Introduction
Transform everyday ingredients into a warm, comforting loaf of Garlic Parmesan Herb Bread! This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. It’s unbelievably easy to make, whether you’re wielding a stand mixer or kneading by hand, resulting in a crusty exterior and a soft, flavorful interior. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this crowd-pleasing bread!
Why This Works
This recipe works because it’s a beautiful balance of simple ingredients and irresistible flavor. The combination of garlic, parmesan cheese, and fresh herbs creates a savory aroma that will fill your kitchen, while the rustic, slightly chewy texture is simply delightful. It’s also adaptable – perfect for beginners and experienced bakers alike!
Key Ingredients
- 🍞 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 🥛 1 cup warm milk
- 🥚 1 large egg
- 🧈 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 🧄 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 🧀 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 🌿 2 tablespoons chopped fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, oregano – or a mix!)
- 🧂 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 melted butter, egg, minced garlic, Parmesan cheese, salt, and herbs to the yeast mixture. Whisk until well combined.
3️⃣ Gradually add flour, mixing until a soft dough forms. If using a stand mixer, use the dough hook attachment. If kneading by hand, knead on a lightly floured surface for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4️⃣ 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.
5️⃣ Punch down the dough and shape it into a loaf. Place the loaf in a greased 9×5 inch loaf pan.
6️⃣ Cover loosely with plastic wrap and let rise for another 30 minutes.
7️⃣ Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
8️⃣ Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 200°F (93°C).
9️⃣ Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Handy Tips
- Use a kitchen scale for precise measurements of flour for best results.
- If you don’t have fresh herbs, you can substitute 1 teaspoon of dried herbs. Just remember that dried herbs are more potent, so use less than you would fresh.
- Don’t overmix the dough, or the bread may become tough.
Heat Control
Baking at 375°F (190°C) ensures a perfectly golden-brown crust without burning the inside. Lowering the temperature might result in a pale loaf, while increasing it could lead to a burnt exterior before the inside is fully baked. An oven thermometer is your best friend here!
Crunch Factor
This recipe delivers a delightful crunch thanks to the slightly crisp exterior that develops during baking. The interior, however, remains wonderfully soft and airy – a perfect textural contrast!
Pro Kitchen Tricks
- For extra flavor, brush the top of the loaf with olive oil before baking.
- Add a sprinkle of coarse sea salt to the top of the loaf before baking for added texture and taste.
- For a richer flavor, use a mix of Parmesan and Romano cheese.
Storage Tips
Store leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze slices in a freezer bag for up to 3 months.
Gift Packaging Ideas
Wrap the cooled loaf in parchment paper, tied with a ribbon, for a rustic and charming gift. A pretty bakery bag or a reusable cloth bread bag also makes a lovely presentation.
Flavor Variations
🌟 Sun-Dried Tomato & Basil: Add 1/4 cup of chopped sun-dried tomatoes and 1 tablespoon of dried basil to the dough.
🌟 Roasted Garlic: Use roasted garlic instead of raw garlic for a sweeter, more mellow flavor.
🌟 Cheddar & Jalapeño: Substitute sharp cheddar cheese for Parmesan and add 1-2 finely chopped jalapeños for a spicy kick.
🌟 Asiago & Rosemary: Use Asiago cheese and add a generous amount of fresh rosemary.
Troubleshooting
- Dough is too sticky: Add a tablespoon of flour at a time until the dough is manageable.
- Bread is underbaked: Bake for a few more minutes, checking the internal temperature with a thermometer.
- Bread is overbaked: Reduce baking time and/or temperature for future loaves.
FAQ
- Can I use a different type of milk? Yes, you can use whole milk, 2% milk, or even almond milk (although the flavor might be slightly different).
- Can I make this bread without a stand mixer? Absolutely! Kneading by hand works perfectly well.
- How do I know when the bread is done? The bread should be golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom. A bread thermometer reading 200°F (93°C) also confirms it’s baked through.
- Can I freeze the dough? Yes, you can freeze the shaped loaf before baking. Just thaw completely before baking and add a bit more time to the baking process.
Conclusion
We hope you enjoy this simple yet incredibly flavorful Garlic Parmesan Herb Bread! It’s sure to become a family favorite. Share your baking experience and photos with us – we’d love to see your delicious creations! Happy baking!