Description
This Perfect Parmesan Garlic Bread recipe offers an easy way to make artisan-style bread at home with a crispy crust and a soft, flavorful interior, enhanced by garlic, parmesan, and fresh herbs. It requires minimal ingredients and involves a slow rise for maximum flavor and texture.
Ingredients
Scale
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 of 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, mixing them evenly to prepare the base for the dough.
- Activate Yeast: In a small bowl, dissolve active dry yeast in warm water (around 110°F/43°C). Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Combine Ingredients: Pour the yeast mixture into the dry ingredients. Add olive oil and mix thoroughly with a wooden spoon until the dough is combined and sticky, which is the ideal texture for this bread.
- Add Flavorings: Fold in freshly grated parmesan cheese, minced garlic, and if using, chopped fresh rosemary or parsley evenly throughout the dough.
- First Rise: Cover the bowl with a kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let the dough rise in a warm place for 12–18 hours or overnight, allowing it to double in size and develop bubbles.
- Shape Dough: After the dough has risen, transfer it to a floured surface and gently shape it into a round loaf, being careful not to overwork the dough to keep it airy.
- Rest and Preheat: Place the shaped dough on parchment paper and let it rest for 30 minutes while preheating the oven to 450°F (230°C). If using a Dutch oven, place it in the oven to heat as well.
- Score Dough: Score the top of the rested dough with a sharp knife to control expansion during baking.
- Bake Covered: Carefully transfer the parchment paper and dough into the preheated Dutch oven, cover it, and bake for 30 minutes to create steam and a crispy crust.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the lid and bake for another 15 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped.
- Cool: Let the bread cool on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes before slicing to set the texture and enhance flavor.
Notes
- Using a warm place for dough rising helps activate the yeast fully.
- Resting the dough overnight allows for natural fermentation and better flavor development.
- Preheating the Dutch oven is crucial for creating the steam that forms the crispy crust.
- Scoring the dough helps prevent undesirable cracking during baking.
- Allow the bread to cool completely to avoid gummy texture when slicing.
- Fresh herbs are optional but add a lovely aroma and flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: parmesan garlic bread, artisan bread, homemade bread, easy garlic bread, Italian bread, parmesan bread
