Description
This Perfect Parmesan Garlic Bread recipe is an easy artisan-style bread featuring a crispy golden crust with a soft, airy inside infused with fragrant garlic and savory parmesan cheese. The dough is simple to prepare with a slow rise for enhanced flavor and texture, then baked in a Dutch oven for a rustic finish.
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 minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon (15g) chopped fresh rosemary or parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and granulated sugar until evenly distributed.
- Activate Yeast: In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm water (about 110°F/43°C). Let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Mix the Dough: Pour the yeast mixture into the dry ingredients. Add olive oil and stir with a wooden spoon until combined; the dough will be sticky, which is ideal.
- Add Flavorings: Fold in the freshly grated parmesan cheese, minced garlic, and if using, the chopped rosemary or parsley, ensuring even distribution throughout the dough.
- First Rise: Cover the bowl with a clean towel or plastic wrap and let the dough rise in a warm spot for 12 to 18 hours overnight, until it has doubled in size and bubbles appear.
- Shape the Dough: Turn the risen dough onto a floured surface and gently shape it into a round loaf. Be careful not to overwork the dough to keep its light texture.
- Second Rise: Place the shaped dough on parchment paper and let it rest for 30 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). If using a Dutch oven, place it in the oven to preheat as well.
- Score the Loaf: Use a sharp knife or lame to make cuts on the top of the dough. This allows the bread to expand properly during baking.
- Bake Covered: Carefully transfer the parchment paper with dough into the hot Dutch oven. Cover with the lid and bake for 30 minutes to steam and develop crust.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the lid and bake for another 15 minutes until the crust is deeply golden and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped.
- Cool Down: Remove the bread from the oven and cool on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes before slicing to set the crumb and enhance texture.
Notes
- For best flavor and texture, allow the slow rise of 12-18 hours to develop the dough fully.
- Using a Dutch oven traps steam which helps create a crusty artisan bread.
- If fresh herbs are not available, dried rosemary or parsley can be used but with less quantity.
- Letting the bread cool completely before slicing prevents a gummy texture.
- Parmesan cheese can be substituted with asiago or pecorino for different flavor nuances.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: parmesan garlic bread, artisan bread, easy bread recipe, homemade bread, garlic parmesan loaf, Dutch oven bread, slow rise bread
