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Perfect Parmesan Garlic Bread Recipe — Easy Artisan Style Loaf Recipe

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  • Author: admin
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Total Time: 13 hours (including rising time)
  • Yield: 1 round loaf (about 12 slices)
  • Category: Bread
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Description

This Perfect Parmesan Garlic Bread recipe creates a beautifully crusty artisan-style round loaf infused with fresh garlic, aromatic rosemary or parsley, and rich parmesan cheese. The bread is soft and chewy on the inside with a golden, crisp crust achieved by baking in a preheated Dutch oven. It requires simple ingredients, an overnight rise for superb flavor and texture, making it an easy yet impressive bread for any meal.


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
  • 23 cloves minced garlic
  • 1 tablespoon (15g) chopped fresh rosemary or parsley (optional)


Instructions

  1. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons salt, and 1 teaspoon sugar thoroughly.
  2. Activate Yeast: In a small bowl, dissolve 2 teaspoons active dry yeast in 1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F/43°C). Let it rest for 5 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy, confirming the yeast is active.
  3. Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the yeast mixture into the flour mixture, add 2 tablespoons olive oil, and stir with a wooden spoon until just combined. The dough will be sticky, which helps keep it soft.
  4. Add Flavorings: Fold in 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese, 2–3 cloves minced garlic, and if desired, 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary or parsley to infuse the dough with savory aroma.
  5. First Rise: Cover the bowl with a towel or plastic wrap and let the dough rise in a warm place for 12–18 hours (overnight) until it has doubled in size and looks bubbly.
  6. Shape Dough: Lightly flour a work surface and transfer the risen dough. Gently shape it into a round loaf without overworking it to preserve airiness.
  7. Second Rise and Preheat Oven: Place the loaf on parchment paper and let it rest for 30 minutes while preheating your oven to 450°F (230°C). If using a Dutch oven, place it inside the oven to heat as well.
  8. Score the Loaf: Using a sharp knife or bread lame, carefully score the surface of the dough to allow expansion during baking and create a classic artisan look.
  9. Bake with Steam: Transfer the dough with the parchment paper into the hot Dutch oven, cover with the lid, and bake for 30 minutes. The lid traps steam, helping develop a crisp crust.
  10. Finish Baking: Remove the lid and bake an additional 15 minutes until the crust is deeply golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.

Notes

  • Ensure water temperature is around 110°F (43°C) to properly activate the yeast without killing it.
  • Do not overwork the dough during shaping to maintain its airy texture.
  • Using a Dutch oven traps steam, which is key to developing a crispy crust similar to artisan breads.
  • The optional herbs add freshness but can be omitted if desired.
  • Allow the bread to cool completely before slicing for the best texture.