Parmesan Garlic Artisan Bread is a flavorful, crusty bread with a rich garlic and cheese taste that tempts everyone at the dinner table. This bread is not just a side; it’s a star on its own. Whether served with a warm bowl of soup or a fresh salad, this homemade creation will elevate your meals. It’s relatively simple to make and will fill your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas that beckon from the oven. Let’s dive into the world of artisan bread baking!
Why You’ll Love This Parmesan Garlic Artisan Bread
This bread is not only delicious but also versatile. Here are some reasons why you’ll adore making your own homemade Parmesan garlic bread:
- Rich, cheesy flavor with the perfect garlic kick.
- Golden-brown crust with a soft, airy interior.
- Easy to customize with additional herbs for extra flair.
- Perfect for pairing with soups, salads, or for snacking on its own.
- Simple ingredients that you probably already have at home.
- A great way to impress guests without extensive culinary skills.
- Making it at home allows you to control the quality of ingredients.
This artisan-style bread is a testament to why homemade is often better than store-bought. The best Parmesan garlic artisan bread combines the rich flavors of Parmesan with the aromatic essence of fresh garlic, making it a delightful treat for any occasion.
Ingredients for Parmesan Garlic Artisan Bread
Gather these items:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1 ¼ cups warm water (110°F/43°C)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Additional Parmesan cheese for topping
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
How to Make Parmesan Garlic Artisan Bread Step-by-Step
- Step 1: In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
- Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
- Step 3: Once the yeast is activated, add it to the flour mixture along with olive oil, minced garlic, and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until a shaggy dough forms.
- Step 4: On a lightly floured surface, knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- Step 5: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm area for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
- Step 6: Once risen, punch down the dough to release air. Shape it into a round or oval loaf.
- Step 7: Place the shaped dough on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover it with a cloth and let it rise for another 30 minutes.
- Step 8: While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Step 9: After the second rise, sprinkle additional grated Parmesan cheese on top of the loaf.
- Step 10: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
- Step 11: Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 10 minutes before slicing.
Pro Tips for the Best Parmesan Garlic Artisan Bread
Keep these in mind:
- Store leftover bread in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
- This bread pairs well with soups and salads, making it a perfect side. Roasted carrot soup is a great option!
- Feel free to experiment with herbs like rosemary or thyme for added flavor.
- For a crustier loaf, place a pan of water in the oven while baking.
- Use a kitchen scale for accurate measurements to ensure perfect results.
Best Ways to Serve Parmesan Garlic Artisan Bread
This garlic bread is incredibly versatile! Here are some serving ideas:
- Serve warm with marinara sauce for a delightful dipping experience.
- Slice it and use it as a base for bruschetta topped with fresh tomatoes and basil. Bruschetta is a fantastic choice!
- Pair with creamy soups like tomato basil or minestrone for a comforting meal.
How to Store and Reheat Parmesan Garlic Artisan Bread
To keep your Parmesan garlic loaf fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature. If you have leftovers, it can also be frozen for up to three months. To reheat, simply place it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through. Meal prep becomes easy when you have this delicious bread on hand!
Frequently Asked Questions About Parmesan Garlic Artisan Bread
What’s the secret to perfect Parmesan Garlic Artisan Bread?
The secret lies in the proper activation of the yeast and allowing the dough to rise adequately. Make sure your water is warm but not too hot, as it can kill the yeast. Additionally, kneading is key to developing gluten, which gives bread its structure.
Can I make Parmesan Garlic Artisan Bread ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it after the first rise. Just make sure to bring it back to room temperature before shaping and letting it rise again.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Parmesan Garlic Artisan Bread?
Common mistakes include using water that’s too hot or not allowing enough rise time. Always check the yeast’s expiration date and ensure it is activated properly. Also, be careful not to over-knead or under-knead your dough.
Variations of Parmesan Garlic Artisan Bread You Can Try
Consider these delicious twists on the classic recipe:
- Add herbs like basil or oregano for a fragrant touch.
- Incorporate sun-dried tomatoes or olives for a Mediterranean flair.
- Experiment with different cheeses, like mozzarella or feta, for unique flavors.
With these variations, you can create a unique bread that suits any taste or occasion! Enjoy your journey into artisan bread baking with this delightful garlic and cheese bread recipe.
5 Reasons to Love Parmesan Garlic Artisan Bread
Parmesan Garlic Artisan Bread is a flavorful, crusty bread with a rich garlic and cheese taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf 1x
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1 ¼ cups warm water (110°F/43°C)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Additional Parmesan cheese for topping
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
- Once the yeast is activated, add it to the flour mixture along with olive oil, minced garlic, and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until a shaggy dough forms.
- On a lightly floured surface, knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm area for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
- Once risen, punch down the dough to release air. Shape it into a round or oval loaf.
- Place the shaped dough on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover it with a cloth and let it rise for another 30 minutes.
- While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- After the second rise, sprinkle additional grated Parmesan cheese on top of the loaf.
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
- Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 10 minutes before slicing.
Notes
- Store leftover bread in an airtight container.
- This bread pairs well with soups and salads.
- Feel free to experiment with herbs for added flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
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