This Herb-Parmesan Bread is the ultimate comfort food, combining the earthy aroma of fresh oregano with the sharp, salty punch of grated Parmesan cheese. The dough is soft and pillowy inside, while baking it in a casserole dish creates a wonderful, golden-brown crust that shatters slightly when torn. It’s incredibly versatile, perfect for dipping in marinara sauce, serving alongside a hearty soup, or simply enjoying with a slab of butter as a snack. The herbs bloom beautifully in the warm butter, releasing fragrant oils with every bite. This homemade bread brings a rustic, Italian-inspired elegance to your dinner table without requiring advanced baking skills. It’s a crowd-pleaser that tastes far better than anything store-bought, and the rich, savory flavor makes it an irresistible addition to any meal.
Herb-Parmesan Bread
Description
This Herb-Parmesan Bread is the ultimate comfort food, combining the earthy aroma of fresh oregano with the sharp, salty punch of grated Parmesan cheese. The dough is soft and pillowy inside, while baking it in a casserole dish creates a wonderful, golden-brown crust that shatters slightly when torn. It's incredibly versatile, perfect for dipping in marinara sauce, serving alongside a hearty soup, or simply enjoying with a slab of butter as a snack. The herbs bloom beautifully in the warm butter, releasing fragrant oils with every bite. This homemade bread brings a rustic, Italian-inspired elegance to your dinner table without requiring advanced baking skills. It's a crowd-pleaser that tastes far better than anything store-bought, and the rich, savory flavor makes it an irresistible addition to any meal.Ingredients
Directions
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Heat 2 cups of water until it reaches a temperature of 105-115°F (40-46°C).
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Sprinkle the yeast evenly over the surface of the warm water.
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Let the mixture stand for 5 to 10 minutes until the yeast becomes frothy and bubbly.
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Stir the yeast mixture gently to dissolve any remaining clumps.
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Add the sugar, salt, softened butter, grated Parmesan cheese, oregano, and 3 cups of the flour to the yeast mixture.
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Beat the mixture with a wooden spoon or electric mixer on low speed until the dough begins to form a cohesive ball.
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Increase the mixer speed to medium and beat for 2 minutes to develop the gluten.
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Scrape down the sides of the bowl and gradually stir in the remaining 1 1/2 cups of flour, one cup at a time, until the dough is smooth and slightly tacky but not sticky.
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Cover the bowl with a damp cloth or plastic wrap and let the dough rise in a warm place (around 85°F) for about 45 minutes, or until it has doubled in bulk.
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While the dough rises, grease a 2-quart casserole dish or baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
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Once risen, punch down the dough to release air bubbles.
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Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead briefly, or beat 25 strokes with a spoon if still in the bowl, to shape it.
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Transfer the shaped dough into the prepared casserole dish.
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Sprinkle additional grated Parmesan cheese over the top if desired for extra flavor and browning.
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Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 55 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 12
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 98.6kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 1.6g3%
- Saturated Fat 0.9g5%
- Cholesterol 3.5mg2%
- Sodium 825.1mg35%
- Total Carbohydrate 18.1g7%
- Dietary Fiber 0.8g4%
- Sugars 0.7g
- Protein 2.4g5%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
For best results, ensure your water is not too hot, as water above 115°F can kill the yeast. If the yeast mixture does not become frothy after 10 minutes, the yeast may be inactive; discard and start with fresh yeast.
Storage: Allow the bread to cool completely before slicing. Store leftovers 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 minutes.
Substitutions: You can use fresh oregano (about 1 tablespoon) instead of dried for a more vibrant herb flavor. For a dairy-free version, omit the Parmesan and use olive oil instead of butter, though the flavor profile will change.
Tip: If your kitchen is cooler than 75°F, the dough may take longer to rise. Place the covered bowl in the turned-off oven with just the light on for gentle warmth.
