Perfect Parmesan Garlic Bread Recipe
This Perfect Parmesan Garlic Bread recipe features an easy artisan-style loaf with a crispy golden crust and a soft, airy interior infused with fragrant garlic, freshly grated parmesan, and optional fresh herbs. Made with a simple yeast dough and slow overnight fermentation, this flavorful bread is baked in a Dutch oven for optimal crust development, perfect as a side or standalone snack.
- Author: Logan
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 13-18 hours (including rising time)
- Yield: 1 large round loaf (about 8-10 servings) 1x
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Dry Ingredients
- 3 1/4 cups (390g) all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons (10g) salt
- 1 teaspoon (5g) granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons (7g) active dry yeast
Wet Ingredients
- 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 of minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon (15g) chopped fresh rosemary or parsley (optional)
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine 3 1/4 cups (390g) of all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons (10g) of salt, and 1 teaspoon (5g) of granulated sugar.
- Activate Yeast: In a small bowl, dissolve 2 teaspoons (7g) of active dry yeast in 1 1/2 cups (360ml) of warm water (around 110°F/43°C). Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Mix Dough: Pour the yeast mixture into the dry ingredients. Add 2 tablespoons (30ml) of olive oil and mix everything together with a wooden spoon until combined. The dough will be sticky—that’s perfect!
- Add Flavorings: Fold in 1 cup (100g) of freshly grated parmesan cheese and 2–3 cloves of minced garlic. If desired, add 1 tablespoon (15g) of chopped fresh rosemary or parsley for herbal notes.
- First Rise: Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Let the dough rise in a warm place for 12–18 hours or overnight. It should double in size and become bubbly, indicating proper fermentation.
- Shape Dough: Once the dough has risen, transfer it to a floured surface. Gently shape it into a round loaf. Avoid overworking it to maintain an airy texture and light crumb.
- Second Rest and Preheat Oven: Place the shaped dough onto a piece of parchment paper and let it rest for another 30 minutes while preheating your oven to 450°F (230°C). If you’re using a Dutch oven, place it inside the oven to preheat along with the oven.
- Score the Dough: After resting, score the top of your dough with a sharp knife or bread lame. This allows the bread to expand while baking without cracking irregularly.
- Bake Covered: Carefully place the parchment paper with the dough into the hot Dutch oven. Cover with the lid and bake for 30 minutes. This creates steam, helping develop a crispy crust.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the lid and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped, indicating it’s baked through.
- Cooling: Let the bread cool on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes before slicing. This resting period allows the crumb to set and prevents soggy texture when cut.
Notes
- For best results, use a kitchen thermometer to keep water temperature at 110°F (43°C) to activate yeast properly without killing it.
- If you don’t have a Dutch oven, use a heavy oven-safe pot with a lid or bake the bread on a preheated baking stone and place a pan of water in the oven to create steam.
- Fresh herbs like rosemary or parsley are optional but add a wonderful aromatic flavor to the bread.
- This recipe requires an overnight rise, so plan accordingly for best texture and flavor.
- Store leftover bread in a paper bag at room temperature for up to 2 days to preserve crust crispness.
Keywords: parmesan garlic bread, artisan bread recipe, easy garlic bread, homemade bread, parmesan bread, overnight bread dough