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Rustic Garlic Parmesan Herb Bread Recipe

4.4 from 145 reviews

This Rustic Garlic Parmesan Herb Bread is a flavorful, aromatic homemade loaf infused with garlic, parmesan cheese, and a blend of dried herbs including rosemary, basil, and oregano. Soft and slightly chewy with a crispy golden crust, this bread is perfect for dipping, sandwiches, or enjoying on its own as a savory treat.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon instant dry yeast
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 teaspoons dried rosemary
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 2 to 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese

Wet Ingredients

  • 1 cup warm water (100-110℉)
  • 6 cloves minced garlic
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon butter

Instructions

  1. Activate Yeast and Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 tablespoon instant dry yeast, 1 tablespoon granulated sugar, and 1 cup warm water. Stir in 1 teaspoon salt, 2 teaspoons dried rosemary, 1 teaspoon dried basil, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, and 6 cloves minced garlic to infuse the dough with rich herb and garlic flavors.
  2. Add Flour and Parmesan: Add 2 cups of the all-purpose flour and 1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese to the bowl. Stir until a rough dough forms. Gradually add in the remaining 1/2 cup flour until the dough is smooth and elastic. Aim for a soft and slightly tacky dough that is not sticky for the best texture.
  3. First Rise: Transfer the dough to a lightly greased bowl. Cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size, to develop flavor and texture.
  4. Prepare Oven and Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Drizzle a baking sheet with 2 tablespoons 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 onto the prepared baking sheet. Cover the loaves and let them rise for another 15 to 20 minutes to puff slightly before baking.
  6. Add Butter Topping: Top each loaf with a 1/2 tablespoon-size piece of butter. This will melt during baking to create a rich, golden crust.
  7. Bake the Bread: Bake the loaves in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom, indicating they are perfectly baked inside.
  8. Cool and Serve: Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and allow to cool on a wire rack before slicing. This resting period helps the bread set and improves texture.

Notes

  • Using warm water between 100-110℉ activates the yeast effectively without killing it.
  • If the dough is too sticky, add a small amount of flour gradually until manageable.
  • Allowing the bread to cool on a wire rack prevents the bottom from becoming soggy.
  • This bread pairs wonderfully with soups, salads, or as a base for bruschetta.
  • Store leftovers wrapped tightly at room temperature for up to 2 days or freeze for longer storage.

Keywords: Rustic Bread, Garlic Bread, Parmesan Bread, Herb Bread, Homemade Bread, Italian Bread, Savory Bread