Description
This Garlic Parmesan Herb Bread is a flavorful, aromatic loaf perfect for any meal. Made with a simple yeast dough enriched with garlic, parmesan, oregano, and basil, it offers a crispy golden crust and a soft, tender crumb. Ideal as a side or for sandwiches, this homemade bread brings savory Italian-inspired flavors to your table in under an hour.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 packet dry active yeast (about 2 1/4 teaspoons)
- 3/4 cup warm water (about 110°F/43°C)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Topping Ingredients
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon dried basil
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: In a bowl, combine warm water and sugar, then stir in the dry active yeast. Let this mixture sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active and ready to use.
- Make Dough: Add olive oil, flour, and salt to the yeast mixture. Mix until a rough dough forms, then knead on a floured surface for 5-7 minutes until the dough becomes smooth and elastic.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour, or until the dough has doubled in size.
- Preheat Oven and Shape Loaf: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release air bubbles, then shape it into a loaf and place it onto a greased baking sheet.
- Prepare Topping: In a small bowl, combine the minced garlic, grated parmesan cheese, dried oregano, and dried basil. Evenly sprinkle this mixture over the top of the shaped dough to infuse the bread with savory flavors.
- Bake: Bake the bread in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped. Remove from oven and allow to cool slightly before slicing to serve.
Notes
- Ensure the water used to activate the yeast is warm, not hot, to avoid killing the yeast.
- Kneading develops gluten, which gives the bread its texture; do not skip or shorten this step.
- You can add a sprinkle of extra parmesan or herbs after baking for added flavor.
- Store leftover bread in an airtight container or wrapped tightly to keep it fresh.
- For a softer crust, brush the loaf with melted butter immediately after baking.
