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Garlic Parmesan Herb Bread : The Perfect Homemade Side Dish Recipe

Garlic Parmesan Herb Bread : The Perfect Homemade Side Dish Recipe

5 from 6 reviews

Garlic Parmesan Herb Bread is a flavorful homemade bread featuring a perfect blend of minced garlic, grated Parmesan cheese, and fresh herbs. This easy-to-make bread boasts a crispy crust and soft interior, making it an ideal side dish for Italian meals, soups, or as gourmet garlic toast.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 tablespoon instant yeast
  • 1 cup warm water (110°F/45°C)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Topping

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh herbs (parsley, thyme, rosemary)
  • Additional olive oil for brushing

Instructions

  1. Activate Yeast: In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit undisturbed for 5-10 minutes until the mixture is foamy, indicating the yeast is active and ready.
  2. Mix Dough: Add flour, salt, and olive oil to the yeast mixture. Stir until a rough dough forms. Knead by hand on a lightly floured surface for 8-10 minutes or use a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook for 5-6 minutes until dough is smooth and elastic.
  3. First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and leave it in a warm draft-free spot for 1-2 hours, or until the dough has doubled in size.
  4. Shape the Bread: Gently punch down the risen dough to release air. Shape it into a loaf or your preferred form and place it on a greased baking sheet or in a loaf pan.
  5. Prepare Topping: In a small bowl, mix together the minced garlic, grated Parmesan cheese, and chopped fresh herbs until well combined.
  6. Add Topping: Brush the surface of the shaped dough generously with olive oil. Evenly sprinkle the garlic-Parmesan-herb mixture over the top to ensure flavorful coverage.
  7. Final Rise: Cover the dough again and let it rise for an additional 30-40 minutes until slightly puffy. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  8. Bake: Place the bread in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
  9. Cool: Remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool slightly on a wire rack before slicing to retain its structure and texture.

Notes

  • Use fresh Parmesan cheese for the best melt and flavor profile.
  • You can knead the dough by hand if you don’t have a stand mixer; it just requires a bit more effort.
  • Dried herbs can be used in place of fresh herbs; use 1 teaspoon dried herbs for every 1 tablespoon fresh.
  • Store bread in an airtight container or wrapped in foil at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze for longer preservation.
  • Use a kitchen thermometer to ensure water temperature is around 110°F (45°C) for optimal yeast activation.

Nutrition

Keywords: Garlic bread, Parmesan bread, herb bread, homemade bread, Italian side dish, garlic herb bread recipe