Description
This Perfect Parmesan Garlic Bread recipe offers an easy artisan-style loaf infused with garlic, fresh herbs, and rich parmesan cheese. Featuring a long, slow rise for maximum flavor and a crusty exterior from baking in a Dutch oven, this bread is ideal for serving alongside meals or enjoying as a savory snack.
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
Flavoring Ingredients
- 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 thoroughly to prepare the base of your dough.
- Activate Yeast: In a small bowl, dissolve the active dry yeast in warm water (about 110°F/43°C) and let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Combine Ingredients: Pour the yeast mixture into the dry ingredients, add olive oil, and mix with a wooden spoon until combined. The dough will be sticky, which is expected and desired.
- Add Flavorings: Fold in the freshly grated parmesan cheese, minced garlic, and if using, the chopped rosemary or parsley, evenly distributing the flavors 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 to 18 hours, or overnight, until doubled in size and bubbly.
- Shape Dough: Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and gently shape it into a round loaf, taking care not to overwork it to preserve its airy texture.
- Preheat Oven & Rest Dough: Place the shaped dough on parchment paper and let it rest for 30 minutes while preheating your oven to 450°F (230°C). If you have a Dutch oven, place it inside to preheat as well.
- Score Loaf: After resting, score the top of the dough with a sharp knife or lame to allow expansion during baking.
- Bake Covered: Carefully place the parchment with the dough into the hot Dutch oven, cover it with the lid, and bake for 30 minutes.
- 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.
- Cool Bread: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes before slicing to allow the crumb to set.
Notes
- Using a Dutch oven is key to achieving a crispy crust and moist crumb, but you can bake on a baking stone or sheet if necessary, just adjust bake times as needed.
- Letting the dough rise slowly overnight enhances flavor and texture through fermentation.
- Feel free to substitute fresh herbs based on your preference or omit if unavailable.
- Allowing the bread to cool fully prevents a gummy texture when sliced.
- To store, wrap leftover bread in a cloth bag or paper and keep at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- 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, parmesan bread, Dutch oven bread
