Garlic Parmesan Herb Bread

Name: Garlic Parmesan Herb Bread
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 teaspoon salt; 1 cup warm water (about 100-110°F); 1 tablespoon granulated sugar; 1 tablespoon instant dry yeast; 1 teaspoon dried basil; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 2 teaspoons dried rosemary; 6 cloves garlic, finely chopped; 2 to 2½ cups all-purpose flour; ⅓ cup parmesan cheese, grated; 1 tablespoon butter (split for topping); 2 tablespoons olive oil

by Isabella Reed Published: October 2, 2025

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There’s something truly magical about the smell of freshly baked bread wafting through the house, and that’s exactly what you’ll get with my Garlic Parmesan Herb Bread. I remember the first time I made it; I could hardly wait for it to cool before tearing off a piece. The aroma of garlic mingling with that nutty Parmesan is enough to make anyone feel like a master chef! This bread is not just for special occasions; it’s perfect for everyday meals, whether you’re slathering it with butter or pairing it with a hearty soup. Trust me, every bite is a warm hug for your taste buds!

Plus, the best part? It’s surprisingly easy to make at home! Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just want to treat yourself on a cozy night in, this Garlic Parmesan Herb Bread is the perfect companion. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this delightful, savory loaf that will have everyone coming back for seconds!

Garlic Parmesan Herb Bread - detail 1

Why You’ll Love Garlic Parmesan Herb Bread

Oh my goodness, where do I even start? This Garlic Parmesan Herb Bread is an absolute flavor bomb! Imagine biting into a crusty loaf, the warmth of garlic dancing on your tongue, perfectly complemented by the rich, nutty flavor of Parmesan. It’s not just about the taste, though; the aroma that fills your kitchen as it bakes is simply divine and will have everyone asking, “What’s cooking?”

This bread is so versatile, too! It pairs beautifully with pasta dishes, soups, or even just a simple salad. You can serve it warm with a pat of butter for a delightful side or enjoy it as a tasty snack on its own. Plus, there’s something incredibly satisfying about making bread from scratch at home. It’s a simple way to elevate any meal and create a warm, inviting atmosphere that your family and friends will love. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be hooked!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Alright, let’s gather all the goodies you’ll need to whip up this delightful Garlic Parmesan Herb Bread! Here’s a breakdown of each ingredient and why they’re essential:

1 teaspoon salt: This is the flavor booster! It enhances all the other flavors in the bread. Don’t skip it!
1 cup warm water (about 100-110°F): This helps activate the yeast. If it’s too hot, you might kill the yeast, so check that temperature!
1 tablespoon granulated sugar: Just a little sweetness to feed the yeast and help it do its thing. It’s like a tiny energy drink for the yeast!
1 tablespoon instant dry yeast: The magic ingredient! Instant yeast is super convenient because it doesn’t need to be proofed beforehand.
1 teaspoon dried basil: Adds a lovely herby flavor. You can use fresh if you have it, but dried works just fine!
1 teaspoon dried oregano: Another herb that brings a pop of flavor. It’s a classic in Italian bread recipes!
2 teaspoons dried rosemary: This adds a beautiful aroma and a bit of a woodsy flavor. If you love rosemary, don’t be shy about adding a little extra!
6 cloves garlic, finely chopped: Garlic is the star of this show! The more, the merrier, if you ask me. You can adjust depending on how garlicky you like it!
2 to 2½ cups all-purpose flour: This is what gives the bread its structure. Start with 2 cups and add more as needed to form a soft dough.
⅓ cup parmesan cheese, grated: The nutty, salty goodness that takes this bread to the next level. Freshly grated is always better!
1 tablespoon butter (split for topping): A little butter, melted, will give the crust a beautiful sheen and flavor. Yum!
2 tablespoons olive oil: This adds richness to the dough and helps keep it moist. Plus, it’s a healthy fat!

Gather these ingredients, and you’ll be well on your way to baking up a storm in the kitchen! Trust me, it’s all worth it when that aroma fills your home.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Dough

Alright, let’s get our hands a little messy—this is where the magic begins! First, grab a medium-sized bowl and combine the warm water, granulated sugar, and instant dry yeast. Give it a gentle stir and let it sit for about 5 minutes. You’ll see it start to froth and bubble; that’s the yeast waking up and getting excited!

Next, add in the salt, dried basil, oregano, rosemary, and finely chopped garlic. Stir everything together until it’s well combined. Now, it’s time to incorporate the flour and grated Parmesan cheese. Start with 2 cups of flour and mix it in gradually. Keep stirring until a rough dough begins to form. If it’s too sticky, don’t hesitate to add more flour, a little at a time, until it comes together nicely.

Once you have your dough, flour your work surface and turn it out. Knead the dough for about 5 to 7 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. You know you’re done when it bounces back slightly when you poke it! It’s a great workout for your arms, trust me.

