Chef Mitchell preparing Garlic Herb Parmesan Bread
👨‍🍳 Expert Chef

Recipe by Mitchell

🎓 10+ Years Experience ⏰ 1000+ Recipes Created 🍽️ Culinary School Graduate

❤️ My Recipe Story

"I discovered this Garlic Herb Parmesan Bread recipe during a family gathering in Italy, where we enjoyed homemade meals together. I was fascinated by the simplicity and flavor of fresh ingredients mixed into bread. After perfecting my recipe, it has become a family favorite, evoking memories of those delightful Italian evenings every time I bake it."

As a chef specializing in Italian cuisine, I have spent over a decade mastering traditional recipes and techniques. My love for appetizers shines through in my creations, particularly in this Garlic Herb Parmesan Bread. I enjoy sharing the joy of cooking and the flavors of Italy with my audience.

View All Mitchell's Recipes →
Delicious Garlic Herb Parmesan Bread served on a plate

Why This Garlic Herb Parmesan Bread Recipe Works

This recipe stands out for its perfect combination of savory garlic, aromatic herbs, and rich Parmesan cheese, resulting in a delightful flavor explosion. The bread itself is soft and fluffy on the inside while maintaining a crispy crust, making it irresistible.

The use of fresh herbs elevates the flavor profile, and the cheese not only adds richness but also helps achieve that beautiful golden crust during baking. The step-by-step instructions ensure that even novice bakers can confidently create this delicious bread.

💡 Professional Tip

For an extra flavor boost, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic herb mixture. This will give your Garlic Herb Parmesan Bread a subtle heat that complements the other flavors beautifully. Additionally, be sure to use fresh herbs for the best taste.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it overnight. Just allow it to come to room temperature and rise before baking. You can also bake the bread ahead and reheat it before serving.

If you don’t have fresh herbs, you can use dried herbs as a substitute. Generally, 1 teaspoon of dried herbs equals 1 tablespoon of fresh. However, keep in mind that fresh herbs provide a brighter flavor.

The bread is done when it is golden brown on top and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. You can also use a thermometer; it should reach an internal temperature of about 190°F (88°C).

Absolutely! After baking, let the bread cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. It can be stored for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat before serving.

This bread pairs wonderfully with soups, salads, or as a side for pasta dishes. It can also be enjoyed alone or with dipping oils and balsamic vinegar for an appetizer.

When stored properly in an airtight container, Garlic Herb Parmesan Bread can last up to 3 days in the fridge. To maintain its softness, it is best to reheat it before consuming.

Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it overnight. Allow it to come to room temperature and rise properly before baking for the best results.

To reheat, wrap the bread in aluminum foil and place it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes. This keeps the crust crispy while warming the inside.

Recipe Troubleshooting Guide

✅

Too Dry

Problem: The bread comes out dry and crumbly.

Solution: Ensure you are measuring the flour correctly and do not over-knead the dough. Adding a bit more butter or olive oil can also help retain moisture.

✅

Not Crispy Enough

Problem: The bread lacks a crispy crust.

Solution: For a crispier crust, try baking the bread on a pizza stone or placing a baking tray filled with water in the oven to create steam during baking.

✅

Overcooked

Problem: The bread is overcooked and too dark on the outside.

Prevention: To prevent overcooking, keep an eye on the bread during the last few minutes of baking. If it browns too quickly, cover it loosely with foil.

✅

Undercooked Center

Problem: The center of the bread is still doughy.

Recovery: If the bread is undercooked, return it to the oven and bake for additional 5-10 minute intervals, checking regularly until done.

✅

Burnt Exterior

Problem: The outside of the bread burns before the inside is cooked.

Prevention: Lower the oven temperature and extend the baking time to ensure even cooking throughout the bread.

✅

Flavor Balance

Too Sweet: If the bread is too sweet, reduce the sugar next time or balance it by adding a bit of salt.

