Parmesan Garlic Artisan Bread is a simple, delicious treat that fills your kitchen with the warm smell of garlic and melty cheese. Crisp on the outside and soft on the inside, this bread has a perfect mix of crunchy crust and tender crumb, with that sharp, nutty flavor of Parmesan baked right in.
I love how easy it is to make this bread feel special. A bit of garlic butter brushed on top before baking gives it a golden finish and extra flavor that everyone always asks about. It’s one of those recipes where you feel like a pro baker, even if it’s your first time!
My favorite way to enjoy this artisan bread is warm, fresh from the oven, maybe with a little extra butter or next to a big bowl of soup. It’s perfect for sharing with family or friends because it’s so comforting and satisfying. I’m pretty sure this bread will quickly become one of those go-to recipes you want to make over and over again.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Flour: All-purpose flour works great for this bread, giving a nice balance of texture. You could try bread flour for a chewier crumb or whole wheat for a heartier loaf, but it might change the softness.
Yeast: Active dry yeast helps the bread rise well. If you don’t have it, instant yeast works fine—just mix it right in with the dry ingredients without proofing.
Parmesan Cheese: This adds a nutty, salty flavor and crisp topping. If you want a different taste, Pecorino Romano or Asiago are good alternatives. You can also leave cheese off for a simple garlic bread.
Garlic & Butter: Fresh garlic combined with melted butter gives a rich aroma and flavor. Garlic powder can work if you’re in a hurry, but fresh minced garlic always tastes fresher.
Parsley: Fresh parsley brightens the bread with a bit of color and mild herbal notes. If you don’t have it, dried parsley or fresh basil can be good substitutes.
How Do You Get the Bread Crispy on the Outside but Soft Inside?
Balancing a crispy crust with a soft crumb can be tricky but here’s my simple approach:
- Use a hot oven: Preheat to 450°F (230°C). Baking at high heat helps form a golden crust fast.
- Heat the skillet: Putting the dough in a hot cast-iron skillet helps start the crust crisping right away.
- Oil the pan: A light coating of olive oil prevents sticking and adds flavor to the crust bottom.
- Score the bread: Cutting the surface allows steam to escape, which keeps the inside airy but the top crunchy.
- Butter and cheese topping: Brushing on the garlic butter mix before baking adds flavor and helps the top get golden and crispy.
- Don’t overbake: About 20-25 minutes is perfect. Keep an eye on the bread so it’s browned but still soft inside.
Follow these tips and you’ll get that perfect combo of crunchy outside and pillowy inside every time. Enjoy baking!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large mixing bowl – perfect for mixing and letting your dough rise comfortably.
- Cast-iron skillet or oven-safe pan – it heats evenly for a great crust and transfers well to the oven.
- Kitchen towel or plastic wrap – helps keep the dough covered and warm while rising.
- Sharp knife or kitchen scissors – easy for scoring the dough to create those perfect pull-apart pieces.
- Basting brush – great for spreading garlic butter evenly on the bread’s surface.
- Cutting board – to cool and slice your fresh artisan bread safely.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Add fresh rosemary or thyme to the garlic butter for an herby twist that pairs well with the Parmesan.
- Mix shredded mozzarella or cheddar into the dough for a softer, cheesy inside that melts as you bite.
- Include sun-dried tomatoes or olives in the dough for a tangy, savory surprise inside your bread.
- Try swapping Parmesan for Pecorino Romano for a sharper, saltier cheese flavor.
Parmesan Garlic Artisan Bread – Fresh from the Oven!
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
- 1 3/4 cups warm water (about 110°F/45°C)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
- Olive oil (for greasing)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of active prep time. You’ll need about 1 to 1.5 hours for the first dough rise, plus another 20 to 30 minutes for the second rise. Baking takes 20 to 25 minutes. Altogether, from mixing your ingredients to pulling fresh bread out of the oven, plan on around 2 hours.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Dough:
In a large bowl, stir together the flour, salt, sugar, and yeast. Slowly add the warm water while mixing until a sticky dough forms. Cover with plastic wrap or a damp towel and set aside in a warm place. Let it rise until it doubles in size, about 1 to 1.5 hours.
2. Prepare for Baking:
Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C), and place a cast-iron skillet or oven-safe pan inside to heat. When the dough has risen, turn it out onto a floured surface. Gently shape it into a round loaf.
3. Second Rise and Flavoring:
Carefully take the hot skillet out of the oven and brush it with olive oil. Place the dough inside the pan, cover with a kitchen towel, and let it rise again for 20 to 30 minutes. While waiting, mix together melted butter, garlic, parsley, and Parmesan cheese.
4. Score and Brush:
Use a sharp knife or kitchen scissors to score the dough’s top in a crosshatch pattern, which helps create pull-apart squares. Brush the garlic butter mixture generously over the top, making sure it seeps into the cuts.
5. Bake and Serve:
Bake the bread for 20 to 25 minutes until the crust is golden and crisp. Let it cool in the pan for a few minutes, then transfer to a cutting board. Gently pull apart the scored sections to serve warm. Enjoy!
Can I Use Instant Yeast Instead of Active Dry Yeast?
Yes! Instant yeast can be mixed directly with the dry ingredients without proofing. It generally works faster, so keep an eye on the rising times—they might be slightly shorter.
How Should I Store Leftover Bread?
Store leftovers in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap at room temperature for up to 2 days. To keep it longer, freeze the bread in a sealed bag and thaw at room temperature before reheating.
Can I Make the Dough Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it overnight. Let the dough come to room temperature and finish the rising steps before baking for fresh bread the next day.
What Can I Serve with Parmesan Garlic Artisan Bread?
This bread is perfect alongside soups, salads, pasta dishes, or as a tasty snack dipped in olive oil or marinara sauce. Its rich garlic and Parmesan flavors complement many meals!
