Bring the taste of Italy to your kitchen with this savory Italian Parmesan Bread, a homemade delight that combines the rich, nutty flavor of freshly grated Parmesan with a subtle blend of dried Italian herbs. This versatile loaf, perfect as a centerpiece for any meal, boasts a golden crust—enhanced with an optional egg wash—and a soft, airy interior. Whether you’re serving it alongside hearty pasta dishes, slicing it for gourmet sandwiches, or simply enjoying it with a drizzle of olive oil, this bread is sure to impress. With just 20 minutes of prep time, simple ingredients like all-purpose flour, warm water, and olive oil come together beautifully, while a final flourish of Parmesan and herbs on top makes it irresistibly aromatic. Ideal for novice bakers and seasoned pros alike, this recipe is your ticket to artisan bread-making at home.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, grated Parmesan cheese, granulated sugar, salt, and instant yeast. Mix until evenly distributed.
Add the warm water and olive oil to the dry ingredients. Stir until a shaggy dough forms.
Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead by hand for 8-10 minutes, or until the dough becomes smooth and elastic. Alternatively, use a stand mixer with a dough hook for 5-7 minutes.
Shape the dough into a ball and place it into a lightly oiled bowl. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a damp kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
After the dough has risen, punch it down to release air bubbles. Turn it out onto a floured surface and shape it into a loaf or divide it into smaller portions for rolls.
Place the shaped dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet or into a greased loaf pan. Cover loosely and let it rise again for 30-40 minutes, or until it puffs up significantly.
Optional: For a golden crust, whisk together the egg and water to make an egg wash. Brush the egg wash over the surface of the dough.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). If desired, sprinkle additional Parmesan cheese and dried Italian herbs over the top of the bread before baking.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes (for a loaf) or 18-22 minutes (for smaller rolls), or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 10-15 minutes before slicing or serving.
Calories |
2016 | ||
---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
Total Fat | 33.1 g | 42% | |
Saturated Fat | 18.1 g | 90% | |
Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
Cholesterol | 265 mg | 88% | |
Sodium | 1437 mg | 62% | |
Total Carbohydrate | 346.4 g | 126% | |
Dietary Fiber | 11.6 g | 41% | |
Total Sugars | 26.4 g | ||
Protein | 81.4 g | 163% | |
Vitamin D | 1.0 mcg | 5% | |
Calcium | 970 mg | 75% | |
Iron | 20.6 mg | 114% | |
Potassium | 515 mg | 11% |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.