There are recipes you make, and then there are recipes you experience. This Garlic Parmesan Artisan Loaf falls firmly into the second category. It’s the kind of bread that turns an ordinary Sunday into a small celebration—warm kitchen, soft dough under your palms, and that unmistakable aroma of garlic and cheese drifting through the house like a promise.
If you’ve ever wanted to dip your toes into homemade bread without the intimidation factor, this loaf is your new best friend. It’s rustic, flavorful, and beautifully simple, relying on pantry staples and a little patience to create something that feels downright luxurious.
Let’s get into it.
Why This Bread Works
This loaf is all about balance—soft on the inside, golden and crisp on the outside, with savory garlic woven through every bite. The Parmesan melts into the dough as it bakes, creating pockets of salty richness that make this bread irresistible on its own or paired with soups, pastas, or a drizzle of olive oil.
It’s comfort food with character.
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1.5 cups warm water (no warmer than 110°F)
- 2.25 tsp active dry yeast (1 packet and follow packet instructions)
- 2 tsp kosher salt
- 3 tsp garlic powder
- 2.5 Tsp Fresh chopped Rosemary
- 1.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2.5 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1. Wake up the yeast
In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast into the warm water. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy and alive. This is your dough’s heartbeat.
2. Build the foundation
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sea salt, and garlic powder. These dry ingredients will carry the flavor all the way through the loaf.
3. Bring it all together
Pour the yeast mixture and olive oil into the dry ingredients. Stir until a shaggy, slightly messy dough forms. It doesn’t need to be perfect—just cohesive.
4. Knead with intention
Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 8 minutes. You’re looking for smooth, elastic, and springy. This is where the magic happens.
5. First rise
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a towel, and let it rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size. This is your dough’s quiet moment.
6. Add the Parmesan and Rosemary
Punch down the dough gently and fold in the grated Parmesan and the chopped rosemary. You’ll see little flecks of cheese and herb throughout—trust me, they bake into pure joy.
7. Shape + second rise Shape the dough into a round loaf and place it on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Let it rise for another 30 minutes while your oven preheats to 425°F
8. Bake to golden perfection
Bake for 25–30 minutes, until the loaf is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. Let it cool slightly before slicing (if you can resist).
✨ Serving Ideas
- Warm with salted butter
- Dipped in olive oil + cracked pepper
- Alongside tomato soup or creamy pasta
- Toasted with a swipe of pesto
- As the base for the best grilled cheese of your life
Final Thoughts
There’s something grounding about making bread by hand. It slows you down, invites you into the moment, and rewards you with something warm and nourishing. This Garlic Parmesan Artisan Loaf is simple enough for beginners but flavorful enough to feel special every time.
If you make it, let me know how your kitchen smelled—because that’s half the joy.