Introduction
Transform everyday ingredients into a warm, comforting masterpiece with this Garlic Parmesan Herb Bread! This recipe is perfect for any occasion – from a cozy weeknight dinner to a special gathering. You’ll be amazed at how simple it is to achieve that perfectly crispy crust and fluffy interior. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this irresistible bread!
Why This Works
This recipe works because it’s a beautiful balance of simple ingredients and techniques that deliver big on flavor and texture. The combination of garlic, parmesan, and herbs creates a savory aroma that’s hard to resist, while the method ensures a delightfully crispy exterior and a soft, airy interior. It’s a crowd-pleaser you can make easily, even if you’re not a bread-baking expert!
Key Ingredients
- 🍞 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 🥚 1 large egg
- 🥛 1 cup warm milk
- 🧈 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 🧄 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 🧀 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 🌿 1 tablespoon dried Italian herbs (or a mix of oregano, basil, thyme)
- 🧂 1 teaspoon salt
- 🥄 1 teaspoon sugar
Instructions
1️⃣ In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and sugar.
2️⃣ In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg, melted butter, warm milk, minced garlic, Parmesan cheese, and Italian herbs.
3️⃣ Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Don’t overmix! A few lumps are okay.
4️⃣ Let the dough rest for about 10-15 minutes. This allows the gluten to relax, resulting in a softer bread.
5️⃣ Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan.
6️⃣ Pour the dough into the prepared loaf pan.
7️⃣ Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the top is golden brown.
8️⃣ Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Handy Tips
- Use good quality Parmesan cheese for the best flavor.
- If you don’t have dried Italian herbs, you can use fresh herbs – just chop them finely and use about double the amount.
- For a richer flavor, use a combination of butter and olive oil.
Heat Control
Baking at 375°F (190°C) ensures that the bread bakes evenly and achieves that perfect crispy outside and fluffy inside. Lowering the temperature may result in a less crispy crust, while a higher temperature might burn the outside before the inside is cooked through.
Crunch Factor
The key to achieving that amazing crunch is the combination of baking temperature and the slightly longer baking time. The longer bake time allows the crust to brown and crisp up beautifully, while still keeping the inside soft.
Pro Kitchen Tricks
- For an extra garlicky kick, brush the top of the loaf with a little garlic-infused olive oil before baking.
- Add a sprinkle of coarse sea salt to the top of the bread before baking for added flavor and texture.
- Try adding some sun-dried tomatoes to the dough for a burst of sweetness and tang.
Storage Tips
Store leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, slice the bread and freeze it.
Gift Packaging Ideas
Wrap the cooled loaf in cellophane and tie it with a ribbon. You could also add a small card with the recipe.
Flavor Variations
🌟 Rosemary Garlic: Add 1 tablespoon of fresh rosemary to the dough along with the garlic and herbs.
🌟 Asiago & Sun-dried Tomato: Substitute Asiago cheese for Parmesan and add 1/4 cup of chopped sun-dried tomatoes.
🌟 Cheddar & Jalapeño: Use sharp cheddar cheese instead of Parmesan and add 1-2 finely chopped jalapeños for a spicy kick.
🌟 Everything Bagel Seasoning: Sprinkle everything bagel seasoning over the top before baking for a savory twist.
Troubleshooting
- Bread is too dry: Your oven may be too hot. Next time, reduce the temperature by 25°F (15°C) and monitor closely.
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Bread is gummy: You may have undercooked the bread. Check the internal temperature with a thermometer – it should read around 200°F (93°C).
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Bread has a soggy bottom: Your loaf pan may not have been greased sufficiently.
FAQ
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Can I use fresh herbs? Yes, you can! Just use about twice the amount of fresh herbs as indicated in the recipe.
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Can I make this bread ahead of time? You can make the dough ahead of time and let it rise in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just let it come to room temperature before baking.
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Can I freeze this bread? Yes, you can freeze this bread for up to 3 months. Slice it before freezing for easy serving.
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What kind of milk should I use? Warm milk is best, but you can use room temperature milk as well. Whole milk will result in a richer bread.
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What if I don’t have a loaf pan? You can bake this bread in a round baking dish, but adjust the baking time as needed.
Conclusion
This Garlic Parmesan Herb Bread is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for sharing with loved ones! We hope you enjoy making and savoring every bite. Don’t forget to share your creations with us on social media using #AngelRecipes! Happy baking!