Parmesan Herb Bread: A Savory Homemade Delight

 There's nothing quite like the aroma of freshly baked bread wafting through your kitchen, especially when it's infused with aromatic herbs and sharp, salty Parmesan cheese. This Parmesan Herb Bread combines classic Italian flavors into a tender, flavorful loaf that's perfect alongside soups, salads, or simply enjoyed on its own with a pat of butter.

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 3½ cups all-purpose flour
• 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1½ teaspoons salt
• 1 cup warm water (110-115°F)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large egg, room temperature

For the Herb-Cheese Mixture:

• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ cup olive oil
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine 1½ cups flour, yeast, sugar, and salt. Add the warm water, olive oil, and egg. Beat with an electric mixer on low speed for 30 seconds, scraping the bowl as needed. Beat on high speed for 3 minutes.
2. Stir in the remaining flour gradually until a soft dough forms. Turn onto a floured surface and knead for 6-8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
3. Place the dough in a greased bowl, turning once to grease the top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
4. Meanwhile, prepare the herb-cheese mixture by combining all ingredients in a small bowl.
5. Punch down the dough and turn onto a lightly floured surface. Roll into a 14x9-inch rectangle.
6. Spread the herb-cheese mixture evenly over the dough, leaving a ½-inch border on all sides.
7. Starting with the long side, roll up the dough tightly like a jelly roll. Pinch the seams and ends to seal.
8. Place the loaf seam-side down in a greased 9x5-inch loaf pan. Cover and let rise until nearly doubled, about 30-45 minutes.
9. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
10. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown. The bread should sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
11. Remove from the pan immediately and cool on a wire rack.

Tips for Success

• Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese rather than pre-grated for the best flavor and texture.
• Ensure your yeast is fresh and active by checking the expiration date
• The water temperature is crucial - too hot will kill the yeast, too cool won't activate it
• Don't skip the second rise - it's essential for developing proper texture
• For a crispier crust, spray the oven with water just before putting in the bread

Storage

Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, wrap in foil and warm in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes.

Serving Suggestions

This savory bread pairs beautifully with:

• Italian-style soups like minestrone or tomato basil
• Fresh garden salads
• Pasta dishes
• Grilled meats
• On its own with extra virgin olive oil for dipping

Whether you're an experienced baker or new to bread-making, this Parmesan Herb Bread is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. The combination of fresh herbs and Parmesan creates a loaf that's both impressive and irresistible.