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Rustic Garlic Parmesan Herb Bread Recipe

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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