Garlic Parmesan Herb Bread Recipe
If you’re searching for an irresistibly aromatic bread that combines savory cheese, garden-fresh herbs, and the warmly familiar punch of garlic, look no further than Garlic Parmesan Herb Bread. This swirl bread is golden and crispy on the outside, beautifully fluffy on the inside, and absolutely loaded with flavor in every bite. It’s a comfort food classic you’ll want to share, whether as a showstopper for gatherings or to elevate any cozy family meal. Garlic Parmesan Herb Bread is not just a side—it’s the star your breadbasket has been waiting for.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Garlic Parmesan Herb Bread is how just a few straightforward ingredients come together to create something special. Each element brightens the loaf with its own unique color, aroma, or texture—don’t skip any, as they all have a key role in the final result!
- All-purpose flour: The perfect foundation for a tender, chewy crumb.
- Active dry yeast: Brings the rise and airy texture to your loaf.
- Sugar: Just a touch to help the yeast do its thing and encourage gentle browning.
- Salt: Enhances every flavor and balances the cheese.
- Warm water: Activates the yeast (not too hot, not too cold for best results!)
- Olive oil: Adds moistness and subtle richness to the dough.
- Garlic: Freshly minced for bold, savory punch in every bite.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Salty, nutty, and essential for that signature flavor.
- Fresh parsley: For color, freshness, and an herby lift.
- Fresh rosemary: Earthy, piney notes that deepen each mouthful.
- Fresh thyme: A gentle, aromatic companion to the bolder rosemary.
- Italian seasoning: Rounds out the bread with a whisper of Mediterranean warmth.
- Melted butter: Brushed on top for a gorgeous, glossy, golden finish.
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Herb Bread
Step 1: Awaken the Yeast
Start by mixing the warm water, sugar, and yeast in a small bowl. Give it a gentle stir and let it sit until it becomes frothy—this usually takes about 5 to 10 minutes. Watching your yeast activate is a great sign that your Garlic Parmesan Herb Bread is already on the right track to fluffy deliciousness!
Step 2: Build the Base
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Create a well in the center to pour in your frothy yeast mixture, then add olive oil. This step ensures the rising power is distributed evenly throughout your dough, laying the foundation for a perfectly textured loaf.
Step 3: Mix Until Shaggy
Use a wooden spoon or your hands to mix everything together until a shaggy dough forms. It might look a little messy at this point, but you’re developing flavor and structure—embrace the rustic beginnings!
Step 4: Knead to Perfection
Flour your surface lightly, then knead the dough for 8 to 10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. This hands-on time is when the gluten forms, giving your Garlic Parmesan Herb Bread its signature chew and strength.
Step 5: Rise and Shine
Shape the dough into a ball, pop it in a greased bowl, and turn it so the top is oiled. Cover with a towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm spot for about an hour. When it’s doubled in size, you know the yeast is working its magic.
Step 6: Mix Your Flavor Bomb
While the dough is rising, mix together the minced garlic, Parmesan, parsley, rosemary, thyme, and Italian seasoning in a small bowl. This fragrant mixture is the heart of Garlic Parmesan Herb Bread, infusing every swirl with savory, herby goodness.
Step 7: Shape and Fill
Punch down the dough just enough to deflate it slightly, then transfer to your floured work surface. Roll it out into a rectangle (about 12 x 18 inches and half an inch thick). Sprinkle the garlic-herb-cheese mix evenly over the top, leaving a border so you can seal the edges without leaks.
Step 8: Roll and Coil
Starting from one long side, roll the dough into a tight log, pinching the seams to seal. Coil the log into a spiral shape, tucking the end underneath. Carefully move this glorious swirl into a greased 9-inch round cake pan—this shape gives every slice a perfect spiral of flavor!
Step 9: Second Rise
Let your shaped dough rest for 30 to 45 minutes, covered, as it puffs up and fills up the pan. This second rise ensures your Garlic Parmesan Herb Bread is extra airy and beautifully textured.
Step 10: Butter and Bake
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush the bread with melted butter, then bake for 25 to 30 minutes. The loaf is done when it’s golden and sounds hollow when you tap the bottom. The aroma that fills your kitchen will be absolutely irresistible!
