Description
This Perfect Parmesan Garlic Bread is an easy artisan-style loaf that combines the rich flavors of freshly grated parmesan cheese, fragrant garlic, and optional fresh herbs like rosemary or parsley. With a soft, airy interior and a crisp golden crust achieved by baking in a preheated Dutch oven, this bread makes a delicious accompaniment to any meal or a flavorful snack on its own.
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 3 1/4 cups (390g) all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons (10g) salt
- 1 teaspoon (5g) granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons (7g) active dry yeast
- 1 1/2 cups (360ml) warm water (around 110°F/43°C)
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil
Flavorings
- 1 cup (100g) freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 2–3 cloves minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon (15g) chopped fresh rosemary or parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, salt, and granulated sugar to create the dry base of the dough.
- Activate Yeast: In a small bowl, dissolve the active dry yeast in warm water (about 110°F/43°C). Let it sit for 5 minutes until it becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active and ready.
- Combine Ingredients: Pour the yeast mixture into the dry ingredients. Add olive oil and stir with a wooden spoon until the dough forms a sticky consistency which will result in a soft bread texture.
- Add Flavorings: Fold in the freshly grated parmesan cheese, minced garlic, and the optional chopped fresh rosemary or parsley to infuse the dough with flavor and aroma.
- First Rise: Cover the bowl tightly with a kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Let the dough rise in a warm place for 12–18 hours, preferably overnight, until it doubles in size and becomes bubbly.
- Shape Dough: On a floured surface, gently transfer the risen dough and shape it into a round loaf without overworking it to preserve airiness.
- Second Rise and Preheat Oven: Place the shaped dough on parchment paper and let it rest for 30 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). If you have a Dutch oven, also place it inside the oven to preheat.
- Score Dough: Using a sharp knife or bread lame, carefully score the top of the dough to allow expansion during baking and create a classic artisan bread appearance.
- Bake Covered: Carefully place the dough with parchment paper into the hot Dutch oven. Cover with the lid and bake for 30 minutes. The lid traps steam, helping create a crispy crust.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the lid and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes until the crust turns golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped, indicating it is fully baked.
Notes
- Ensure the water for the yeast is warm but not too hot to avoid killing the yeast—ideally between 105°F and 115°F (40-46°C).
- The long rise time overnight develops flavor and improves texture but can be adjusted to shorter times if needed.
- Using a Dutch oven is key to creating a crispy crust mimicking artisan bread, but a heavy oven-safe pot with a lid can be substituted.
- Feel free to adjust garlic quantity based on preference; roasting garlic beforehand can add a milder, sweeter flavor.
- Fresh herbs are optional but enhance the aroma and flavor; dried herbs can be used if fresh are unavailable.
- Allow the bread to cool completely before slicing to prevent a gummy texture.