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Perfect Parmesan Garlic Bread Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.2 from 81 reviews
  • Author: Kimberly
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Total Time: 12 hours 60 minutes (including rise time)
  • Yield: 1 round loaf (about 12 slices)
  • Category: Bread
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

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
  • 23 cloves minced garlic
  • 1 tablespoon (15g) chopped fresh rosemary or parsley (optional)


Instructions

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. Shape Dough: On a floured surface, gently transfer the risen dough and shape it into a round loaf without overworking it to preserve airiness.
  7. 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.
  8. 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.
  9. 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.
  10. 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.