Description
Warm, buttery, and bursting with flavor, this Garlic Parmesan Herb Bread Recipe is the kind of bake that fills your kitchen with comfort and your table with compliments.
Ingredients
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon sugar
2¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
1 teaspoon salt
¾ cup warm water (about 110°F)
¼ cup olive oil
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
1 tablespoon minced garlic
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon dried Italian herbs or a mix of oregano, thyme, and rosemary
1 egg (for egg wash)
Chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let sit for 5–10 minutes until the mixture is foamy.
- Add the olive oil, salt, and 2½ cups of flour. Mix until a dough begins to form. Add more flour as needed until the dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl and is soft but not sticky.
- Knead the dough for 6–8 minutes by hand or using a dough hook until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- Transfer the dough to a lightly greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let rise in a warm area for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Meanwhile, mix softened butter with garlic, herbs, and Parmesan cheese in a small bowl.
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out into a large rectangle on a floured surface. Spread the garlic herb butter mixture evenly across the dough.
- Roll the dough tightly into a log and slice it lengthwise down the middle. Twist the two halves around each other, keeping the layers facing up, and pinch the ends together.
- Transfer the braid to a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover loosely and let rise for another 30 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F. Brush the loaf with a beaten egg for a glossy crust.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until golden brown and firm to the touch. Let cool slightly before slicing.
Notes
Use fresh garlic and freshly grated Parmesan for the most robust flavor
Don’t skip the second rise—it gives the bread its soft, fluffy interior
Use warm water—not hot—to activate the yeast without killing it
If your kitchen is cool, let the dough rise in a slightly warm oven (turned off)
Braid gently to keep the layers visible and the structure light
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 30
- Category: Bread
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 190 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5 g
Keywords: Garlic Parmesan Herb Bread Recipe