Description
This Garlic Parmesan Herb Bread is a deliciously soft and flavorful homemade bread infused with garlic, parmesan cheese, and a blend of aromatic herbs. Perfectly baked to a golden crust, it makes a wonderful side for soups, salads, or as a savory snack on its own.
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
- 1 tablespoon butter (split for topping)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: Combine the instant dry yeast, granulated sugar, and warm water in a large bowl. Let it sit for about a minute until the mixture becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Mix Seasonings: Stir in the salt, dried basil, dried oregano, dried rosemary, and finely chopped garlic until the mixture is evenly blended.
- Form Dough: Add 2 cups of all-purpose flour and the grated parmesan cheese into the bowl. Mix thoroughly to form a sticky dough.
- Knead Dough: Gradually add more flour while mixing until the dough becomes soft and stretchy, but not too dry.
- First Rise: Lightly oil a bowl with olive oil, place the dough inside, then cover with a towel or plastic wrap. Allow the dough to rise in a warm place for about one hour or until it has doubled in size.
- Prepare Oven and Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking sheet with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Shape Bread: Gently punch down the risen dough to release air. Divide the dough into two equal balls, shape each into rounds, and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Second Rise: Cover the dough rounds loosely and let them rise again for 15-20 minutes until slightly puffed.
- Apply Butter: Brush half a tablespoon of melted butter over the top of each dough round to enhance browning and flavor.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the bread from the oven, transfer it to a cooling rack, and allow to cool slightly. Serve warm, optionally with additional butter or alongside your favorite soup.
Notes
- Use warm water between 100°F to 110°F to properly activate the yeast without killing it.
- Do not add too much flour; the dough should be soft and slightly sticky for best texture.
- Letting the dough rise properly is critical for a light and airy bread.
- If desired, substitute parmesan with another hard cheese like asiago for a different flavor twist.
- Store leftover bread in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
Keywords: Garlic bread, Parmesan bread, Herb bread, Homemade bread, Italian bread, Savory bread