Introduction

This Perfect Parmesan Garlic Bread offers an easy artisan-style loaf packed with rich flavors of garlic, parmesan, and fresh herbs. Its crisp golden crust and soft, airy interior make it a wonderful addition to any meal or a delicious snack on its own.

Perfect Parmesan Garlic Bread Recipe Easy Artisan Style 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 all-purpose flour, salt, and granulated sugar.
Step 2: In a small bowl, dissolve the active dry yeast in the warm water. 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 cheese, minced garlic, and if using, the chopped rosemary or parsley.
Step 5: Cover the bowl with a kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Let the dough rise in a warm place for 12–18 hours or overnight until doubled in size and bubbly.
Step 6: Transfer the risen dough to a floured surface and gently shape it into a round loaf, being careful not to overwork it.
Step 7: Place the shaped dough on parchment paper and let it rest for 30 minutes while preheating the oven to 450°F (230°C). If using, preheat a Dutch oven inside the oven as well.
Step 8: Score the top of the dough with a sharp knife to allow expansion during baking.
Step 9: Carefully place the dough with parchment paper 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 brown 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

Use fresh garlic and parmesan for the best flavor, and feel free to swap rosemary with parsley or thyme to suit your taste.
For a cheesier crust, sprinkle extra parmesan on top before baking.
If you don’t have a Dutch oven, bake the loaf on a baking sheet and place a pan of water in the oven to create steam for a crisp crust.

Storage

Store leftover bread in an airtight container or wrapped in foil at room temperature for up to 2 days. To refresh the crust, warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5–10 minutes before serving.

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 in the same quantity. Mix it directly with the dry ingredients and reduce the rising time slightly, as instant yeast acts faster.

What if I don’t have fresh herbs on hand?

Dried herbs can be used instead, but add them sparingly as their flavor is more concentrated—about one-third the amount of fresh herbs recommended.

Perfect Parmesan Garlic Bread Recipe Easy Artisan Style Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 83 reviews

This Perfect Parmesan Garlic Bread Recipe offers an easy way to bake artisan-style bread at home, featuring a flavorful blend of fresh parmesan cheese, garlic, and optional herbs. With a simple yeast dough that requires a long rise for great texture, this bread is baked in a Dutch oven to achieve a crispy golden crust and soft, airy crumb.

Author: Lila
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 12 hours 65 minutes (includes long rise and cooling)
Yield: 1 large loaf (about 8 slices) 1x
Category: Bread
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian-American

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 Ingredients

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 all-purpose flour, salt, and granulated sugar evenly.
Activate Yeast: In a small bowl, dissolve the active dry yeast in warm water, approximately 110°F (43°C), and allow it to sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes foamy, signaling yeast activation.
Mix Dough: Pour the yeast mixture into the dry ingredients, add olive oil, and stir with a wooden spoon until combined into a sticky dough.
Add Flavors: Fold in the grated parmesan cheese, minced garlic, and if desired, chopped fresh rosemary or parsley to distribute the flavors throughout the dough.
First Rise: Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let the dough rise in a warm spot for 12–18 hours or overnight until it doubles in size and becomes bubbly.
Shape Dough: Transfer the risen dough to a floured surface and gently shape it into a round loaf, taking care not to overwork it so that the airy texture remains.
Second Rise and Preheat Oven: Place the shaped dough on a piece of parchment paper and let it rest for 30 minutes while preheating the oven to 450°F (230°C). If using a Dutch oven, place it in the oven during preheating.
Score the Dough: Use a sharp knife or lame to lightly slash the top of the dough to allow for expansion during baking.
Bake Covered: Carefully transfer the parchment paper and dough into the hot Dutch oven, cover with the lid, and bake for 30 minutes.
Bake Uncovered: Remove the lid and bake for an additional 15 minutes until the crust turns golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
Cool: Let the bread cool on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes before slicing to set the texture properly.

Notes

For best results, use a Dutch oven or heavy covered pot to bake for a crispy crust.
Make sure your water is warm, not hot, to properly activate the yeast without killing it.
You can substitute fresh rosemary or parsley with other herbs like thyme if desired.
Allowing a long overnight rise improves flavor and texture significantly.
Letting the bread cool completely before slicing helps maintain its crumb structure.

Keywords: Parmesan garlic bread, artisan bread, homemade bread, easy garlic bread, Dutch oven bread, cheesy bread