Rustic Garlic Parmesan Herb Bread Recipe
Rustic Garlic Parmesan Herb Bread is a flavorful homemade bread infused with aromatic herbs and garlic, enriched with grated Parmesan cheese for a savory twist. This bread features a soft, elastic dough that rises to perfection and bakes into golden brown loaves with a crisp crust and tender interior. Perfect for accompanying soups, salads, or enjoyed on its own.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
- Yield: 2 medium-sized loaves
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon instant dry yeast
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 cup warm water (100-110℉)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 6 cloves minced garlic
- 2 to 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Topping
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for drizzling the baking sheet)
- 1 tablespoon butter (divided for topping loaves)
Instructions
- Activate Yeast and Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, dissolve 1 tablespoon instant dry yeast and 1 tablespoon granulated sugar in 1 cup of warm water (100-110℉). Stir in 1 teaspoon salt, 2 teaspoons dried rosemary, 1 teaspoon dried basil, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, and 6 cloves of minced garlic to infuse the dough with herb and garlic flavors.
- Form the Dough: Add 2 cups of all-purpose flour and 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese into the bowl. Stir until a rough dough forms. Gradually add the remaining up to 1/2 cup flour, mixing continuously until the dough becomes smooth and elastic. The dough should be soft and slightly tacky but not sticky—add flour as needed for the right texture.
- First Rise: Transfer the dough to a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size, allowing the yeast to ferment and create volume.
- Prepare for Baking: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Drizzle a baking sheet with 2 tablespoons of olive oil to prevent sticking and add flavor to the crust.
- Shape and Second Rise: Punch down the risen dough and divide it into two equal portions. Shape each portion into a round loaf and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Cover and let the loaves rise again for 15 to 20 minutes to achieve a light and airy texture.
- Add Butter Topping: Top each loaf with a 1/2 tablespoon-size piece of butter, which will melt and enrich the crust as it bakes.
- Bake the Bread: Place the loaves in the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes or until they turn golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom, indicating they are fully baked.
- Cool Before Serving: Remove the loaves from the oven and transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. This ensures the bread sets properly and slices cleanly.
Notes
- Ensure the water temperature is between 100-110℉ to properly activate the yeast without killing it.
- The dough should be slightly tacky but not sticky; adjust flour quantities as needed for your environment.
- Allowing the dough to rise twice improves the texture and flavor of the bread.
- Use fresh or finely minced garlic for a more pronounced flavor.
- Allow the bread to cool before slicing to prevent a gummy texture inside.
- Storage tip: Store bread in an airtight container or bread box at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Reheat slices in a toaster or oven to restore crispness.
