Perfect Parmesan Garlic Bread Recipe Easy Artisan Style Recipe
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.
- 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
