This Garlic Parmesan Herb Bread is a rustic, flavorful loaf that’s perfect for any occasion. The combination of fresh garlic, parmesan, and herbs creates an irresistible aroma while baking. With a soft, moist crumb and a golden crust, this bread is the perfect accompaniment to any meal, from pasta to soups, or simply served with butter. Whether you’re baking for family dinners or a party, this bread will disappear quickly!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• For the Bread:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour

  • 1 tsp instant dry yeast

  • 1 tsp granulated sugar

  • ½ cup warm water

  • 1 tsp dried rosemary

  • 1 tsp dried basil

  • 1 tsp dried oregano

  • 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced

  • ¾ cup parmesan cheese (freshly grated)

  • 2 tbsp olive oil

  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter (for topping)

• For the Garlic Butter Topping:

  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

  • 1 clove garlic, minced

  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Directions

1. Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and sugar. Stir and let sit for 5 minutes until frothy.

2. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the flour, rosemary, basil, oregano, and salt.

3. Combine Wet Ingredients: Pour the yeast mixture into the dry ingredients. Add olive oil, minced garlic, and parmesan cheese. Stir until a dough forms.

4. Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.

5. First Rise: Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.

6. Shape the Loaf: Punch down the dough and shape it into a loaf. Place it on a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet. Let it rise for another 30 minutes.

7. Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

8. Prepare the Garlic Butter: In a small bowl, combine melted butter, minced garlic, and parsley (if using).

9. Bake the Bread: Brush the loaf with the garlic butter and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.

10. Cool and Serve: Allow the bread to cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Nutrients (per slice, approx. 10 servings)

• Calories: 180 kcal

• Fat: 10g

  • Saturated Fat: 3g

• Carbohydrates: 18g

  • Fiber: 1g

  • Sugar: 2g

• Protein: 5g

• Sodium: 200mg

Why Garlic Parmesan Herb Bread Is So Special

What makes this Garlic Parmesan Herb Bread stand out is the balance of flavors and textures. The bread itself is soft and moist, thanks to the addition of olive oil, parmesan, and garlic, while the herbs add depth and complexity. The combination of rosemary, basil, and oregano infuses the bread with an irresistible aroma and a Mediterranean flavor profile that pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes.

The addition of garlic and parmesan in the dough provides flavor throughout the bread, while the garlic butter topping adds an extra layer of richness and a glossy finish. This bread is versatile enough to be served with virtually any meal, from a simple pasta dish to a rich, hearty soup, or even as a standalone snack with a touch of butter.

Key Ingredients and Their Role in the Recipe

• All-Purpose Flour: This is the main ingredient that forms the base of the bread. It provides structure and helps achieve the soft, fluffy texture.

• Instant Dry Yeast: Yeast is the leavening agent that helps the bread rise. Instant dry yeast is ideal for this recipe as it requires no proofing and can be mixed directly into the flour.

• Granulated Sugar: The sugar is used to activate the yeast, helping it grow and produce the carbon dioxide needed to make the dough rise.

• Warm Water: Warm water helps activate the yeast, ensuring it becomes frothy and works effectively in leavening the bread.

• Dried Herbs (Rosemary, Basil, Oregano): These herbs provide the Mediterranean flavor profile that complements the garlic and parmesan, making the bread flavorful and aromatic.

• Fresh Garlic: Garlic adds a strong, savory flavor to the dough, and it complements the herbs and cheese beautifully.

• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated parmesan cheese adds richness and a slight saltiness to the bread, making it more indulgent and flavorful.

• Olive Oil: Olive oil adds moisture to the dough, contributing to the soft, tender crumb. It also imparts a mild, fruity flavor to the bread.

• Unsalted Butter: Butter is used to top the bread, adding richness and flavor to the crust, while also helping to create a golden, crispy texture.

For the Garlic Butter Topping:

• Unsalted Butter: The butter used for the topping creates a luscious, savory finish for the bread, while also helping to crisp up the crust.

