Perfect Parmesan Garlic Bread Recipe: Easy Artisan-Style Homemade Loaf Recipe

Introduction

Enjoy the warm, fragrant aroma of freshly baked Parmesan garlic bread with this easy artisan-style recipe. Soft on the inside and crispy on the outside, this bread is perfect for serving alongside your favorite meals or as a delicious snack on its own.

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
• 1 cup (100g) freshly grated parmesan cheese
• 2–3 cloves of minced garlic
• 1 tablespoon (15g) chopped fresh rosemary or parsley (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and granulated sugar.
2. Step 2: In a small bowl, dissolve the active dry yeast in warm water and let it sit for about 5 minutes until foamy.
3. Step 3: Pour the yeast mixture into the dry ingredients. Add olive oil and mix together with a wooden spoon until combined. The dough will be sticky.
4. Step 4: Fold in the parmesan cheese and minced garlic. Add chopped rosemary or parsley if using.
5. Step 5: Cover the bowl with a clean towel or plastic wrap and let the dough rise in a warm place for 12–18 hours, until doubled in size and bubbly.
6. Step 6: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and gently shape it into a round loaf without overworking.
7. Step 7: Place the dough on parchment paper and let it rest for 30 minutes while preheating the oven to 450°F (230°C). If using, preheat a Dutch oven inside the oven.
8. Step 8: Score the top of the dough with a sharp knife to allow expansion during baking.
9. Step 9: Carefully place the parchment paper and dough into the hot Dutch oven. Cover and bake for 30 minutes.
10. Step 10: Remove the lid and bake for an additional 15 minutes until the top is golden and the bread sounds hollow when tapped.
11. Step 11: Let the bread cool on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes before slicing to set the texture.

Tips & Variations

• Use fresh garlic and parmesan for the best flavor intensity.
• Try swapping rosemary for thyme or basil for a different herbal note.
• For a crispier crust, bake the bread directly on a preheated baking stone instead of a Dutch oven.
• If you don’t have parmesan, a mix of mozzarella and pecorino can add a unique twist.

Storage

Store leftover bread wrapped in a clean kitchen towel or in a paper bag at room temperature for up to 2 days. To refresh, reheat slices in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this bread without a Dutch oven?

Yes, you can bake the bread on a preheated baking stone or a baking sheet. To mimic steam for a crisp crust, place a pan of water in the oven while baking.

How long does the dough need to rise?

The dough should rise for 12 to 18 hours at room temperature until it doubles in size and becomes bubbly. This slow rise develops flavor and texture.

Perfect Parmesan Garlic Bread Recipe: Easy Artisan-Style Homemade Loaf Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 83 reviews

• Author: Zoe
• Total Time: 13-18 hours (including rising time)
• Yield: 1 round loaf (about 8–10 servings) 1x

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Description

This Perfect Parmesan Garlic Bread is an easy artisan-style recipe that combines a crispy, golden crust with a soft, airy interior. Infused with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, and optional fresh herbs, this homemade bread is perfect for serving alongside your favorite meals or as a delicious snack. Using a simple overnight rise and baking in a Dutch oven ensures excellent texture and flavor every time.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

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

Flavorings

• 1 cup (100g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 2–3 cloves of minced garlic
• 1 tablespoon (15g) chopped fresh rosemary or parsley (optional)

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Instructions

1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, stir together the all-purpose flour, salt, and granulated sugar until evenly mixed.
2. Activate Yeast: In a small bowl, dissolve the active dry yeast into warm water (around 110°F/43°C) and let it sit for about 5 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
3. Mix Dough: Pour the foamy yeast mixture into the dry ingredients. Add olive oil and mix everything together with a wooden spoon until combined. The dough will be sticky, which is expected.
4. Add Cheese and Garlic: Fold in freshly grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, and if desired, chopped fresh rosemary or parsley. Mix gently to incorporate these flavorings evenly throughout the dough.
5. First Rise: Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Let the dough rise in a warm place for 12–18 hours or overnight until it doubles in size and becomes bubbly.
6. Shape Dough: Turn the risen dough out onto a floured surface. Gently shape it into a round loaf, being careful not to overwork the dough to preserve its airy texture.
7. Prepare for Baking: Place the shaped dough onto a piece of parchment paper. Let it rest for 30 minutes while preheating the oven to 450°F (230°C). If using a Dutch oven, place it inside the oven to preheat as well.
8. Score the Dough: Using a sharp knife or bread lame, score the top of the dough to allow it to expand evenly during baking.
9. Bake Covered: Carefully place the parchment paper and dough into the hot Dutch oven. Cover with the lid and bake for 30 minutes to create steam that helps develop a crispy crust.
10. Bake Uncovered: Remove the lid and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
11. Cool: Transfer the bread to a wire rack and let it cool completely for at least 30 minutes before slicing to ensure proper texture and flavor.

Notes

• Using warm water is essential to activate the yeast properly without killing it.
• The long overnight rise enhances flavor and develops the perfect crust and crumb.
• Scoring the dough allows it to expand without cracking unevenly.
• Using a Dutch oven traps steam, which is key for achieving an artisan-style crust.
• Let the bread cool fully before slicing to avoid a gummy texture inside.
• Fresh herbs can be substituted or omitted according to preference.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Bread
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Keywords: Parmesan garlic bread, artisan bread, homemade bread, easy garlic bread, no knead bread, Dutch oven bread, overnight bread