Too Salty: If it's too salty, try serving it with a sweet or tangy dip to balance the flavors.

Bland: If the bread is bland, consider adding more garlic, herbs, or spices to the mixture next time to enhance the flavor.

Fresh ingredients for Garlic Herb Parmesan Bread

Essential Ingredients for Garlic Herb Parmesan Bread

The key ingredients for Garlic Herb Parmesan Bread include all-purpose flour, yeast, fresh garlic, and Parmesan cheese. Each component contributes to the bread's flavor and texture.

Using high-quality Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs elevates the taste dramatically. Opt for unsalted butter for a better control over saltiness in the recipe.

Essential Ingredient Notes

  • All-Purpose Flour: Using all-purpose flour helps achieve the right balance of structure and softness in the bread. Make sure to measure accurately for the best results.
  • Fresh Garlic: Fresh garlic provides a bold flavor that dried garlic cannot replicate. Mince it finely for an even distribution in the bread.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Opt for freshly grated Parmesan cheese rather than pre-grated for optimal flavor and meltability. It enhances the richness of the bread.
Cooking process for Garlic Herb Parmesan Bread

Step-by-Step Cooking Process

The cooking process for Garlic Herb Parmesan Bread involves mixing, kneading, and allowing the dough to rise. These steps are essential for developing flavor and texture.

By following the detailed instructions, you can achieve a perfectly baked bread with a delightful aroma and taste that will impress anyone.

Key Technique for Perfect Garlic Herb Parmesan Bread

The most important technique is allowing the dough to rise adequately. This step is crucial for achieving a light and fluffy texture in the final bread. Be patient and ensure it doubles in size during the rising phase.

Garlic Herb Parmesan Bread

Prep 15 min
Cook 45 min
Serves 6 servings
Level Easy

📋 Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1 cup butter
    Room temperature
  • 1/2 cup fresh parsley
    Chopped
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
    Extra virgin
  • 1 tsp salt
    To taste
  • 1/2 tsp pepper
    To taste
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
    Optional

For the Sauce

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
    For the bread
  • 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
    For leavening
  • 1 tsp sugar
    To activate yeast
  • 3/4 cup warm water
    For dough
  • 1/4 cup butter, melted
    Adds richness
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
    For flavor
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
    For flavor
  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
    For freshness
  • 1 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
    For aroma
  • 1 tsp salt
    To taste
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
    To taste
  • 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
    For golden color
  • Additional Parmesan for topping
    For extra flavor
  • Olive oil (for greasing)
    To prevent sticking

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Dough

    In a bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until frothy. Add flour, melted butter, salt, and mix until a dough forms.

  2. Knead the Dough

    Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.

  3. First Rise

    Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 30 minutes, or until doubled in size.

  4. Prepare Garlic Herb Mixture

    In a small bowl, mix the minced garlic, chopped parsley, basil, and grated Parmesan cheese.

  5. Shape the Bread

    Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface. Spread the garlic herb mixture evenly over the dough.

  6. Roll and Cut

    Roll the dough tightly and cut it into equal pieces. Place the pieces in a greased baking dish.

  7. Second Rise

    Cover the baking dish with a cloth and let the bread rise for another 15-20 minutes.

  8. Preheat Oven

    Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

  9. Bake the Bread

    Brush the tops with beaten egg and sprinkle additional Parmesan. Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.

  10. Cool and Serve

    Remove from the oven, let cool slightly, and serve warm.

Recipe Notes & Tips

Storage Tips

To store Garlic Herb Parmesan Bread, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days stored at room temperature. For longer storage, refrigerate or freeze.

Serving Suggestions

Garlic Herb Parmesan Bread is best served warm, either on its own or dipped in olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Pair it with soups, salads, or pasta dishes for a complete meal.

Recipe Variations

You can customize this bread by adding sun-dried tomatoes, olives, or different cheeses like mozzarella for varied flavor profiles. Experiment with different herbs such as thyme or oregano for a unique twist.