Crispy Outside • Soft Inside • Packed with Flavor

A Little Story Before the Title

There’s something deeply comforting about the smell of fresh bread baking.
It fills the kitchen with warmth, makes the whole house feel alive, and instantly signals that something delicious is coming.

But artisan bread often feels intimidating — long rises, special techniques, and bakery-level skills.

This recipe changes that.

This Artisan Parmesan Garlic Bread gives you the crispy crust, airy inside, and rich garlic-parmesan flavor of a bakery loaf… without complicated steps. It’s rustic, bold, and made for tearing apart at the table with family.

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Why This Bread Works

• No stand mixer required
• Rustic artisan texture without stress
• Crispy golden crust
• Perfect with pasta, soups, or salads
• Freezes beautifully
• Beginner-friendly dough

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Ingredients

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ¼ tsp salt
• 1 tsp sugar
• 2 tsp instant yeast
• 1 ¼ cups warm water
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1 tbsp chopped parsley (fresh or dried)
• ½ tsp black pepper
• Extra olive oil for brushing

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Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit 5 minutes until foamy.
2. Add olive oil, minced garlic, parsley, pepper, and parmesan. Mix well.
3. Stir in flour and salt until a shaggy dough forms.
4. Knead by hand for 6–8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
5. Place dough in oiled bowl, cover, and let rise 1 hour or until doubled.
6. Punch down dough and shape into a rustic oval or round loaf.
7. Place on parchment-lined baking sheet and cover loosely.
8. Let rise another 30 minutes.
9. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
10. Brush loaf with olive oil and sprinkle extra parmesan on top.
11. Score top with a knife for that artisan look.
12. Bake 20–25 minutes until golden and crusty.
13. Cool at least 15 minutes before slicing.

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The Secret to Bakery-Style Flavor

What makes this loaf stand out isn’t just the parmesan — it’s how the garlic infuses into the dough itself instead of being brushed on top later. This creates a deeper, roasted flavor throughout the bread.

The high baking temperature helps create that signature artisan crust: crisp on the outside, soft and airy inside.

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Perfect Pairings

This bread shines when served with:

• Creamy pasta dishes
• Tomato-based sauces
• Roasted vegetables
• Soup night dinners
• Olive oil dipping plates
• Cheese boards

It’s the kind of loaf that disappears before the meal even starts.

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Pro Tips for the Best Texture

Don’t over-flour the dough

Slightly sticky dough = better airy crumb.

Bake hot

High heat creates that crusty artisan shell.

Let it cool before slicing

Cutting too soon releases steam and makes bread gummy.

Add steam for extra crust

Place a small pan of hot water in the oven during baking.

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Flavor Variations

Extra Garlic Lover’s Loaf

Roast the garlic first for deeper sweetness.

Herb Garden Bread

Add rosemary, thyme, or oregano.

Cheesy Pull-Apart Version

Shape into rolls and bake in a skillet.

Spicy Garlic Bread

Add chili flakes to dough.

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Storage Tips

• Room temp: 2 days wrapped in cloth
• Fridge: up to 5 days
• Freezer: up to 2 months
• Reheat in oven for best texture

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