• Fresh Parsley: Fresh parsley adds a touch of color and freshness, complementing the rich garlic flavor.

How to Make the Perfect Garlic Parmesan Herb Bread

Making Garlic Parmesan Herb Bread is a simple, straightforward process. With just a few steps, you’ll have a flavorful, homemade loaf ready to bake. Here’s how you can make it:

1. Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm water, yeast, and granulated sugar. Stir and let it sit for about 5 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy. This indicates that the yeast is active and ready to work.

2. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, dried rosemary, basil, oregano, and salt. Set aside.

3. Combine the Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix together the melted butter and both sugars until you achieve a smooth, paste-like consistency. Add the mashed bananas, eggs, yogurt (or sour cream), and vanilla extract. Stir until fully combined.

4. Incorporate the Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir until just combined, being careful not to overmix. Once combined, gently fold in the mini chocolate chips, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter.

5. Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes, until the dough is smooth and elastic.

6. First Rise: Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise for 1-1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.

7. Shape the Loaf: Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Shape the dough into a loaf and place it on a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet. Let it rise for another 30 minutes.

8. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

9. Prepare the Garlic Butter: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, and fresh parsley (if using).

10. Bake the Bread: Brush the loaf with the garlic butter mixture and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown. The bread should sound hollow when tapped on the bottom. If the bread is browning too quickly, you can cover it loosely with aluminum foil.

11. Cool: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling time helps the bread set and makes it easier to slice.

12. Serve: Slice and enjoy! This bread can be served warm, with extra butter, or as an accompaniment to soups, pasta, or salads.

Pro Tips for Perfect Garlic Parmesan Herb Bread

• Don’t Overmix the Dough: When combining the dry and wet ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing can result in dense bread.

• Use Freshly Grated Parmesan: Freshly grated parmesan will melt better into the dough and give a richer flavor than pre-grated parmesan.

• Add Extra Toppings: Feel free to sprinkle extra parmesan on top of the bread before baking for a cheesy, golden crust.

• Check for Doneness: If the bread is not quite golden after the baking time, give it a few extra minutes. You can check for doneness by tapping the bottom of the loaf. If it sounds hollow, it’s ready.

• Rest Before Slicing: Let the bread cool for at least 10 minutes before slicing to ensure it holds together and doesn’t become too crumbly.

Serving Suggestions for Garlic Parmesan Herb Bread

This savory bread pairs wonderfully with a variety of meals. Here are a few ideas for how to serve it:

• With Pasta: Serve a slice of Garlic Parmesan Herb Bread alongside your favorite pasta dishes, especially creamy pasta, tomato-based sauces, or even a rich lasagna.

• With Soup: It makes a great accompaniment to soups, especially hearty options like tomato, potato leek, or minestrone.

• As an Appetizer: Serve this bread with a dipping sauce, such as olive oil and balsamic vinegar or a creamy dip, for a perfect appetizer at parties.

• With Butter: For a simple treat, spread some butter on a warm slice of bread and enjoy the garlic and parmesan flavors.

Nutritional Information for Garlic Parmesan Herb Bread

Each slice of Garlic Parmesan Herb Bread contains approximately 180 calories, with 10 grams of fat, including 3 grams of saturated fat. It provides 18 grams of carbohydrates, including 1 gram of fiber and 2 grams of sugar. The bread offers 5 grams of protein per slice, making it a hearty addition to your meal. The sodium content is 250 mg per slice, so it’s a moderate option when paired with other dishes.

Conclusion

Garlic Parmesan Herb Bread is a flavorful, rustic loaf that adds a touch of elegance and richness to any meal. The combination of fresh garlic, parmesan cheese, and aromatic herbs makes this bread irresistible, while the garlic butter topping gives it an extra layer of indulgence. Whether served with pasta, soup, or simply enjoyed with butter, this bread is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. With its tender crumb, golden crust, and savory flavors, Garlic Parmesan Herb Bread is a perfect addition to your recipe collection.