Introduction

This perfect Parmesan garlic bread recipe delivers a flavorful artisan-style loaf that’s crispy on the outside and tender inside. Infused with fresh garlic and Parmesan cheese, it’s an easy bread to make that pairs wonderfully with any meal or stands alone as a tasty snack.

Perfect Parmesan Garlic Bread 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 flour, salt, and sugar.
Step 2: In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in 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, chopped rosemary or parsley.
Step 5: Cover the bowl with a kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let the dough rise in a warm place for 12–18 hours until doubled in size and bubbly.
Step 6: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and gently shape it into a round loaf without overworking it.
Step 7: Place the dough on parchment paper and let it rest for 30 minutes while preheating the oven to 450°F (230°C). If using a Dutch oven, preheat it as well.
Step 8: Score the top of the dough with a sharp knife to allow expansion during baking.
Step 9: Carefully place the parchment with the dough into the hot Dutch oven, cover with the lid, and bake for 30 minutes.
Step 10: Remove the lid and bake another 15 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped.
Step 11: Let the bread cool on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes before slicing to set the texture.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, brush the finished bread with garlic-infused olive oil before serving.
Substitute fresh herbs like thyme or basil if rosemary or parsley are not available.
If you don’t have a Dutch oven, bake the loaf on a preheated baking stone or heavy baking sheet, and place a pan of water in the oven to create steam.
To make this bread dairy-free, omit the Parmesan or use a suitable vegan cheese alternative.

Storage

Store leftover bread in a paper bag at room temperature for up to 2 days to maintain crustiness. For longer storage, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 1 month. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes to refresh the crust 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 use instant yeast. Use the same amount but mix it directly with the dry ingredients without dissolving it in water first.

How do I know when the bread is fully baked?

The bread is done when the crust is golden brown and it sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. An internal temperature of around 200°F (93°C) also indicates doneness.

Perfect Parmesan Garlic Bread Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 76 reviews

This Perfect Parmesan Garlic Bread Recipe is an easy artisan-style loaf featuring a crispy golden crust, airy interior, and rich flavors of Parmesan cheese and fresh garlic. The dough requires a long rise for optimal texture and is baked in a preheated Dutch oven for a beautiful rustic finish.

Author: Elias
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 13 hours 5 minutes
Yield: 1 loaf, approximately 8 servings 1x
Category: Bread
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale

Dough

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

Flavorings

1 cup (100g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
2–3 cloves garlic, minced
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 until well incorporated.
Activate Yeast: In a small bowl, dissolve active dry yeast in warm water and let it sit for about 5 minutes until foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
Make Dough: Pour the yeast mixture into the dry ingredients, add olive oil, and mix with a wooden spoon until combined. The dough will be sticky, which is ideal.
Add Flavorings: Fold in freshly grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, and optionally chopped rosemary or parsley for herbal notes.
First Rise: Cover the bowl with a kitchen towel or plastic wrap and leave the dough to rise in a warm place for 12–18 hours or overnight until doubled in size and bubbly.
Shape Dough: Transfer the risen dough to a floured surface and gently form it into a round loaf, being careful not to overwork the dough to preserve its airy texture.
Preheat Oven and Rest Dough: Place the shaped dough on parchment paper and let it rest for 30 minutes while preheating your oven to 450°F (230°C). If using a Dutch oven, place it inside the oven to preheat as well.
Score Dough: Use a sharp knife or lame to score the top of the loaf to allow controlled expansion during baking.
Bake Covered: Carefully transfer the dough with parchment into the hot Dutch oven, cover with the lid, and bake for 30 minutes to create steam for a crusty exterior.
Bake Uncovered: Remove the lid and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped.
Cool Bread: Remove the bread and cool on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes before slicing to allow the texture to set properly.

Notes

Use warm water around 110°F to properly activate yeast without killing it.
Allowing the dough to rise overnight develops flavor and improves texture.
Preheating the Dutch oven ensures even heat and a crispy crust.
Scoring the loaf controls expansion and creates attractive patterns.
Cooling completely before slicing helps maintain the bread structure.
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese delivers better flavor and melting qualities compared to pre-grated.

Keywords: Parmesan garlic bread, artisan bread, homemade bread, easy bread recipe, no-knead bread, Parmesan cheese bread, garlic bread loaf