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
- 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 all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons salt, and 1 teaspoon sugar thoroughly.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
