Name: Garlic Parmesan Herb Bread Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 1 h 35 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 (for greasing the baking sheet)

Introduction

This Garlic Parmesan Herb Bread is a fragrant and flavorful homemade loaf perfect for any meal. With a crispy golden crust and a soft, cheesy interior, it pairs wonderfully with soups, salads, or just a pat of butter. Making it from scratch is easier than you might think, and the fresh herbs elevate it to something truly special.

The image shows a loaf of fluffy bread with a golden crust, sliced into thick pieces but still connected at the base, topped with a mix of green herbs and melted butter that glistens on the surface. The bread’s inside looks soft and white with a light texture, and the herbs are sprinkled evenly, giving it a fresh and savory look. The loaf is placed on a white marbled surface, with a small white bowl containing more butter in the blurry background. A woman's hand is gently pulling one slice slightly away from the loaf, showing the tender crumb inside. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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

Instructions

Step 1: Combine the yeast, sugar, and warm water in a large bowl. Let it sit for about a minute until the mixture becomes foamy.

Step 2: Stir in the salt, dried basil, oregano, rosemary, and finely chopped garlic until everything is well blended.

Step 3: Add 2 cups of flour and the grated parmesan cheese to the bowl. Mix together to form a sticky dough.

Step 4: Gradually add more flour while mixing until the dough becomes soft and stretchy but not too sticky.

Step 5: Lightly oil a clean bowl with olive oil and place the dough inside. Cover it with a towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for about an hour, or until it has doubled in size.

Step 6: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a baking sheet with olive oil.

Step 7: Gently punch down the risen dough to release air. Divide it into two equal balls and shape each into a round loaf. Place them on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 8: Cover the loaves loosely with a towel and let them rise again for 15 to 20 minutes.

Step 9: Brush half a tablespoon of softened butter on top of each dough round right before baking.

Step 10: Bake the breads for 18 to 20 minutes until they turn golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.

Step 11: Remove the bread from the oven and transfer to a cooling rack. Let them cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm with extra butter or alongside your favorite soup.

Tips & Variations

For a stronger garlic flavor, roast the garlic cloves before chopping and adding to the dough.

Substitute fresh herbs for dried—use about three times the amount for best results.

Try adding chopped sun-dried tomatoes or olives for an extra burst of flavor.

Use bread flour instead of all-purpose for a chewier texture.

If you don’t have instant dry yeast, you can use active dry yeast but dissolve it in warm water for 5-10 minutes until frothy first.

FAQs

Can I make this bread without parmesan cheese?

Yes, you can omit the parmesan if you prefer. The bread will still be delicious with the herbs and garlic, but the cheese adds a nice savory depth and slight richness.

How do I know when the bread is fully baked?

The loaves should be golden brown on top and sound hollow when you tap the bottom with your fingers. An internal temperature of 190°F (88°C) is ideal if you want to check with a thermometer.