Rosemary Parmesan Bread Recipe

The Fragrant Rosemary Parmesan Bread Recipe Everyone Loves

Crafting a rustic rosemary parmesan bread at home sparks culinary creativity like nothing else.

Aromatic herbs dance through soft, pillowy dough waiting to emerge from your oven.

Warm kitchen memories flood back with each knead and fold of this classic recipe.

Salt crystals and fragrant rosemary create magical moments of pure comfort.

Cheese melts into golden crust, promising something extraordinary for your next meal.

Fresh ingredients become poetry when mixed with passion and care.

Bread-making connects us to ancient traditions of nourishment and love.

Bake this and watch magic happen right before your eyes.

What Makes Rosemary Parmesan Bread So Aromatic

  • Craft Homemade Comfort: Transform basic ingredients into a delightful bread that fills your kitchen with warm, aromatic rosemary and savory Parmesan notes.
  • Master Baking Skills: Learn simple bread-making techniques perfect for beginners, with step-by-step instructions that build confidence in creating restaurant-quality bread.
  • Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Serve alongside soups, salads, or enjoy as a standalone snack that impresses family and friends with minimal culinary expertise required.
  • Quick Weekend Project: Engage in a satisfying baking experience that requires just a few ingredients and minimal hands-on preparation, making it an enjoyable weekend cooking adventure.

Ingredients for Rosemary Parmesan Bread

Core Ingredients:
  • Flour: The main structural component that provides the base for the bread.
  • Yeast: A crucial leavening agent that helps the bread rise and develop a light texture.
  • Warm Water: Essential for activating the yeast and creating the dough's consistency.
  • Olive Oil: Adds moisture and richness to the bread's texture.
Flavor Enhancers:
  • Rosemary, Parmesan Cheese: These ingredients provide a savory, aromatic profile to the bread.
  • Salt: Enhances the overall flavor and balances the other ingredients.
Baking Essentials:
  • Parchment Paper: Prevents the bread from sticking to the baking sheet and ensures easy removal.

How to Bake Rosemary Parmesan Bread

Step 1: Create Dough Foundation

In a spacious mixing bowl, bring together flour, active dry yeast, warm water, and olive oil. Stir and blend these ingredients until they transform into a cohesive, soft dough. The mixture should feel slightly sticky and start to pull away from the bowl’s sides.

Step 2: Develop Dough Texture

Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Begin kneading with firm, rhythmic motions, pushing and folding the dough for approximately 5-7 minutes. The goal is a smooth, elastic texture that springs back when gently pressed.

Step 3: Allow First Fermentation

Return the kneaded dough to the original bowl. Cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Place in a draft-free, warm location like near a sunny window or slightly warm oven. Let the dough rise and expand for about 60 minutes until it doubles in volume.

Step 4: Prepare Baking Environment

Set the oven to 375°F (190°C). Ensure the rack is positioned in the center for even heating.

Step 5: Incorporate Aromatic Elements

After the first rise, gently deflate the dough by punching it down. Fold in these delightful ingredients:
  • Fresh chopped rosemary
  • Grated Parmesan cheese
  • Kosher salt

Knead these flavors thoroughly throughout the dough.

Step 6: Shape Elegant Loaf

Mold the enhanced dough into a rustic, rounded loaf. Place it carefully on a parchment-lined baking sheet, ensuring enough space for potential expansion.

Step 7: Final Rise and Preparation

Cover the shaped loaf with a lightweight towel. Allow it to rise again for 30 minutes, becoming slightly puffy and relaxed.

Step 8: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven. Bake for 30-35 minutes until the bread develops a rich, golden-brown exterior. Test doneness by tapping the bottom – it should sound hollow and crisp.

Step 9: Cool and Savor

Transfer the freshly baked bread to a wire cooling rack. Let it rest for 15-20 minutes, allowing internal steam to distribute. Slice and serve warm, enjoying the herb-infused, cheesy aroma.

Pro Tips for Rosemary Parmesan Bread

  • Use freshly grated Parmesan for the most robust flavor and best melting texture in the bread.
  • Check yeast's expiration date to ensure proper rising and prevent dense, flat bread.
  • Warm water between 105-115°F activates yeast perfectly without killing the live cultures.
  • Let bread cool completely before slicing to maintain its soft, tender interior structure.
  • Store bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days to preserve freshness.

Variations to Try With Rosemary Parmesan Bread

  • Garlic Herb Bread: Replace rosemary with a blend of minced garlic, thyme, and basil for a robust Mediterranean flavor profile.
  • Whole Wheat Parmesan Bread: Substitute half the white flour with whole wheat flour for added nutrition and nutty undertones.
  • Olive and Sun-Dried Tomato Bread: Fold in chopped kalamata olives and diced sun-dried tomatoes for a tangy Mediterranean-inspired version.
  • Seeded Rustic Bread: Sprinkle a mix of sunflower, pumpkin, and sesame seeds on top before baking for extra crunch and texture.

