This Garlic Parmesan Herb Bread is the perfect savory side dish, bursting with fragrant garlic, aromatic herbs, and a rich parmesan flavor. With crispy, golden edges and a soft, flavorful inside, this bread will elevate any meal, from pasta to soups, or even as a standalone snack. Freshly baked, it’s a comforting and irresistible addition to your bread-baking repertoire.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Garlic Parmesan Herb Bread combines all the best elements of savory baking: rich garlic, nutty parmesan, and aromatic herbs. The bread has a crispy crust that contrasts beautifully with the soft, fluffy interior. It’s so easy to make and filled with bold flavors that make it the perfect accompaniment to your favorite dishes. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or enjoying a cozy meal at home, this bread is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 packet dry active yeast
- 3/4 cup warm water
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon dried basil
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- In a bowl, combine the warm water and sugar, and stir in the yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy.
- Add the olive oil, flour, and salt to the yeast mixture, stirring until the dough begins to come together. Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes until smooth.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl and cover it with a cloth. Let it rise for 1 hour or until the dough has doubled in size.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Punch down the dough and shape it into a loaf. Place the loaf on a greased baking sheet.
- In a small bowl, mix the minced garlic, parmesan cheese, oregano, and basil. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the loaf.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown. Let the bread cool slightly before slicing.
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Servings: 8 servings
Variations
- Cheese Variations: You can add a combination of cheeses like mozzarella or asiago for a richer flavor.
- Add-ins: Add finely chopped fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme for an extra burst of flavor.
- Garlic Butter Glaze: Brush the top of the loaf with melted garlic butter before baking for an even more intense garlic flavor.
- Gluten-Free: For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend instead of regular flour.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To keep it fresh longer, you can refrigerate it for up to a week.
- Reheating: Reheat the bread in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes to restore its crispy crust.
FAQs
1. Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour. Just keep in mind that the texture might be a bit denser, and you may need to add a little extra water.
2. Can I make this bread ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough and let it rise in the fridge overnight. The next day, bring it to room temperature before baking.
3. Can I freeze this garlic parmesan bread?
Yes, you can freeze the bread after it cools. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or reheat in the oven when ready to serve.
4. How can I make the bread more garlicky?
You can increase the amount of minced garlic in the bread and sprinkle additional garlic powder on top of the loaf for an even more intense garlic flavor.
5. Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried herbs?
Yes, you can use fresh herbs in place of dried herbs. Just double the amount since fresh herbs are less concentrated.
6. Can I add a bit of sweetness to the bread?
If you like a slightly sweeter flavor, you can add a tablespoon of honey or maple syrup to the dough.
7. Can I use a bread machine for this recipe?
Yes, you can use a bread machine to make the dough. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions, but be sure to add the garlic and parmesan topping manually before baking.
8. How do I know when the bread is done baking?
The bread is done when it’s golden brown on top and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. You can also check with a toothpick; it should come out clean when inserted into the center of the loaf.
9. Can I make mini loaves of this bread?
Yes, you can divide the dough into smaller portions and bake them as mini loaves. Reduce the baking time slightly, and check for doneness by tapping the bottom to see if it sounds hollow.
10. Can I make this bread without yeast?
For a quick version, you can try using baking powder instead of yeast. However, this will change the texture and flavor, and it won’t have the same chewy consistency.
Conclusion
Garlic Parmesan Herb Bread is a savory, aromatic, and satisfying treat that will enhance any meal. With its perfect balance of garlic, parmesan, and herbs, it’s a versatile side that pairs wonderfully with pasta, soups, or a fresh salad. The crispy edges and soft interior make this homemade bread irresistible. Easy to make and full of flavor, this bread will quickly become a favorite addition to your meal rotations! Enjoy the delightful aroma and taste of fresh, homemade garlic parmesan herb bread anytime!
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Garlic Parmesan Herb Bread
This Garlic Parmesan Herb Bread is the perfect savory side dish, bursting with rich garlic, nutty parmesan, and aromatic herbs. With its crispy golden crust and soft, flavorful inside, it pairs beautifully with pasta, soups, or can be enjoyed as a standalone snack. Easy to make and packed with bold flavors, this homemade bread is sure to elevate any meal.
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 packet dry active yeast
- 3/4 cup warm water
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon dried basil
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine warm water and sugar, stirring in the yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
- Add olive oil, flour, and salt to the yeast mixture, mixing until the dough forms. Knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Punch down the dough and shape it into a loaf. Place it on a greased baking sheet.
- In a small bowl, mix minced garlic, parmesan, oregano, and basil. Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the top of the loaf.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown. Cool slightly before slicing.
Notes
- Cheese Variations: Use mozzarella, asiago, or a mix of cheeses for added depth of flavor.
- Add-ins: For more flavor, add fresh chopped herbs like rosemary or thyme.
- Garlic Butter Glaze: For a richer taste, brush the loaf with melted garlic butter before baking.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free flour blend to make this bread gluten-free.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Bread, Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
