple pantry ingredients into a warm, aromatic bread that is easy to prepare and bake.
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 packet dry active yeast (about 2 1/4 teaspoons)
- 3/4 cup warm water
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Topping Ingredients
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon dried basil
Instructions
- Activate the yeast: In a bowl, combine warm water and sugar, stirring in the dry active yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active and ready.
- Make the dough: Add olive oil, flour, and salt to the yeast mixture. Mix until a dough forms, then knead it on a floured surface for 5-7 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- Let dough rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and allow it to rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
- Prepare the loaf: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Punch down the risen dough to release air and shape it into a loaf. Place the shaped dough on a greased baking sheet.
- Apply topping: In a small bowl, combine minced garlic, grated parmesan, dried oregano, and dried basil. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the surface of the shaped dough.
- Bake the bread: Bake the loaf in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the crust turns golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Warm water should be about 110°F (43°C) to properly activate the yeast without killing it.
- You can substitute dried herbs with fresh, using 1 tablespoon fresh herbs each for a more vibrant flavor.
- For a crispier crust, bake the bread on a preheated baking stone or tray.
- Store leftover bread wrapped tightly at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 1 month.
