Wellness-Boosting Garlic Parmesan Herb Bread: A Flavorful & Easy Recipe

Introduction

Transform humble everyday ingredients into a rustic, savory masterpiece with this Garlic Parmesan Herb Bread recipe! This recipe is perfect for a cozy night in or a delightful addition to any gathering. We’ll guide you through creating a loaf packed with flavor and aroma, all while focusing on simple, wholesome ingredients that nourish your body and soul. Get ready to experience the joy of homemade bread, made easy!

Why This Works

This Garlic Parmesan Herb Bread recipe shines because of its simplicity and incredible flavor. The combination of garlic, parmesan, and fresh herbs creates a symphony of savory notes that perfectly complement the soft, slightly chewy texture of the bread. It’s a recipe that prioritizes whole ingredients and delivers a satisfyingly delicious result without complicated techniques. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a kitchen novice, this recipe is designed for success.

Key Ingredients

• 🧄 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 🧀 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 🌿 2 tablespoons chopped fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, and oregano recommended)
• 🌾 3 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
• 🍞 1 teaspoon salt
• 🌾 1 teaspoon sugar
• 🥚 1 large egg
• 🥛 1 cup warm milk (105-115°F)
• 🧈 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 酵母 2 ¼ 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 melted butter, egg, minced garlic, Parmesan cheese, and herbs to the yeast mixture. Stir well to combine.
3️⃣ Gradually add flour, one cup at a time, mixing until a shaggy dough forms.
4️⃣ Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, or until smooth and elastic. If using a stand mixer, knead with the dough hook for 5-7 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 30-45 minutes.
8️⃣ Preheat 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, toast the herbs lightly in a dry pan before adding them to the dough.
• If your dough seems too sticky, add a tablespoon or two of flour at a time until it becomes manageable.
• Don’t over-knead the dough, as this can result in a tough loaf.

Heat Control

Maintaining the correct oven temperature is crucial for achieving a perfectly baked loaf. Too low, and the bread won’t rise properly; too high, and it will burn on the outside before the inside is cooked through. Use an oven thermometer to ensure accuracy.

Crunch Factor

While this bread is primarily soft and chewy, achieving a slight crust on the outside adds a delightful textural contrast. This is accomplished by baking at the correct temperature for the appropriate amount of time.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

• For a richer flavor, use a combination of Parmesan and Romano cheese.
• Add a sprinkle of coarse sea salt to the top of the loaf before baking for added flavor and visual appeal.
• For an even easier method, use pre-minced garlic from a jar.

Storage Tips

Store leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the freezer for up to 2 months. To refresh frozen bread, simply reheat it in the oven or toaster.

Gift Packaging Ideas

This bread makes a wonderful homemade gift! Wrap the cooled loaf in parchment paper, tie it with a ribbon, and add a small tag with the recipe. A rustic cotton bag would also be suitable.

Flavor Variations

🌟 Sun-dried Tomato & Basil: Add ½ cup of chopped sun-dried tomatoes and 2 tablespoons of fresh basil to the dough.
🌟 Roasted Garlic & Asiago: Roast 4 heads of garlic until soft, then mash and add to the dough along with ½ cup grated Asiago cheese.
🌟 Spicy Jalapeño & Cheddar: Add 1-2 finely chopped jalapeños and ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese for a spicy kick.
🌟 Olive & Herb: Add ½ cup of chopped Kalamata olives and 2 tablespoons of mixed Italian herbs.

Troubleshooting

• Bread is dense: The yeast may not have been activated properly or the dough wasn’t kneaded enough.
• Bread is too dry: You may have added too much flour.
• Bread is burned: The oven temperature may have been too high or the baking time too long.

FAQ

• Can I use different types of herbs? Absolutely! Experiment with your favorite herbs, such as chives, parsley, or marjoram.
• Can I make this bread without a stand mixer? Yes, you can knead the dough by hand.
• How do I know when the bread is done baking? The bread should be golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom. An internal thermometer should read 200°F (93°C).
• Can I freeze the dough? Yes, you can freeze the shaped dough before baking. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before baking.

Conclusion

This Garlic Parmesan Herb Bread is a testament to the magic of simple ingredients and a little bit of love. Its rustic charm and savory flavor are sure to impress, making this a recipe you’ll come back to time and time again. We encourage you to share this recipe with friends and family and enjoy the wonderful aromas and flavors it brings to your kitchen! Remember to share your creations and tag us on your social media posts – we’d love to see your delicious, homemade bread!