Get ready to fall head over heels for Garlic Parmesan Herb Bread! This loaf is everything you crave in a homemade bread: golden and crisp on the outside, fluffy and aromatic within, and bursting with the savory richness of garlic, Parmesan, and a bouquet of fresh and dried herbs. Whether you’re new to bread-making or a seasoned baker, this recipe will turn your kitchen into a cozy, irresistible bakery, and it’s certain to leave everyone asking for seconds—if there’s any left at all.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully simple but each one plays a key role, bringing depth, structure, and savory flavor to your Garlic Parmesan Herb Bread. Don’t be tempted to skip or swap—every item on this list adds something special!
- All-purpose flour: This forms the backbone of the bread, giving you a trustworthy, soft crumb every single time.
- Sugar: Just a touch to help activate the yeast and round out the flavor.
- Instant yeast: The secret to an easy, reliable rise for fluffy, well-structured bread.
- Salt: Essential for balancing flavors and fortifying the savory elements.
- Warm water (110°F): Kickstarts the yeast—make sure it’s not too hot or too cold for best results.
- Olive oil: Adds richness and a lovely tender texture to the crumb.
- Minced garlic: The star of the show! Fresh garlic infuses the loaf with irresistible, robust flavor.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Delivers saltiness, melt-in-your-mouth richness, and that classic Italian touch.
- Chopped fresh parsley: Lends fresh, green brightness and color to every slice.
- Dried oregano: Classic herbaceous flavor that complements the garlic beautifully.
- Dried basil: Gives lovely sweet and earthy notes for irresistible complexity.
- Melted butter (for brushing): Bathes the crust in glossy flavor, adding richness and helping the herbs stick.
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Herb Bread
Step 1: Mix Your Base Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, instant yeast, and salt. Give this dry mixture a good stir—think of it as setting the stage for perfectly airy, flavorful bread. Add the warm water and olive oil, and gently stir everything together until a shaggy dough begins to form. Expect a rustic look at this stage; that’s exactly what you want.
Step 2: Knead the Dough
Turn your dough out onto a lightly floured surface and start kneading with happy hands. You’re looking for a smooth, elastic texture, which should take about 6 to 8 minutes. This is your moment to shine—kneading brings the dough together and develops gluten for a pillowy loaf. Once you have a cohesive, velvety ball, transfer it into a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise somewhere warm until doubled in size, about an hour.
Step 3: Shape and Add the Herb Topping
Punch down the dough (so satisfying!) and shape it into a loaf for your pan or a rustic round for your baking sheet. In a small bowl, combine your minced garlic, grated Parmesan, parsley, oregano, and basil. Sprinkle this savory mixture generously over the dough, gently pressing it in to make sure it clings to the surface. The aroma is already heavenly!
Step 4: Proof and Bake
Let your prepared dough rest for 15 to 20 minutes—it’s a quick second rise called “proofing” that helps it bake up tall and fluffy. Slide it into a preheated 375°F oven and let it bake for 25 to 30 minutes. The kitchen will smell unbeatable as it turns golden brown and the crust develops a gentle crunch.
Step 5: Brush and Cool
As soon as your Garlic Parmesan Herb Bread emerges from the oven, brush the warm crust generously with melted butter. This final step adds even more flavor and a shiny, bakery-quality finish. Allow your masterpiece to cool just a little before slicing—bread this good deserves a moment to rest!
How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Herb Bread
Garnishes
Sprinkle a little extra fresh parsley or shaved Parmesan on warm slices just before serving for eye-catching color and a flavor burst. Try rubbing a peeled garlic clove on the crust for extra garlicky punch, or drizzle a little extra-virgin olive oil across each piece for Mediterranean flair.
Side Dishes
Garlic Parmesan Herb Bread is a dream alongside any pasta dish, such as rich tomato-based sauces or creamy Alfredo. It’s perfect for dunking into hot soups—think tomato bisque or minestrone. You’ll also love it next to a crisp salad or piled with roasted vegetables for a truly complete meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, slice your loaf into thick strips and offer them with a trio of dips—marinara, herbed olive oil, and whipped feta are perfect. Or, use the bread as a base for open-faced sandwiches topped with roasted veggies or charcuterie, turning it into a show-stopping appetizer platter. You can even cube it to make irresistible homemade croutons.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Garlic Parmesan Herb Bread wrapped tightly in foil or an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. It stays fresh and soft, and a quick warm-up brings back its bakery-fresh feel.
Freezing
If you want to save some for a rainy day, let the bread cool completely, then wrap it in plastic followed by foil before tucking it into the freezer. It keeps beautifully for up to three months. Thaw on the counter (still wrapped) so it doesn’t dry out.
Reheating
To revive that just-baked magic, pop a few slices in a 350°F oven for about 5 minutes or toast them gently. The crust crisps back up and the herby aroma returns as if it were fresh from the oven all over again.
FAQs
Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?
Absolutely! Fresh oregano and basil will make your Garlic Parmesan Herb Bread even more vibrant. Just double the amount—fresh herbs are less concentrated than dried, so you’ll want bigger handfuls for full flavor.
What if I don’t have instant yeast?
You can swap in active dry yeast—just dissolve it in the warm water with a pinch of sugar and let it bubble for a few minutes before proceeding with the recipe. The rising times may be a bit longer, but the bread will still turn out delicious.
Can I make this bread gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute your favorite 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour, and check that your yeast is also certified gluten-free. The texture may be a bit different, but all the garlicky, herby flavors shine through, making this a great option for everyone.
Is it okay to use pre-grated Parmesan?
While freshly grated Parmesan melts and blends best for ultimate flavor and texture, pre-grated cheese works in a pinch. Avoid the very fine, powdery kind for maximum melt and taste in your Garlic Parmesan Herb Bread.
How do I know when the bread is done baking?
The loaf should be gorgeously golden brown, and if you tap the bottom (carefully!), it should sound hollow. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should register about 190°F for perfect doneness.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been looking for a way to impress friends or treat yourself with homemade comfort, Garlic Parmesan Herb Bread is the answer. Give it a try, savor every bite, and watch this recipe become a regular star at your table. Enjoy your kitchen filled with warmth, laughter, and the tempting aroma of fresh-baked bread!
Print
Garlic Parmesan Herb Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (about 10 slices) 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the aromatic delight of freshly baked Garlic Parmesan Herb Bread. This savory homemade bread is infused with garlic, Parmesan cheese, and a blend of herbs, making it a perfect accompaniment to soups or pasta dishes.
Ingredients
Dough:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 packet (2¼ teaspoons) instant yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup warm water (110°F)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Topping:
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (for brushing)
Instructions
- Dough Preparation: In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. Add warm water and olive oil, stir until a shaggy dough forms. Knead on a floured surface for 6-8 minutes until smooth. Let rise for 1 hour.
- Baking: Preheat oven to 375°F. Shape dough into a loaf or round, place on a pan. Mix garlic, Parmesan, herbs, sprinkle on dough. Rest for 15-20 minutes. Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
- Finishing Touch: Brush warm bread with melted butter. Cool slightly before slicing.
Notes
- This bread pairs well with soups and pasta.
- For a crispier crust, place a pan of water while baking.
- Leftover bread can be toasted or used for sandwiches.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 230mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
