Introduction

This Perfect Parmesan Garlic Bread combines the irresistible flavors of fresh parmesan and garlic in a homemade artisan-style loaf. With a simple overnight rise, it creates a crusty exterior and a soft, flavorful interior that’s perfect for any meal or snack.

Perfect Parmesan Garlic Bread Recipe - Recipe Image

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
1 cup (100g) freshly grated parmesan cheese
2–3 cloves of minced garlic
1 tablespoon (15g) chopped fresh rosemary or parsley (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and sugar.
Step 2: In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm water and let it sit for about 5 minutes until foamy.
Step 3: Pour the yeast mixture into the dry ingredients. Add olive oil and mix with a wooden spoon until combined; the dough will be sticky.
Step 4: Fold in the grated parmesan, minced garlic, and if desired, chopped rosemary or parsley.
Step 5: Cover the bowl with a kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let the dough rise in a warm place for 12–18 hours until doubled in size and bubbly.
Step 6: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and gently shape it into a round loaf, being careful not to overwork it.
Step 7: Place the dough on parchment paper and let it rest for 30 minutes while preheating the oven to 450°F (230°C). Preheat a Dutch oven inside if using.
Step 8: Score the top of the dough with a sharp knife to allow expansion during baking.
Step 9: Carefully place the dough and parchment into the hot Dutch oven, cover with the lid, and bake for 30 minutes.
Step 10: Remove the lid and bake for another 15 minutes until the crust is golden and the bread sounds hollow when tapped.
Step 11: Cool the bread on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes before slicing to set the texture.

Tips & Variations

For extra garlic flavor, try roasting the garlic before adding it to the dough.
If you don’t have a Dutch oven, bake the bread on a baking stone or heavy sheet pan with a pan of water to create steam.
Mix fresh herbs like thyme or oregano for different aromatic notes.

Storage

Store the bread in a paper bag at room temperature for up to 2 days to retain crustiness. For longer storage, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 1 month. Reheat in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes to refresh the crust.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes, you can substitute instant yeast. Use slightly less—about 1 1/2 teaspoons—and mix it directly into the flour without dissolving it in water first.

What if I don’t have fresh parmesan cheese?

Pre-grated or shredded parmesan cheese works fine, but freshly grated cheese will provide the best flavor and melt into the dough more effectively.

Perfect Parmesan Garlic Bread Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 105 reviews

This Perfect Parmesan Garlic Bread recipe creates an artisan-style loaf that combines crispy, golden crust with a soft, flavorful interior. Infused with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, and optional fresh herbs, this bread is simple to make with a long overnight rise, resulting in a delicious homemade bread perfect for any meal or as a savory snack.

Author: zara
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 12 hours 65 minutes
Yield: 1 large loaf (8–10 servings) 1x
Category: Bread
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian
Diet: Vegetarian

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

Flavor Additions

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, mix together the flour, salt, and sugar until evenly distributed.
Activate Yeast: In a small bowl, dissolve the active dry yeast in warm water and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes foamy, indicating that the yeast is active.
Mix Dough: Pour the yeast mixture into the bowl with dry ingredients, add olive oil, and stir with a wooden spoon until the mixture forms a sticky dough.
Add Parmesan and Garlic: Fold in the grated parmesan cheese and minced garlic. Optionally add chopped fresh rosemary or parsley for extra flavor.
First Rise: Cover the bowl with a kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let the dough rise in a warm place for 12–18 hours or overnight until it doubles in size and is bubbly.
Shape Dough: After rising, gently transfer the dough to a floured surface and shape it into a round loaf, being careful not to overwork it to preserve its airy texture.
Preheat and Rest: Place the shaped dough onto parchment paper, let it rest for 30 minutes; simultaneously preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). If using a Dutch oven, place it inside the oven to preheat as well.
Score Dough: Using a sharp knife or lame, score the top of the dough to allow for expansion during baking.
Bake Covered: Carefully transfer the dough with parchment paper into the hot Dutch oven, cover with the lid, and bake for 30 minutes.
Bake Uncovered: Remove the lid and continue baking for another 15 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped.
Cool: Remove bread from the oven and cool on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes before slicing to set the texture.

Notes

The long rise time enhances flavor and texture, so do not rush this step.
Warm water should be around 110°F (43°C) to effectively activate the yeast without killing it.
Using a Dutch oven helps create steam for a crispy crust, but you can bake on a baking stone or sheet if needed—just expect a slightly different crust texture.
Feel free to customize with herbs like rosemary or parsley for additional aroma and taste.
Letting the bread cool fully before slicing prevents a gummy interior.

Keywords: parmesan garlic bread, artisan bread, homemade bread, easy garlic bread, overnight bread dough