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.

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

Flavorings

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

Instructions

Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, stir together the all-purpose flour, salt, and granulated sugar until evenly mixed.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Score the Dough: Using a sharp knife or bread lame, score the top of the dough to allow it to expand evenly during baking.
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.
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.
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