Description

This Perfect Parmesan Garlic Bread recipe delivers an easy, artisan-style loaf with a crispy golden crust and a tender, flavorful interior. Infused with freshly grated parmesan cheese, minced garlic, and optional fresh herbs, this homemade bread is perfect for serving alongside your favorite meals or enjoying as a delicious snack. The dough requires an overnight rise for enhanced flavor and texture, and it’s baked in a hot Dutch oven for that coveted rustic artisan crust.

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 minced garlic
1 tablespoon (15g) chopped fresh rosemary or parsley (optional)

Instructions

Combine dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 3 1/4 cups of all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons of salt, and 1 teaspoon of sugar ensuring even distribution.
Activate yeast: In a small bowl, dissolve 2 teaspoons of active dry yeast in 1 1/2 cups of warm water (about 110°F/43°C) and let it sit for 5 minutes until it becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
Mix dough: Pour the yeast mixture into the dry ingredients, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil, and stir with a wooden spoon until a sticky dough forms; this consistency is ideal.
Add flavorings: Fold in 1 cup of freshly grated parmesan cheese, 2–3 cloves minced garlic, and if desired, 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh rosemary or parsley for herbaceous notes.
First rise: Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and leave it in a warm spot to rise for 12 to 18 hours or overnight, until doubled in size and bubbly.
Shape the loaf: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and gently shape it into a round loaf, taking care not to overwork the dough to preserve its airy texture.
Second rest: Place the shaped dough on parchment paper and let it rest uncovered for 30 minutes while preheating your oven to 450°F (230°C). If using, preheat a Dutch oven inside the oven simultaneously.
Score the dough: Using a sharp knife or bread lame, score the top of the dough to allow controlled expansion during baking.
Bake covered: Carefully transfer the parchment with dough into the preheated Dutch oven, cover it with the lid, and bake for 30 minutes to create steam for a crispy crust.
Bake uncovered: Remove the lid and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes until the crust turns a rich golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped.
Cool: Transfer the bread to a wire rack and let it cool for at least 30 minutes before slicing to allow the crumb to set fully and ensure optimal texture.

Notes

Using a Dutch oven is key to developing the crusty artisan exterior; if unavailable, bake on a baking stone or inverted baking sheet with a pan of water to create steam.
The long, slow rise improves flavor and gives the bread a light, airy texture.
Freshly grated parmesan cheese provides optimal flavor; avoid pre-packaged shredded cheese that contains anti-caking agents.
Feel free to swap parsley for rosemary or leave out herbs if preferred.
Store leftover bread in a paper bag at room temperature for up to 2 days to maintain crust crispness.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Category: Bread
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian-American

Keywords: parmesan garlic bread, artisan bread, homemade bread, easy garlic bread, overnight bread dough, Dutch oven bread