Garlic Parmesan Herb Bread is a delightful treat that has a way of bringing people together. The moment you pull this golden-brown loaf from the oven, the irresistible aroma of garlic and herbs fills the air, making it hard to resist a warm slice. This recipe is not just about satisfying your taste buds; it carries a rich history rooted in Italian cuisine, where bread has always been a staple. Over the years, Garlic Parmesan Herb Bread has become a beloved favorite in many households, thanks to its perfect balance of flavors and textures. The crispy crust combined with the soft, buttery interior creates a mouthwatering experience that keeps everyone coming back for more. Whether served as an appetizer, a side dish, or a snack, this bread is incredibly convenient to make and pairs beautifully with a variety of meals. Join me as we dive into this delicious recipe that is sure to become a cherished addition to your culinary repertoire!
Ingredients:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup warm water (about 110°F or 43°C)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon melted butter (for brushing)
Preparing the Dough
- In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This step is crucial as it activates the yeast, ensuring your bread rises beautifully.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center of the flour mixture.
- Once the yeast mixture is frothy, pour it into the well in the flour. Add the olive oil at this stage as well.
- Using a wooden spoon or your hands, mix the ingredients until they start to come together. You want to form a shaggy dough that pulls away from the sides of the bowl.
- Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, sprinkle a little more flour as needed.
- Once kneaded, shape the dough into a ball and place it in a greased bowl, turning it to coat the surface with oil. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap.
- Let the dough rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size. This is the time to be patient; the yeast is doing its magic!
Preparing the Garlic Parmesan Herb Mixture
- While the dough is rising, prepare the garlic Parmesan herb mixture. In a small bowl, combine the minced garlic, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, rosemary, thyme, and Italian seasoning. Mix well to ensure the herbs and cheese are evenly distributed.
- Set this mixture aside. The aroma of garlic and herbs will make your kitchen smell divine!
Shaping the Bread
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release the air. Transfer it back to a floured surface.
- Roll the dough out into a rectangle, about 12×18 inches in size. The thickness should be about ½ inch. This will give you enough surface area to spread the garlic Parmesan herb mixture evenly.
- Spread the garlic Parmesan herb mixture evenly over the rolled-out dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Make sure to cover every inch for maximum flavor!
- Starting from one long edge, carefully roll the dough into a tight log. Pinch the seams to seal it well. This will help keep the filling inside while baking.
- Once rolled, shape the log into a spiral or coil, tucking the end underneath. This will create a beautiful presentation when baked.
- Place the shaped dough into a greased 9-inch round cake pan or a baking dish. Cover it again with a kitchen towel and let it rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until it has puffed up nicely.
Baking the Bread
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) while the dough is rising. This ensures that the oven is hot enough to give your bread a nice crust.
- Once the dough has risen, brush the top with melted butter. This will give it a lovely golden color and add extra flavor.
- Bake the bread in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. The aroma will be irresistible!
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup warm water (about 110°F or 43°C)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon melted butter (for brushing)
- In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center of the flour mixture.
- Once the yeast mixture is frothy, pour it into the well in the flour. Add the olive oil.
- Using a wooden spoon or your hands, mix the ingredients until they start to come together into a shaggy dough.
- Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a greased bowl, turning to coat with oil. Cover with a kitchen towel or plastic wrap.
- Let the dough rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- In a small bowl, combine the minced garlic, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, rosemary, thyme, and Italian seasoning. Mix well and set aside.
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently and transfer it back to a floured surface.
- Roll the dough out into a rectangle, about 12×18 inches and ½ inch thick.
- Spread the garlic Parmesan herb mixture evenly over the rolled-out dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Starting from one long edge, roll the dough into a tight log and pinch the seams to seal.
- Shape the log into a spiral or coil, tucking the end underneath, and place it in a greased 9-inch round cake pan.
- Cover and let it rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until puffed up.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Once the dough has risen, brush the top with melted butter.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Ensure the water is warm but not hot to avoid killing the yeast.
- Feel free to experiment with different herbs based on your preference.
- This bread is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for a few days.
Conclusion:
In summary, this Garlic Parmesan Herb Bread is an absolute must-try for anyone looking to elevate their bread game. The combination of rich garlic, savory Parmesan, and fragrant herbs creates a flavor explosion that will have your taste buds dancing with joy. Whether you serve it as a side dish to your favorite pasta, use it to soak up delicious sauces, or enjoy it on its own with a smear of butter, this bread is versatile enough to complement any meal.
Feel free to get creative with your serving suggestions! You can add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick, or swap out the herbs for your favorites—basil, thyme, or even a hint of rosemary can add a delightful twist. If you’re feeling adventurous, try incorporating some sun-dried tomatoes or olives into the dough for an extra layer of flavor.
I encourage you to give this Garlic Parmesan Herb Bread a try and share your experience with friends and family. I would love to hear how it turned out for you! Whether you enjoyed it fresh out of the oven or as leftovers the next day, your feedback is invaluable. So roll up your sleeves, get baking, and let the aroma of this delicious bread fill your kitchen. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be making it again and again!
Garlic Parmesan Herb Bread: A Delicious Recipe for Flavorful Homemade Loaf
This Garlic Parmesan Herb Bread features a soft, fluffy dough infused with aromatic garlic and fresh herbs, creating a delightful homemade treat. With its golden crust and savory filling, it's perfect as a side dish or snack that will impress everyone.