Pairing Ideas for Rosemary Parmesan Bread

  • Pair with Hearty Tomato Soup: The rosemary and Parmesan flavors complement the rich, tangy tomato base, creating a warm and comforting meal that feels like a culinary hug.
  • Serve with Olive Oil Herb Dip: Create a Mediterranean-style appetizer by mixing extra virgin olive oil with fresh herbs like basil and thyme, perfect for dunking thick slices of this fragrant bread.
  • Match with Crisp White Wine: A chilled Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc cuts through the bread's richness and enhances its herbal rosemary notes, providing a refreshing contrast.

Storage Guidelines for Rosemary Parmesan Bread

  • Wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, store in an airtight container, and keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
  • Slice the bread, place parchment paper between slices, seal in a freezer bag, and freeze for up to 3 months.
  • Warm in a preheated oven at 350F (175C) for 5-10 minutes, wrapped in foil to prevent drying out.
  • Remove from freezer, let sit at room temperature for 1-2 hours, then warm in oven at 350F (175C) for 10-15 minutes.

FAQs for Rosemary Parmesan Bread

  • What role does rosemary play in this bread recipe?

Rosemary adds a fragrant, herbal flavor that complements the savory Parmesan cheese, creating a rich and aromatic bread with depth of taste.

  • Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes, you can substitute instant yeast. Just reduce the liquid slightly and skip the activation step, mixing it directly with the dry ingredients.

  • How do I know the dough has risen properly?

The dough should roughly double in size and look puffy. When you gently press it with a finger, the indentation should slowly spring back but not completely disappear.

  • Is kneading important for this bread recipe?

Kneading develops gluten, which gives the bread its structure and helps create a chewy, soft texture. Proper kneading ensures the bread will have a good rise and consistent crumb.

Print
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Rosemary Parmesan Bread Recipe

Rosemary Parmesan Bread Recipe


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4.7 from 31 reviews

  • Total Time: 2 hours 5-10 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Rustic rosemary parmesan bread combines Mediterranean herbs with rich cheese, creating a golden-crusted masterpiece that whispers comfort. Crusty exterior and tender crumb invite bread enthusiasts to savor each warm, aromatic slice with pure culinary joy.


Ingredients

Scale

Primary Ingredients:

  • 3 cups (720 ml) all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) fresh rosemary, chopped

Liquid and Leavening Ingredients:

  • 1 1/4 cups (300 ml) warm water
  • 1 packet active dry yeast
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil

Seasoning Ingredient:

  • 1 teaspoon (5 ml) salt

Instructions

  1. Create a supple dough by blending flour, active yeast, lukewarm water, and fragrant olive oil in a spacious mixing vessel until a cohesive mass forms.
  2. Transfer the dough onto a flour-dusted work surface, gently massaging and folding for approximately 5 minutes until achieving a silky, elastic texture.
  3. Return the dough to the original bowl, drape with a clean kitchen towel, and allow it to rest in a draft-free, warm environment for 60 minutes or until volume doubles.
  4. Elevate oven temperature to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking.
  5. Deflate the risen dough and incorporate finely chopped rosemary, freshly grated Parmesan, and sea salt through gentle kneading.
  6. Mold the aromatic dough into a rustic loaf shape, positioning it carefully on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  7. Protect the formed loaf with a lightweight cloth and permit a secondary rise for 30 minutes.
  8. Slide the prepared loaf into the preheated oven, baking for 30-35 minutes until achieving a golden-brown exterior and producing a hollow percussion when tapped.
  9. Transfer the freshly baked bread to a wire cooling rack, allowing complete temperature reduction before slicing and presenting.

Notes

  • Ensure water temperature is between 105-110°F to activate yeast without killing it, preventing dense bread.
  • Knead dough thoroughly to develop gluten, creating a chewy, airy texture with perfect bread structure.
  • Experiment with alternative cheeses like Pecorino or Asiago for unique flavor variations that complement rosemary’s earthy notes.
  • For gluten-free option, substitute wheat flour with almond or coconut flour, adding xanthan gum for better binding and texture.
  • Prep Time: 1 hour 35 minutes (includes kneading and rising times)
  • Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 179 kcal
  • Sugar: 0.3 g
  • Sodium: 259 mg
  • Fat: 4.7 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1.2 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3.5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 29 g
  • Fiber: 1.4 g
  • Protein: 6.2 g
  • Cholesterol: 5 mg
Samantha Lee

Samantha Lee

Recipe Developer & Content Creator

Expertise

Plant-based and vegetarian recipes, Recipe testing and development, Food blogging and digital content creation, Culinary education and workshops​

Education

Oregon Culinary Institute (Portland, OR)

  • Program: Diploma in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Emphasized plant-based cooking, global cuisines, and recipe testing methodologies.​

Samantha sees cooking like painting, every fresh herb, every juicy tomato, a new splash of color on a canvas.
After graduating from Oregon Culinary Institute, she blended her love of global cuisines and plant-based cooking into recipes that feel fresh, fearless, and full of heart.
Samantha’s kitchen is a place where comfort food gets a modern remix and every meal feels like a little adventure. When she’s not cooking, she’s out exploring farmers’ markets, sketching new recipe ideas, or getting her hands dirty in a community garden.

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