Rustic Garlic Parmesan Herb Bread Recipe

Introduction

This rustic garlic parmesan herb bread is a flavorful and aromatic treat, perfect for pairing with soups, salads, or enjoying on its own. With fragrant herbs, minced garlic, and savory parmesan, it’s a delicious homemade loaf that’s surprisingly easy to make.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon instant dry yeast
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 1 cup warm water (100-110℉)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons dried rosemary
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 to 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon butter

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, combine the instant dry yeast, granulated sugar, and warm water. Stir in the salt, dried rosemary, dried basil, dried oregano, and minced garlic.
2. Step 2: Add 2 cups of the all-purpose flour and the grated parmesan cheese to the bowl. Stir until a rough dough forms. Gradually add the remaining flour until the dough is smooth and elastic. The dough should be soft and slightly tacky but not sticky.
3. Step 3: Transfer the dough to a lightly greased bowl. Cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
4. Step 4: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Drizzle a baking sheet with olive oil.
5. Step 5: Once risen, divide the dough into two equal portions. Shape each into a round loaf and place on the prepared baking sheet. Cover and let rise another 15 to 20 minutes.
6. Step 6: Top each loaf with a small piece of butter (about 1/2 tablespoon size).
7. Step 7: Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until golden brown and the loaves sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
8. Step 8: Remove from the oven and cool on a wire rack before slicing.

Tips & Variations

• Use fresh herbs if available for a brighter flavor, but dried herbs work well too.
• For a richer taste, brush the baked bread with a bit of garlic butter after baking.
• Try adding a handful of chopped sun-dried tomatoes or olives for a Mediterranean twist.
• Adjust the garlic amount to taste for a milder or stronger garlic flavor.

Storage

Store the bread in an airtight container or wrapped in foil at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze the loaves wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to 3 months. Reheat slices in a toaster or oven to restore crispness.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?

Yes, you can use active dry yeast but it should be dissolved in warm water and allowed to activate for about 5-10 minutes before mixing with other ingredients.

How can I tell when the bread is fully baked?

The bread is done when it turns golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. Using an instant-read thermometer to check for an internal temperature of around 190°F (88°C) can also help.

Rustic Garlic Parmesan Herb Bread Recipe

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4.8 from 125 reviews

This Rustic Garlic Parmesan Herb Bread is a flavorful homemade loaf infused with garlic and a blend of aromatic dried herbs like rosemary, basil, and oregano. It combines the sharpness of parmesan cheese with a soft, slightly chewy texture, perfect for serving warm alongside soups, salads, or as a savory snack.

• Author: liam
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
• Yield: 2 loaves 1x
• Category: Bread
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dough Mixture

• 1 tablespoon instant dry yeast
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 1 cup warm water (100-110℉)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons dried rosemary
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 6 cloves minced garlic
• 2 to 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese

For Baking

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon butter (for topping)

Instructions

1. Activate yeast and mix herbs: In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 tablespoon instant dry yeast, 1 tablespoon granulated sugar, and 1 cup warm water (between 100-110°F) to activate the yeast. Stir in 1 teaspoon salt, 2 teaspoons dried rosemary, 1 teaspoon dried basil, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, and 6 cloves minced garlic until well incorporated.
2. Form dough: Add 2 cups of all-purpose flour and 1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese to the bowl. Stir to create a rough dough. Gradually incorporate the remaining 1/2 cup flour (or as needed) until the dough is smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky but not sticky.
3. First rise: Transfer the dough to a lightly greased bowl, covering it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour until the dough has doubled in size.
4. Preheat oven and prepare baking sheet: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Drizzle a baking sheet with 2 tablespoons of olive oil to prevent sticking and add flavor.
5. Shape and second rise: Once the dough has risen, divide it into two equal portions. Shape each portion into a round loaf and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Cover again and let the loaves rise for another 15 to 20 minutes to puff up.
6. Butter topping: Place a 1/2 tablespoon-sized piece of butter on top of each loaf to enrich the crust during baking.
7. Bake the bread: Bake the loaves in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and produce a hollow sound when tapped on the bottom, indicating doneness.
8. Cooling: Remove the bread from the oven and transfer it onto a wire rack to cool before slicing to ensure the crumb sets properly.

Notes

• Use warm water between 100-110°F to properly activate the yeast without killing it.
• You can substitute fresh herbs for dried but adjust quantities accordingly.
• Allowing the dough to rise fully enhances the texture and flavor of the bread.
• The butter on top helps achieve a richer crust and adds a nice shine once baked.
• Store leftover bread in a sealed container or bread box to maintain freshness.
• This bread freezes well; thaw at room temperature and refresh in the oven if desired.

Keywords: rustic bread, garlic bread, herb bread, parmesan bread, homemade bread, savory bread