Garlic Parmesan Herb Bread is a warm, inviting loaf that fills your home with a deliciously comforting aroma. This recipe has been a staple in my kitchen, especially when I’m in the mood for something extra special to accompany a hearty soup or a casual family meal. The magic of this bread lies in its combination of fresh garlic, fragrant herbs, and melted Parmesan, which creates a crusty exterior and a soft, fluffy interior. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, enjoying a cozy evening with loved ones, or simply treating yourself to a homemade delight, this bread is sure to impress.
Why you’ll love this dish
This Garlic Parmesan Herb Bread is more than just a sidekick to your main dishes—it’s a star in its own right! Let’s face it: nothing complements a meal like the aroma of freshly baked bread. Not only is this recipe straightforward, but it also utilizes common ingredients you likely already have in your pantry, making it a budget-friendly choice for any occasion. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners when you want to elevate your meal without a ton of prep work. Plus, it’s kid-approved; kids generally love the buttery garlic flavor, and the activity of kneading the dough can be really fun for them!
"This bread is a game changer. It made my family dinner feel like a special occasion!" – A Happy Home Cook
The cooking process explained
Making Garlic Parmesan Herb Bread is surprisingly simple and rewarding. This recipe can be boiled down to a few key steps: mixing the ingredients, allowing the dough to rise, shaping it, and finally baking it to golden perfection. Before diving into the ingredients, let’s overview the process so you know exactly what to expect.
- Combine warm water, yeast, and sugar to create a foamy mixture.
- Stir in salt, herbs, and garlic, followed by flour and Parmesan.
- Knead until the dough is soft and pliable.
- Let it rise until doubled in size.
- Shape into rounds, let them rise again, then bake until golden.
With that clarity, let’s gather what you’ll need!
What you’ll need
Here’s a simple ingredient list to whip up this delicious Garlic Parmesan Herb Bread:
- 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
Feel free to experiment! You can substitute fresh herbs for dried ones, or even use whole wheat flour for a healthier twist.
Step-by-step instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the yeast, sugar, and warm water. Allow it to sit for about a minute until it becomes foamy.
- Stir in the salt, dried herbs, and finely chopped garlic until everything is well blended.
- Add 2 cups of flour and the grated Parmesan cheese to the bowl. Mix until you form a sticky dough.
- Gradually add more flour while mixing until the dough is soft and stretchy.
- Lightly oil a bowl and place your dough inside, covering it with a towel or plastic wrap. Allow it to rise for about an hour, or until it has doubled in size.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a baking sheet with olive oil.
- Gently punch down the dough, then divide it into two balls. Shape them into rounds and place them on the baking sheet.
- Cover loosely and let them rise again for an additional 15-20 minutes.
- Brush half a tablespoon of butter on top of each dough round before placing them in the oven.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes until the tops are golden and sound hollow when tapped underneath.
- Remove from the oven and transfer to a cooling rack. Allow to cool slightly before slicing and serving warm with butter or your favorite soup.
Best ways to enjoy it
This Garlic Parmesan Herb Bread pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes. Serve it alongside a steaming bowl of tomato soup for a classic combo, or alongside hearty pasta dishes like spaghetti or lasagna for a filling meal. You can even enjoy it as a standalone snack, slathered with creamy butter or herb-infused olive oil. It’s perfect for entertaining guests at a dinner party or to simply treat yourself during a cozy night in!
Keeping leftovers fresh
To store your Garlic Parmesan Herb Bread, wrap it in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. You can store it at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. Simply freeze the bread in a freezer-safe bag, and it will last for about 2-3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature or reheat it in the oven for a few minutes to regain that fresh-baked goodness.
Pro chef tips
- Kneading Technique: If you aren’t sure when your dough is ready, perform the “windowpane test.” Stretch a small piece of dough; if it forms a thin translucent window, it’s perfect!
- Flavor Depth: Consider adding some finely chopped sundried tomatoes or olives for additional flavor.
- Perfecting the Crust: For an even crispier crust, throw a small pan of water at the bottom of the oven while baking.
Creative twists
Feel free to personalize this recipe! Swap in different cheeses like mozzarella or feta, incorporate spices like chili flakes for a kick, or use fresh herbs instead of dried ones for a more vibrant flavor. You could even experiment with sweet variations by adding cinnamon and sugar for a sweet bread option.
Common questions
How long does it take to make?
From start to finish, this Garlic Parmesan Herb Bread takes about 2 hours, including rising times. The hands-on preparation is relatively short, around 20 minutes.
Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?
Absolutely! Fresh herbs will enhance the flavor even more. Just use about three times the amount you would with dried herbs.
What if I don’t have instant yeast?
You can substitute it with active dry yeast by activating it in warm water for about 10 minutes before adding it to the mixture.
Can I freeze the bread?
Yes! Just make sure it’s completely cooled before tightly wrapping it in plastic wrap and storing it in a freezer-safe bag. To reheat, thaw completely and warm in the oven.
With this guide, you’re all set to create your own delicious Garlic Parmesan Herb Bread and enjoy its warm, comforting goodness. Happy baking!
Print
Garlic Parmesan Herb Bread
- Total Time: 120 minutes
- Yield: 2 loaves
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A warm loaf filled with the delicious flavors of garlic, herbs, and melted Parmesan, perfect for any meal.
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
- In a large bowl, combine the yeast, sugar, and warm water. Allow it to sit for about a minute until it becomes foamy.
- Stir in the salt, dried herbs, and finely chopped garlic until everything is well blended.
- Add 2 cups of flour and the grated Parmesan cheese to the bowl. Mix until you form a sticky dough.
- Gradually add more flour while mixing until the dough is soft and stretchy.
- Lightly oil a bowl and place your dough inside, covering it with a towel or plastic wrap. Allow it to rise for about an hour, or until it has doubled in size.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a baking sheet with olive oil.
- Gently punch down the dough, then divide it into two balls. Shape them into rounds and place them on the baking sheet.
- Cover loosely and let them rise again for an additional 15-20 minutes.
- Brush half a tablespoon of butter on top of each dough round before placing them in the oven.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes until the tops are golden and sound hollow when tapped underneath.
- Remove from the oven and transfer to a cooling rack. Allow to cool slightly before slicing and serving warm with butter or your favorite soup.
Notes
Store leftovers wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight container for up to 2 days; freeze for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian