Introduction
Hey there, bakers! Ready to transform everyday ingredients into a warm, comforting, and utterly delicious loaf of garlic parmesan herb bread? This recipe is perfect for a cozy night in, a family gathering, or even a simple weeknight dinner. It’s rustic, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to make, whether you’re whipping it up with a stand mixer or getting your hands a little doughy. Let’s get baking!
Why This Works
This recipe is a winner because it balances savory garlic and parmesan with a delightful herbal aroma, all wrapped up in a soft, fluffy bread. It’s incredibly versatile – serve it warm with your favorite soup, alongside a hearty stew, or simply on its own for a satisfying snack. Plus, it’s easy enough for beginner bakers, but impressive enough to wow even the most experienced eaters!
Key Ingredients
- 🧄 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 🧀 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 🌿 2 tablespoons dried Italian herbs (or a mix of oregano, basil, thyme)
- 🍞 3 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- 🥚 1 large egg
- 🥛 1 cup warm milk
- 🧈 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 🧂 1 teaspoon salt
- 🥄 1 teaspoon sugar
- 酵母 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
Instructions
1️⃣ In a large bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let stand for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
2️⃣ Add the melted butter, egg, salt, minced garlic, parmesan cheese, and Italian herbs to the yeast mixture. Whisk until well combined.
3️⃣ Gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, mixing with a wooden spoon or a stand mixer with a dough hook until a soft dough forms.
4️⃣ Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, until smooth and elastic. If using a stand mixer, knead with the dough hook for about 5 minutes.
5️⃣ Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
6️⃣ Punch down the dough and shape it into a loaf. Place the loaf in a greased 9×5 inch loaf pan.
7️⃣ Cover the loaf pan loosely with plastic wrap and let rise for another 30 minutes.
8️⃣ Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
9️⃣ Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 200°F (93°C).
🔟 Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Handy Tips
- For extra flavor, use freshly grated parmesan cheese.
- If you don’t have dried Italian herbs, you can use a combination of fresh herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme. Just chop them finely before adding them to the dough.
- Don’t over-knead the dough, or the bread will be tough.
Heat Control
Baking at 375°F (190°C) ensures that the bread bakes evenly and develops a beautiful golden-brown crust without burning. Lowering the temperature might result in a pale loaf, while increasing it could lead to burning. Use an oven thermometer to ensure accuracy.
Crunch Factor
This bread has a delightful soft and slightly chewy crumb with a wonderfully crisp crust. The crust’s crunchiness is enhanced by the baking process and the melted butter.
Pro Kitchen Tricks
- For a richer flavor, use a mix of parmesan and romano cheese.
- Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the dough for a touch of heat.
- Brush the top of the loaf with olive oil before baking for an extra glossy crust.
Storage Tips
Store leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the bread for longer storage; simply slice it before freezing and reheat slices as needed.
Gift Packaging Ideas
Wrap the cooled loaf in parchment paper and tie it with a ribbon. Add a small tag with the recipe name and a heartfelt message. This makes a beautiful and thoughtful gift for friends and family.
Flavor Variations
🌟 Rosemary Garlic: Add 1 tablespoon of fresh rosemary to the dough along with the garlic and herbs.
🌟 Sun-Dried Tomato: Incorporate 1/2 cup of sun-dried tomatoes, chopped, into the dough.
🌟 Asiago Cheese: Substitute asiago cheese for the parmesan for a sharper, more nutty flavor.
🌟 Everything Bagel Seasoning: Sprinkle everything bagel seasoning on top before baking for a delicious twist.
Troubleshooting
- Dough is too sticky: Add more flour, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the dough comes together.
- Bread is underbaked: Bake for a few more minutes, checking the internal temperature with a thermometer.
- Bread is overbaked: Reduce the baking time next time. The bread should be golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
FAQ
Q: Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried? A: Yes! Use about three times the amount of fresh herbs as you would dried herbs.
Q: Can I make this bread without a stand mixer? A: Absolutely! You can easily knead the dough by hand.
Q: How do I know when the bread is done? A: The bread should be golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom. An internal temperature of 200°F (93°C) is also a good indicator.
Q: Can I freeze the dough? A: Yes, you can freeze the shaped loaf before baking. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
Conclusion
This Garlic Parmesan Herb Bread is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s the perfect comfort food, easy to make, and bursting with flavor. Share this recipe with your friends and family, and enjoy every delicious bite! Happy baking!