Introduction

Garlic Parmesan Herb Bread is not just another loaf; it’s an aromatic delight that fills your kitchen with irresistible scents and promises of warm, comforting meals ahead. My first experience with this recipe felt like a warm hug on a chilly evening, with the crunch of a golden crust giving way to a soft, herb-infused interior. Whether you’re planning a cozy family dinner, a weekend brunch, or just want something special to enjoy with your evening soup, this homemade bread stands out as a crowd-pleaser.

Why You’ll Love Making It

This delightful bread comes together with ease and features ingredients that are commonly found in your pantry. It’s warm, hearty, and perfect for sharing, making it an excellent choice for gatherings. Plus, it’s a budget-friendly recipe that elevates any meal without breaking the bank.

“The Garlic Parmesan Herb Bread was the star of our dinner! Everyone kept asking for the recipe.” – A satisfied home baker

Imagine serving this on a chilly evening, where the aroma wafts through your home, beckoning loved ones to the dining table. Paired with soup or a fresh salad, it’s a rustic touch to any meal. Plus, it’s adaptable; kids love its cheesy goodness, and adults appreciate the herbs that add depth to every bite.

Your Easy Cooking Guide

Creating Garlic Parmesan Herb Bread is a straightforward journey that involves a few simple steps. You’ll mix your ingredients, let the dough rise, form your loaves, and then bake them until they’re golden brown. The whole process can be broken down into manageable parts, ensuring that even novice bakers will feel at home in the kitchen.

Gather Your Ingredients

Before you start, let’s make sure you have everything you need to create this delicious bread. Here’s what you’ll require:

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

You can easily swap out the dried herbs with fresh ones if they’re available, or sprinkle in other seasonings that you’re fond of.

Step-by-Step Directions

Activate the Yeast: In a large bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Allow the mixture to sit for about a minute until it becomes foamy.
Mix In Ingredients: Stir in salt, dried herbs, and chopped garlic until everything is well blended.
Form the Dough: Add 2 cups of flour along with the grated parmesan cheese. Mix this into a sticky dough.
Knead with Flour: Gradually incorporate more flour as you mix, until the dough is soft and stretchy.
Let It Rise: Oil a bowl, place the dough inside, and cover it with a towel or plastic wrap. Allow it to rise for about an hour or until it doubles in size.
Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) while greasing a baking sheet with olive oil.
Shape the Dough: Gently punch down the risen dough and divide it into two balls. Shape these into rounds and place them on your prepared baking sheet.
Second Rise: Cover loosely with a cloth and let them rise for another 15-20 minutes.
Brush and Bake: Brush half a tablespoon of butter on top of each loaf before baking. Bake for 18-20 minutes until they are golden and sound hollow when tapped underneath.
Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven, transfer to a cooling rack, and allow to cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm, optionally with more butter or alongside your favorite soup.

Perfect Pairings for Garlic Parmesan Herb Bread

This delightful bread pairs wonderfully with a variety of dishes. It’s the perfect accompaniment to a rich tomato soup or a creamy chowder. You could also serve it with a fresh garden salad drizzled with balsamic vinaigrette. For a special treat, enjoy it with a roasted garlic dip or a selection of cheeses for a simple charcuterie board.

Storage Tips

To keep your Garlic Parmesan Herb Bread fresh, store it in a paper bag or wrap it in a kitchen towel at room temperature. If you have leftovers, consider freezing them. Cut the bread into slices, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, and then place them in a freezer bag. When you want to enjoy it again, just pop it in the toaster oven or the regular oven to reheat.

Helpful Hints

Use warm— but not hot— water to activate the yeast; too much heat can kill the yeast.
Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface to prevent sticking.
For an extra herby flavor, sprinkle additional herbs on top just before baking.
Don’t rush the rising process; the time spent rising is critical for achieving a light and fluffy texture.

Creative Twists

Want to add a different flavor profile? Consider incorporating sun-dried tomatoes or olives into the dough for Mediterranean flair. If you love a spicy kick, try adding red pepper flakes to the mix. You can also switch out the parmesan for other cheeses like cheddar or gouda, or even stir in chopped fresh herbs if you’re feeling adventurous.

FAQ

How long does it take to prepare and bake?
From start to finish, you can expect about 2 hours for preparation, rising, and baking.

Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?
Yes! Just remember to proof it in the warm water with the sugar for about 5-10 minutes until foamy before adding the other ingredients.

How do I safely store leftovers?
Cool the bread completely before wrapping it and storing it in an airtight container or freezing it. This will help maintain its freshness.

Can I make this bread ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and let it rise in the fridge overnight. Just bring it to room temperature before shaping and baking.

With just a few ingredients, some time, and a little patience, you too can make this delectable Garlic Parmesan Herb Bread that’s sure to impress. Enjoy the delightful experience of baking and sharing it with your loved ones!

Garlic Parmesan Herb Bread

Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Aromatically delightful garlic parmesan herb bread that fills your kitchen with irresistible scents, perfect for cozy dinners or brunch.

Ingredients

Scale

1 teaspoon salt
1 cup warm water (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 warm water, sugar, and yeast. Allow to sit for about a minute until foamy.
Stir in salt, dried herbs, and chopped garlic until well blended.
Add 2 cups of flour and grated parmesan cheese. Mix into a sticky dough.
Gradually incorporate more flour until the dough is soft and stretchy.
Oil a bowl, place the dough inside, cover, and let it rise for about an hour or until doubled in size.
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a baking sheet with olive oil.
Gently punch down the risen dough, divide into two balls, and shape into rounds. Place on the prepared baking sheet.
Cover loosely and let rise for another 15-20 minutes.
Brush each loaf with half a tablespoon of butter and bake for 18-20 minutes until golden and hollow when tapped underneath.
Remove from oven, cool slightly on a rack, and slice. Serve warm.

Notes

For extra flavor, add fresh herbs or modify the cheese. Use warm water, knead lightly, and allow ample rising time for fluffy texture.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Bread
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 250
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 200mg
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 3g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 32g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 8g
Cholesterol: 15mg

Keywords: bread, garlic, parmesan, herb, baking, vegetarian