Italian Parmesan Bread

Bring the taste of Italy to your kitchen with this savory Italian Parmesan Bread, a homemade delight that combines the rich, nutty flavor of freshly grated Parmesan with a subtle blend of dried Italian herbs. This versatile loaf, perfect as a centerpiece for any meal, boasts a golden crust—enhanced with an optional egg wash—and a soft, airy interior. Whether you’re serving it alongside hearty pasta dishes, slicing it for gourmet sandwiches, or simply enjoying it with a drizzle of olive oil, this bread is sure to impress. With just 20 minutes of prep time, simple ingredients like all-purpose flour, warm water, and olive oil come together beautifully, while a final flourish of Parmesan and herbs on top makes it irresistibly aromatic. Ideal for novice bakers and seasoned pros alike, this recipe is your ticket to artisan bread-making at home.

Nutriscore Rating: 72/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 12

Ingredients

• 3.5 cups All-purpose flour
• 1 cup Grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons Granulated sugar
• 1.5 teaspoons Salt
• 2 teaspoons Instant yeast
• 1.25 cups Warm water
• 3 tablespoons Olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme, etc.)
• 1 whole Egg (optional, for egg wash)
• 1 tablespoon Water (for egg wash)

Directions

Step 1

In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, grated Parmesan cheese, granulated sugar, salt, and instant yeast. Mix until evenly distributed.

Step 2

Add the warm water and olive oil to the dry ingredients. Stir until a shaggy dough forms.

Step 3

Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead by hand for 8-10 minutes, or until the dough becomes smooth and elastic. Alternatively, use a stand mixer with a dough hook for 5-7 minutes.

Step 4

Shape the dough into a ball and place it into a lightly oiled bowl. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a damp kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.

Step 5

After the dough has risen, punch it down to release air bubbles. Turn it out onto a floured surface and shape it into a loaf or divide it into smaller portions for rolls.

Step 6

Place the shaped dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet or into a greased loaf pan. Cover loosely and let it rise again for 30-40 minutes, or until it puffs up significantly.

Step 7

Optional: For a golden crust, whisk together the egg and water to make an egg wash. Brush the egg wash over the surface of the dough.

Step 8

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). If desired, sprinkle additional Parmesan cheese and dried Italian herbs over the top of the bread before baking.

Step 9

Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes (for a loaf) or 18-22 minutes (for smaller rolls), or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.

Step 10

Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 10-15 minutes before slicing or serving.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	890.5 grams (890.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2016

Total Fat 33.10g	42%
Saturated Fat 18.10g	91%
Polyunsaturated Fat NaNg
Cholesterol 265mg	88%
Sodium 1437mg	62%
Total Carbohydrate 346.40g	126%
Dietary Fiber 11.60g	41%
Total Sugars 26.40g
Protein 81.40g	163%

Vitamin D 40IU	200%
Calcium 970mg	75%
Iron 21mg	114%
Potassium 515mg	11%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 14.8%

Protein: 16.2%

Carbs: 69.0%