This Rustic Garlic Parmesan Herb Bread is a warm, yummy treat for garlic lovers! It’s made with fresh herbs, cheese, and garlic, giving every bite a burst of flavor.
When I bake this bread, my whole kitchen smells amazing! It’s the perfect side for soups or just buttered up for a snack. Trust me, you won’t want to share! 🧄🥖
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is the base for your bread. If you want a healthier version, consider whole wheat flour, but it may require extra water as it absorbs more moisture.
Instant Yeast: Instant yeast is great for quick rises. If you have active dry yeast, that’s fine too, just activate it in warm water with a bit of sugar first. I often keep both types on hand for flexibility.
Garlic Powder: A staple for flavor! Fresh minced garlic can elevate the taste even more—just use about 1-2 cloves for the same effect. I love using fresh for its vibrant aroma!
Dried Herbs: Besides basil and oregano, feel free to experiment with thyme or rosemary. If you have fresh herbs, use them; just chop them up roughly instead of using dried.
Parmesan Cheese: While grated Parmesan is perfect, Pecorino Romano is a great substitute for a tangy flavor. I sometimes mix different cheeses for a unique taste!
How Do I Knead Dough Properly?
Kneading is key to creating a great texture in bread! Here’s how to get it right:
- Flour your surface lightly to prevent sticking.
- Push the dough away from you using the heel of your hand.
- Fold it back toward you, give it a quarter turn, and repeat.
- Knead for about 8-10 minutes, until the dough is smooth and elastic. If you’re using a stand mixer, knead with the dough hook for 5-7 minutes.
Pro tip: If the dough feels too sticky, sprinkle a little flour; if it’s too dry, wet your hands to adjust. A well-kneaded dough should spring back when poked, showing it’s just right!
How to Make Rustic Garlic Parmesan Herb Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dough:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon instant yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (about 110°F or 43°C)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Optional: additional grated Parmesan cheese for topping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and needs around 1 hour and 45 minutes total, including the time for dough rising and baking. You’ll spend some time mixing, kneading, and shaping the dough, followed by letting it rise twice, before finally baking it into a delicious loaf!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mixing the Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, instant yeast, salt, sugar, garlic powder, dried basil, dried oregano, and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix everything well to ensure the dry ingredients are nicely combined.
2. Making the Dough:
Add the warm water and olive oil to your bowl of dry ingredients. Use a wooden spoon or a spatula to stir the mixture until a cohesive dough starts to form. You want it to come together nicely without being too sticky.
3. Kneading the Dough:
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead it for about 8-10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. If you prefer, you can also use a stand mixer with a dough hook to knead it for 5-7 minutes instead. Your dough should feel soft and spring back when pressed.
4. First Rising:
Place the kneaded dough into a lightly oiled bowl. Cover the bowl with a damp cloth or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size. This is important for making your bread fluffy!
5. Shaping the Loaf:
Once the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release the air inside. Shape it into either a round or oval loaf, and place it on a parchment-lined baking sheet or a floured surface. It’s time to let it rise again!
6. Second Rising:
Cover the shaped dough with a damp cloth again and let it rise for another 30-45 minutes, until it has puffed up and looks fluffy.
7. Preheating the Oven:
While your dough is rising, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). If you want, you can sprinkle some additional grated Parmesan cheese on top of the loaf just before baking for an extra cheesy treat!
8. Baking the Bread:
Carefully place your loaf in the preheated oven. Bake it for about 25-30 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when you tap the bottom. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
9. Cooling and Serving:
Once baked, let the bread cool slightly before slicing. Just before serving, garnish with freshly chopped parsley to add a pop of color. Enjoy your Rustic Garlic Parmesan Herb Bread warm! It’s great as a side dish or slathered with some butter!
Can I Substitute Whole Wheat Flour for All-Purpose Flour?
Yes, you can substitute up to half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier texture. However, the bread might be denser and require slightly more water. If using whole wheat flour, you may want to add an extra tablespoon of water to keep the dough from becoming too dry.
What If I Don’t Have Instant Yeast?
No problem! You can use active dry yeast instead. Just dissolve it in the warm water first and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy before mixing it with the dry ingredients. This will ensure that the yeast is activated before you start kneading the dough.
How Do I Store Leftover Bread?
To store leftover Rustic Garlic Parmesan Herb Bread, wrap it in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and keep it at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, slice the bread and place it in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw slices by leaving them out at room temperature or toasting them directly from frozen!
Can I Add Other Herbs or Ingredients?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize your bread by adding fresh herbs, such as rosemary or thyme, or even garlic cloves for a stronger garlic flavor. You can also mix in ingredients like sun-dried tomatoes, olives, or nuts for extra flavor and texture!
