Introduction

This Perfect Parmesan Garlic Bread recipe creates an easy artisan-style loaf that’s packed with rich flavors. With a crispy crust and tender inside, it’s a delightful homemade bread that pairs wonderfully with any meal or stands deliciously on its own.

Perfect Parmesan Garlic Bread Recipe Easy Artisan Style 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 and 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 parmesan cheese, minced garlic, and if using, the chopped rosemary or parsley.
Step 5: Cover the bowl with a towel or plastic wrap and let the dough rise in a warm place for 12–18 hours until doubled and bubbly.
Step 6: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and gently shape it into a round loaf, avoiding overworking it.
Step 7: Place the loaf on parchment paper and let it rest for 30 minutes while preheating the oven to 450°F (230°C). If using, preheat a Dutch oven as well.
Step 8: Score the top of the dough with a sharp knife to help it expand during baking.
Step 9: Carefully place the dough with the parchment paper into the hot Dutch oven, cover, and bake for 30 minutes.
Step 10: Remove the lid and bake for an additional 15 minutes until the crust is golden 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 a stronger garlic flavor, lightly sauté the minced garlic in olive oil before folding it into the dough.
Replace parmesan with pecorino or asiago cheese for a different cheesy twist.
If you don’t have a Dutch oven, bake the bread on a preheated baking stone or a heavy baking sheet and use a pan of water to create steam.
Fresh herbs like basil or thyme can be used instead of rosemary or parsley for varied herb notes.

Storage

Store the bread in an airtight container or wrapped at room temperature for up to 2 days to maintain crustiness. For longer storage, slice and freeze the bread; reheat slices in a toaster or oven to refresh the texture.

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 substitute instant yeast. Use slightly less, about 1 1/2 teaspoons, and add it directly to the dry ingredients without proofing in water.

What if I don’t have a Dutch oven?

You can bake the bread on a preheated baking stone or sheet. To mimic steam, place a pan with water in the oven to keep the crust moist and crisp.

Perfect Parmesan Garlic Bread Recipe Easy Artisan Style Recipe

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4.7 from 214 reviews

This Perfect Parmesan Garlic Bread recipe is an easy artisan-style bread featuring a crispy crust, airy interior, and rich flavors of garlic, parmesan cheese, and herbs. Using a long fermentation process and baking in a Dutch oven ensures a bakery-quality loaf that’s perfect for any meal or snack.

Author: Marco
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 13 hours 5 minutes
Yield: 1 loaf (about 10–12 servings) 1x
Category: Bread
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

Dough 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

Flavor Additions

1 cup (100g) freshly grated parmesan cheese
2–3 cloves minced garlic
1 tablespoon (15g) chopped fresh rosemary or parsley (optional)

Instructions

Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, mix together the flour, salt, and sugar until well combined.
Activate Yeast: In a small bowl, dissolve the active dry yeast in warm water (about 110°F/43°C) and let it sit for 5 minutes until it becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
Form Dough: Pour the yeast mixture into the dry ingredients, add olive oil, and stir with a wooden spoon until the dough is sticky and just combined.
Add Flavorings: Fold in the grated parmesan cheese and minced garlic. If using, add the chopped rosemary or parsley for additional flavor.
First Rise: Cover the bowl with a kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let the dough rise in a warm spot for 12–18 hours (overnight) until it doubles in size and looks bubbly.
Shape Dough: Transfer the risen dough to a floured surface and gently shape it into a round loaf, being careful not to overwork it so it retains its airy texture.
Second Rest: Place the shaped dough on parchment paper and allow it to rest for 30 minutes while preheating your oven to 450°F (230°C). If using a Dutch oven, also place it in the oven to preheat.
Score Loaf: Using a sharp knife or bread lame, make shallow cuts on the top of the dough to allow for expansion during baking.
Bake Covered: Carefully transfer the parchment paper and dough into the hot Dutch oven, cover with the lid, and bake for 30 minutes to develop steam for the crust.
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: Remove the bread from the oven and cool on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes before slicing, allowing the crumb to set properly.

Notes

Use warm water at about 110°F (43°C) to properly activate the yeast without killing it.
For best crust, baking in a preheated Dutch oven traps steam to create a crispy exterior.
Do not skip the long rise – it develops flavor and a light texture.
Letting the bread cool fully before slicing prevents it from becoming gummy inside.
Fresh herbs like rosemary add an aromatic note but are optional based on preference.

Keywords: parmesan garlic bread, artisan bread, homemade bread, parmesan bread, garlic bread recipe, Dutch oven bread