Description
This Perfect Parmesan Garlic Bread recipe creates an easy artisan-style loaf that’s crispy on the outside, tender and airy on the inside, infused with savory parmesan cheese and fragrant garlic. Made with simple ingredients and a long overnight rise, it delivers bakery-quality bread that pairs wonderfully with any meal or as a tasty snack.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 3 1/4 cups (390g) all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons (10g) salt
- 1 teaspoon (5g) granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons (7g) active dry yeast
Wet Ingredients
- 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 minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon (15g) chopped fresh rosemary or parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine 3 1/4 cups (390g) all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons (10g) salt, and 1 teaspoon (5g) granulated sugar until evenly distributed.
- Activate Yeast: In a small bowl, dissolve 2 teaspoons (7g) active dry yeast in 1 1/2 cups (360ml) warm water (about 110°F/43°C). Let it sit for approximately 5 minutes until it becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Form Dough: Pour the yeast mixture into the dry ingredients. Add 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil. Mix with a wooden spoon until just combined; the dough will be sticky, which is ideal for texture.
- Add Flavorings: Fold in 1 cup (100g) freshly grated parmesan cheese and 2–3 cloves of minced garlic. Optionally add 1 tablespoon (15g) chopped fresh rosemary or parsley for extra aroma and flavor.
- First Rise: Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Let the dough rise in a warm spot for 12–18 hours or overnight until it doubles in size and appears bubbly.
- Shape Dough: Transfer the risen dough to a floured surface. Gently shape it into a round loaf, taking care not to overwork it to preserve its airy texture.
- Preheat Oven and Rest Dough: Place the shaped dough on parchment paper. Let it rest for 30 minutes while preheating your oven to 450°F (230°C). If using a Dutch oven, preheat it inside the oven as well.
- Score Dough: Using a sharp knife or lame, score the top of the dough to allow controlled expansion during baking.
- Bake Covered: Carefully place the parchment paper with dough into the hot preheated Dutch oven. Cover with the lid and bake for 30 minutes.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the lid and bake for an additional 15 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped.
- Cool: Remove the bread from the oven and cool on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes before slicing. This step ensures the texture sets perfectly.
Notes
- Use warm water around 110°F (43°C) to properly activate the yeast without killing it.
- The long overnight rise helps develop flavor and a chewy, airy crumb structure.
- Do not overwork the dough when shaping to preserve the delicate air pockets.
- Using a Dutch oven helps create steam for a crispy crust.
- Letting the bread cool completely before slicing avoids a gummy texture.
- Freshly grated parmesan is preferred for better melting and flavor release.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: parmesan garlic bread, artisan bread, homemade bread, easy garlic bread, overnight bread dough, italian bread, parmesan cheese bread