How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Herb Bread
Garnishes
For an extra pop of freshness, scatter a little more chopped parsley or rosemary right after baking. A final dusting of grated Parmesan over the hot loaf lets it melt slightly, delivering a gooey, bakery-style experience.
Side Dishes
This bread absolutely shines alongside Italian classics like lasagna or spaghetti and meatballs, but it’s just as dreamy dunked into soups or served with a fresh green salad. Garlic Parmesan Herb Bread transforms any meal into something a little more special.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re entertaining, slice the bread while it’s still warm and serve it in a basket lined with a linen napkin. For a fun twist, cut the swirl bread into wedges and offer as part of an antipasto platter with olives, roasted veggies, and cured meats. It’s impressive, beautiful, and always the first thing to disappear!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once your Garlic Parmesan Herb Bread has cooled completely, wrap it tightly in foil or plastic wrap. It’ll stay fresh at room temperature for about two days. Storing it this way keeps it from drying out while preserving all those delicious flavors.
Freezing
For longer keeping, slice the cooled bread and place slices in an airtight container or freezer bag. This way, you can grab a piece or two whenever you crave a taste. Garlic Parmesan Herb Bread freezes beautifully for up to three months—just let it thaw at room temperature before reheating.
Reheating
If you want to bring back that just-baked warmth, pop individual slices in a toaster or wrap the whole loaf in foil and reheat in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes. The aroma will reawaken all the fresh garlic and herb flavors, making leftover bread taste like it’s straight from the oven.
FAQs
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
Absolutely! If fresh herbs aren’t available, substitute with about one-third of the amount in dried herbs—just remember they pack a stronger punch. The bread will still have all the herby notes you expect from Garlic Parmesan Herb Bread.
What if I don’t have a round cake pan?
No worries at all. You can shape the rolled dough and bake it on a parchment-lined baking sheet, or use a regular loaf pan. The swirl might spread a little more, but you’ll still have all the layers and flavors that make this bread special.
Can I make Garlic Parmesan Herb Bread vegan?
Yes! Swap the Parmesan for a plant-based alternative, use vegan butter for brushing, and double-check your bread dough ingredients. The taste will differ a little, but you’ll get the same herby, garlicky spirit.
Do I have to knead by hand?
You can certainly use a stand mixer with a dough hook if you prefer. Let it knead the dough for you until it’s smooth and elastic—about 5 to 6 minutes. Either way, you’ll wind up with fantastic results for Garlic Parmesan Herb Bread.
Can I add other cheeses?
Definitely! While Parmesan is classic, adding a handful of mozzarella or asiago inside the swirl makes it extra melty and rich. Just avoid very soft cheeses so you don’t lose your lovely spiral structure.
Final Thoughts
Baking Garlic Parmesan Herb Bread is one of those small kitchen joys that makes your whole home feel extra inviting. Whether you’re serving it with a special meal or just want to indulge in the warm, cheesy aroma of fresh bread, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. Give it a try—you’ll be hooked after the very first swirl!
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Garlic Parmesan Herb Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Yield: 1 loaf 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Garlic Parmesan Herb Bread is a flavorful and aromatic bread that’s perfect for any meal. The combination of garlic, Parmesan cheese, and fresh herbs creates a delightful savory flavor that pairs well with soups, salads, or enjoyed on its own.
Ingredients
Dough:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup warm water (about 110°F or 43°C)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Garlic Parmesan Herb Mixture:
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon melted butter (for brushing)
Instructions
- Prepare Yeast Mixture: In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit until frothy.
- Mix Dough: In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Add yeast mixture and olive oil. Mix until a dough forms.
- Knead Dough: Transfer dough to a floured surface and knead until smooth.
- Rise Dough: Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise until doubled.
- Prepare Garlic Parmesan Herb Mixture: Combine garlic, Parmesan, herbs, and seasoning in a bowl.
- Shape Dough: Roll out dough, spread herb mixture, roll into a log, and shape into a coil.
- Second Rise: Let the dough rise in a pan until puffed.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat to 375°F (190°C).
- Brush Dough: Brush dough with melted butter.
- Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
Notes
- You can customize the herb mixture with your favorite herbs.
- Ensure the yeast is activated and frothy before adding to the flour.
- Adjust the baking time based on your oven’s performance.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: Garlic Parmesan Herb Bread, Homemade Bread, Savory Bread Recipe