Rising and Shaping

Now that your dough is ready, place it into a greased bowl and cover it with a clean kitchen towel. This is where the dough gets to take a little nap and rise. Let it sit in a warm spot for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size. This part is so exciting; I love peeking at it to see how much it’s grown!

After an hour, punch down the dough gently to release some of that built-up air. Now, shape it into a loaf by flattening it slightly and then rolling it up tightly. Pinch the seams to seal it, and then tuck the ends underneath to create a neat loaf shape. Place it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, cover it again, and let it rise for another 30 minutes. This second rise really helps develop that lovely texture!

Baking the Bread

While your dough is doing its final rise, go ahead and preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This way, when the dough is ready, your oven will be too! Once the 30 minutes are up, it’s time to give your loaf a little love. Melt that tablespoon of butter and mix it with the olive oil. Brush this mixture generously over the top of the loaf—this will give it a gorgeous golden crust and a delightful flavor.

Now, pop that beautiful loaf into the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You’re looking for a golden-brown crust that’s firm to the touch. The aroma will be absolutely mouthwatering, and you might even find yourself drooling! When it’s done, let it cool on a wire rack for a few minutes before slicing. Patience, my friend! It’s hard to wait, but trust me, it’ll be worth it when you take that first warm slice.

Garlic Parmesan Herb Bread - detail 2

Variations

One of the best things about Garlic Parmesan Herb Bread is how versatile it is! You can easily customize this recipe to suit your taste buds or the season. For a different twist, try adding fresh herbs like thyme or parsley; they’ll impart a fresh flavor that’s perfect for spring and summer. If you’re a fan of heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes for a spicy kick!

Feeling adventurous? Swap out the Parmesan for asiago or feta cheese to give it a unique twist. You can even add some sun-dried tomatoes or olives for an Italian flair that’s absolutely delightful. The possibilities are endless, and experimenting with different combinations is part of the fun. Happy baking!

Serving and Storage Tips

When it comes to serving your Garlic Parmesan Herb Bread, the options are endless! It’s best enjoyed warm, straight out of the oven. Slice it up and serve it with a generous pat of butter for a simple yet delicious treat. It pairs beautifully with a hearty soup, creamy pasta, or even a fresh garden salad. You can also turn it into garlic bread by toasting slices with a little extra butter and herbs!

If you have leftovers (though I doubt you will!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them fresh for up to 2 days. For longer storage, you can wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap and place it in the freezer, where it can last for about a month. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it and reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10–15 minutes to bring back that warm, cozy goodness. Trust me, there’s nothing like the smell of freshly baked bread filling your kitchen again!

Helpful Notes

Here are a few extra tips to make your Garlic Parmesan Herb Bread even more fantastic! If you’re looking for dairy-free options, you can easily substitute the butter with a vegan alternative and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for that cheesy flavor. For a gluten-free version, try using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend; just make sure it contains xanthan gum to help with the structure. You can learn more about xanthan gum and its uses in baking.

If you want to cut down on the carbs a bit, you can reduce the amount of flour slightly and add in some ground flaxseed for added fiber and nutrients. Feel free to get creative with the herbs—more rosemary, or even thyme and sage, can add a lovely twist! And remember, homemade bread is all about finding what works for you, so don’t hesitate to adjust the ingredients to suit your taste and dietary needs. Happy baking!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What should I do if my dough doesn’t rise?
Don’t panic! Sometimes dough can be a little stubborn. Make sure your yeast is fresh and that you’re using warm water (not hot). If it’s still not rising, try placing it in a warmer spot, like near an oven that’s turned off or on top of the fridge. It needs a cozy environment!

2. Can I use fresh garlic instead of dried?
Absolutely! Fresh garlic is fantastic and will give you a more intense flavor. Just remember to finely chop it and maybe add a bit more, since dried garlic can be more concentrated in flavor.

3. How do I store leftover bread?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep it longer, wrap it well in plastic wrap and freeze it. Just remember to thaw and reheat it to enjoy that fresh-baked goodness again!

4. Can I make this bread gluten-free?
Yes, you can! Just substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that contains xanthan gum. Keep in mind that the texture may vary a bit, but it should still be delicious!

5. What’s the best way to serve Garlic Parmesan Herb Bread?
This bread is delightful on its own or served warm with butter. It’s also great alongside soups, salads, or pasta dishes, adding a wonderful flavor to any meal!

Final Thoughts

Making Garlic Parmesan Herb Bread is truly one of life’s simple joys. There’s something incredibly rewarding about kneading the dough, watching it rise, and filling your home with the irresistible aroma of baked bread. Each warm slice is like a little piece of happiness that you can share with loved ones or savor all on your own. I love hearing how my friends put their own spin on this recipe, whether it’s adding a little extra garlic or trying out different herbs. I can’t wait for you to experience the delight of this bread! So, roll up your sleeves and get baking. And please, I’d love to hear about your adventures in the kitchen—what variations did you try? Did you make it your own? Let’s celebrate the joy of homemade bread together!

Garlic Parmesan Herb Bread