Garlic Herb Braided Bread Recipe

Introduction

Garlic Herb Braided Bread is a flavorful, aromatic loaf perfect for any meal. This soft and chewy bread is enriched with garlic, herbs, and parmesan cheese, then beautifully braided for an impressive presentation.

Ingredients

• 3 cups all-purpose or bread flour
• 2¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
• 1 cup warm water (110°F)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 3–4 cloves garlic, minced or roasted
• 1 tbsp dried mixed herbs (oregano, thyme, basil) or 2 tbsp fresh
• ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1 tbsp melted butter (for brushing)
• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes
• 2 tbsp shredded mozzarella
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine warm water and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast on top and let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
2. Step 2: Stir in olive oil, garlic, herbs, salt, and 2½ cups of flour. Mix until a soft, shaggy dough forms. Gradually add the remaining flour as needed to form a manageable dough.
3. Step 3: Knead the dough by hand or with a mixer for 6–8 minutes. Add the grated parmesan cheese halfway through kneading to incorporate it evenly.
4. Step 4: Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, cover it, and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
5. Step 5: Punch down the dough and divide it into three equal parts. Roll each into 14–16 inch ropes and braid them together. Tuck the ends underneath and place the braid on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
6. Step 6: Cover loosely and let the braided dough rise again for 30–40 minutes until slightly puffy.
7. Step 7: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush the loaf with melted butter and sprinkle on red pepper flakes and shredded mozzarella cheese, if using.
8. Step 8: Bake the bread for 25–30 minutes until golden brown and fragrant. Remove from oven and let it cool slightly before slicing. Garnish with fresh parsley.

Tips & Variations

• For a richer garlic flavor, roast the garlic cloves before mincing.
• Substitute the parmesan with asiago or pecorino cheese for a different twist.
• Add chopped olives or sun-dried tomatoes into the dough for added texture and flavor.
• Brush the bread with an egg wash instead of butter for a glossy crust.

Storage

Store the bread in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze the loaf wrapped in foil and plastic for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw completely, then warm in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes, you can substitute instant yeast. Reduce the warm water by a tablespoon and mix the instant yeast directly with the flour before adding the water.

What if my dough is too sticky to handle?

If the dough feels too sticky, gradually add a little more flour, a tablespoon at a time, until it becomes smooth and elastic but still slightly tacky.

Garlic Herb Braided Bread Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 90 reviews

• Author: Andria
• Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
• Yield: 1 loaf (about 10–12 slices) 1x

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Description

This Garlic Herb Braided Bread is a beautifully braided loaf infused with fragrant garlic, mixed herbs, and parmesan cheese. Perfect as a savory side or a centerpiece for any meal, it combines soft, chewy texture with a golden crust topped with melted butter, herbs, and a touch of cheese.

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Ingredients

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Dough Ingredients

• 3 cups all-purpose or bread flour
• 2¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
• 1 cup warm water (110°F)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 3–4 cloves garlic, minced or roasted
• 1 tbsp dried mixed herbs (oregano, thyme, basil) or 2 tbsp fresh herbs
• ½ cup grated parmesan cheese

Topping Ingredients

• 1 tbsp melted butter (for brushing)
• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes
• 2 tbsp shredded mozzarella
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley for garnish

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Instructions

1. Activate Yeast: In a large bowl, combine warm water and sugar. Sprinkle yeast on top and let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy to ensure the yeast is active.
2. Form Dough: Stir in olive oil, garlic, herbs, salt, and 2½ cups of flour. Mix until a soft, shaggy dough forms. Gradually add remaining flour as needed to achieve the right consistency.
3. Knead Dough: Knead the dough by hand or with a mixer for 6–8 minutes to develop gluten. Add the grated parmesan cheese halfway through kneading to incorporate the flavor evenly.
4. First Rise: Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
5. Shape the Bread: Punch down the risen dough, divide it into 3 equal parts, and roll each into 14–16 inch ropes. Braid the ropes together, tuck the ends underneath neatly, and place the loaf on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
6. Second Rise: Cover the braided loaf loosely and let it rise again for 30–40 minutes until puffed.
7. Prepare for Baking: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush the loaf with melted butter for a golden crust. Sprinkle optional toppings such as red pepper flakes and shredded mozzarella on top.
8. Bake: Bake the bread for 25–30 minutes, or until it is golden brown and fragrant. Remove from oven and let it cool slightly before slicing.

Notes

• You can substitute fresh herbs for dried; use double the amount of fresh herbs.
• For a deeper garlic flavor, roast the garlic cloves before adding.
• Ensure water is warm but not hot to avoid killing the yeast.
• Let the bread cool slightly before slicing to make cutting easier and to keep the texture intact.
• Store leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or freeze for longer storage.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Bread
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Keywords: Garlic Herb Bread, Braided Bread, Parmesan Bread, Homemade Bread, Savory Bread