Garlic Parmesan Herb Bread Recipe

If you crave a loaf that’s bursting with aroma, has a golden crackly crust, and tastes as delightful as it looks, this garlic parmesan herb bread will make you swoon. Every bite is filled with fresh, savory garlic, nutty parmesan, and a dreamy medley of herbs, creating an irresistible addition to any meal. The best part? You don’t have to be a seasoned baker to master this recipe—just a handful of kitchen staples and a touch of patience, and you’ll be enjoying the most comforting, flavorful bread you’ve ever made at home!

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe shines with just a few simple pantry staples, each adding their own magic. The beauty of garlic parmesan herb bread is how the garlic and herbs mingle with parmesan for robust flavor, while the basic bread ingredients ensure a soft, beautiful crumb.

• Salt: Don’t skip this, as it balances flavors and enhances the bread’s overall taste.
• Warm water (about 100-110°F): The right temperature encourages the yeast to bloom for fluffy loaves.
• Granulated sugar: Just a touch wakes up the yeast and helps give a lovely color to the crust.
• Instant dry yeast: Speeds up rising time and guarantees a soft texture.
• Dried basil: Adds a sweet, earthy note that pairs perfectly with the other herbs.
• Dried oregano: Classic Italian flavor that brings familiarity to every slice.
• Dried rosemary: Its piney aroma makes the bread unforgettable—use just enough for fragrance.
• Fresh garlic, finely chopped: The centerpiece! Six cloves bring loads of flavor without overpowering.
• All-purpose flour: This is the structure and soul of the bread—measure carefully for best texture.
• Parmesan cheese, grated: Folded into the dough, it melts and crisps for wonderful salty bites.
• Butter (for topping): Brushed on before baking, it gives a perfectly golden, tempting crust.
• Olive oil: Keeps the crumb moist and adds a lovely subtle richness.

How to Make garlic parmesan herb bread

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

Begin by combining the instant dry yeast, granulated sugar, and warm water in a large mixing bowl. Let the mixture sit for about a minute until it looks a little foamy across the top. This step ensures your yeast is awake and excited, which translates into a light, pillowy loaf later on.

Step 2: Add Herbs and Garlic

Sprinkle in the salt, dried basil, oregano, rosemary, and that generous heap of finely chopped garlic. Stir everything together so the flavors are evenly distributed through the base of your dough. At this point, your kitchen already starts to smell incredible—garlic parmesan herb bread magic is underway!

Step 3: Build the Dough

Add the parmesan cheese and 2 cups of all-purpose flour to the bowl. Begin mixing—use a sturdy spoon or your hands until a sticky dough forms. Gradually work in more flour (up to 1/2 cup more as needed) to create a soft, elastic, and slightly tacky dough that holds its shape but doesn’t stick all over your hands.

Step 4: First Rise

Drizzle a bit of olive oil into a clean bowl and swirl to coat. Place your ball of dough in the bowl, turning it to coat all sides with oil so it doesn’t dry out. Cover the bowl with a towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm spot for about one hour, or until doubled in size. This is when the flavors mingle and the dough gets extra airy.

Step 5: Shape the Loaves

Once the dough has puffed up, gently punch it down to release trapped air (the best part). Divide it into two equal balls and shape each into a smooth, tight round loaf. Arrange the rounds on a baking sheet greased with olive oil to ensure a crisp base.

Step 6: Second Rise

Cover the shaped dough loosely and let it rise again for 15–20 minutes while you preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This brief resting period gives your bread that soft, tender crumb and lifts the loaves a bit more.

Step 7: Butter and Bake

Right before baking, brush the tops of both loaves with melted butter for a beautiful golden finish that’s mouthwatering even before it leaves the oven. Bake for 18–20 minutes—your kitchen will fill with the utterly intoxicating aroma of garlic parmesan herb bread. You’ll know the bread’s ready when the crust is golden and the bottom sounds hollow when tapped.

Step 8: Cool and Serve

Remove the loaves from the oven and transfer them to a wire rack to cool for at least 10 minutes. This short wait helps the crumb set for easier (and neater) slicing. Serve warm for maximum flavor—trust me, this bread is made for buttery spreads and dunking!

How to Serve garlic parmesan herb bread

Garnishes

Try finishing your garlic parmesan herb bread with a shower of fresh chopped parsley or a sprinkle of extra parmesan cheese straight out of the oven. For a hint of brightness, a little lemon zest works wonders too. A final drizzle of good olive oil will make each slice glisten and add depth.

Side Dishes

This bread is at home as the star alongside a steaming bowl of tomato basil soup, creamy potato leek soup, or a crisp Caesar salad. It’s equally cozy next to roasted chicken, pasta, or even a simple cheese board—its herbal and garlicky flavor elevates everything on the table.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, cut the garlic parmesan herb bread into chunky cubes for dipping into warm marinara or herby olive oil. You can also slice it thin, toast the pieces, and serve as crostini with goat cheese, roasted peppers, or smoked salmon. Need a fun twist? Turn it into mini grilled cheese sliders with mozzarella and extra herbs!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If there’s any garlic parmesan herb bread left, simply wrap it tightly in foil or an airtight container. It will keep at room temperature for up to two days, or even longer if refrigerated. A quick toast revives its crisp crust and brings out its wonderful flavors.

Freezing

Garlic parmesan herb bread freezes beautifully. Let the loaves cool completely, then wrap them in foil and place in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep fresh for up to three months. To thaw, leave at room temperature for a few hours or overnight in the fridge.

Reheating

To reheat, pop the bread in a 350°F oven for 8–10 minutes, directly on the rack if you like a crisp crust. For single slices, the toaster works great. Warmth revives the herby aroma and keeps the garlic parmesan herb bread tasting like it just came out of the oven.

FAQs

Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?

Absolutely! Fresh herbs are lovely—just use about three times the amount compared to dried, since their flavor is milder. Chop finely and fold them into the dough for extra brightness.

Is it possible to make this dough in advance?

Yes, you can mix and shape the dough, then let it rise overnight in the refrigerator for slow fermentation. When you’re ready to bake, let it come to room temperature and finish the second rise before baking as directed.

Can I use bread flour instead of all-purpose?

Definitely! Bread flour will yield a chewier, slightly more robust loaf thanks to its higher protein content. Both work well, so use what you have on hand.

How can I make the bread more cheesy?

For an even cheesier garlic parmesan herb bread, add 1/4 cup more grated parmesan or mix in some shredded mozzarella before shaping. You could even top the loaves with extra cheese before baking.

What can I do if my bread doesn’t rise well?

If your dough struggles to rise, make sure your yeast is still fresh and your water isn’t too hot. Letting the dough rise in a warmer spot, like near your oven, will help it double in size without trouble.

Final Thoughts

Few things in life feel as joyful and comforting as making and sharing a loaf of homemade garlic parmesan herb bread. Its welcoming aroma, golden top, and savory bite make any meal a celebration. Give this recipe a try, and I promise it’ll quickly become a staple in your kitchen too!

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