Parmesan bread is a savory Italian bread that is made with Parmesan cheese baked right into the dough. It has a wonderfully rich flavor from the cheese and a crisp crust from being baked in a very hot oven. Parmesan bread makes amazing garlic bread and is a delicious accompaniment to Italian meals. But what exactly goes into making this cheesy bread?
The Main Ingredients in Parmesan Bread
There are just a few simple ingredients that go into Parmesan bread to give it its distinctive flavor and texture:
- Bread flour – Bread flour has more gluten than all-purpose flour which gives the dough structure to rise up tall and hold its shape.
- Water – The water hydrates the flour to form the dough.
- Yeast – Active dry yeast helps the dough rise.
- Salt – Salt enhances the flavor.
- Sugar – A small amount of sugar feeds the yeast.
- Parmesan cheese – Freshly grated Parmesan adds a punch of savory, salty flavor.
- Olive oil – Olive oil enriches the dough and adds flavor.
In addition to these core ingredients, you can add other optional mix-ins to create different variations of Parmesan bread. Some common add-ins include:
- Garlic – Minced or roasted garlic makes the bread extra savory.
- Herbs – Rosemary, oregano, basil or thyme add aromatic flavors.
- Olives – Chopped olives provide a briny, salty accent.
- Sundried tomatoes – Diced sundried tomatoes add a sweet and tangy flavor.
But at its heart, Parmesan bread is all about that cheese baked into the dough. Let’s take a closer look at why Parmesan is the star ingredient.
All About the Parmesan Cheese
Obviously Parmesan cheese is essential for that signature Parmesan bread flavor. But what makes Parmesan so important?
- Salty, savory flavor – Parmesan has a rich, umami taste that enhances the flavor of the bread.
- Aged flavor – Parmesan is aged for over 10 months which gives it a complex, sharp flavor.
- Melty texture – When baked, the cheese melts into delicious little pockets of gooey goodness.
- Flavor release – The heat of the oven causes the cheese to melt and release its savory flavors into the dough.
Using high-quality Parmesan is key. Freshly grated Parmesan has the best flavor. Pre-grated cheese tends to be dried out and lacking in flavor. For Parmesan bread, you want flavorful cheese with some moisture content to melt and distribute well in the dough.
The amount of Parmesan cheese can range quite a bit in Parmesan bread recipes. Some use just a few tablespoons for a hint of cheesiness. Others use up to a full cup of Parmesan to really load the dough with cheese flavor. It all depends on just how cheesy you want your Parmesan bread to be!
Choosing the Right Kind of Parmesan
Not all Parmesan cheeses are created equal. To get the best flavor in your Parmesan bread, choose high-quality Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese. Here’s what makes it superior:
- Strict standards – Parmigiano-Reggiano has a protected designation of origin. To bear the name, it must be made to exacting standards in specific regions of Italy.
- Raw milk – It’s made from raw cow’s milk instead of pasteurized milk, which gives it a complex flavor.
- Long aging – Parmigiano-Reggiano is aged for at least 12 months, while generic Parmesan is aged less.
- Grana Padano – This slightly less expensive Italian cheese makes a good substitute for Parmesan in bread.
With its rich umami flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture, quality Parmesan cheese is the MVP of Parmesan bread. Now let’s look at how it all comes together.
The Steps to Making Parmesan Bread
Making Parmesan bread is a fairly straightforward process. But there are some important steps to follow for the best results:
- Proof the yeast – Dissolve the yeast with warm water and a pinch of sugar to proof it.
- Make the dough – Mix together the bread flour, proofed yeast, salt, cheese, and olive oil. Knead until a smooth dough forms.
- Let it rise – Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
- Punch it down – Punch down the risen dough to release excess air.
- Shape the loaf – On a floured surface, shape the dough into a football shape loaf.
- Second rise – Place shaped dough in a loaf pan, cover, and let rise again for 30 minutes.
- Score the top – Use a sharp knife to make slashes across the top of the loaf before baking.
- Bake – Bake in a 450°F oven for 15 minutes covered, then 25-30 minutes uncovered until deep golden brown.
- Cool and slice – Let cool completely before slicing for clean slices that don’t squish down.
It takes a bit of time with the rising and baking, but active prep time is less than 30 minutes. The patience required results in the amazing flavor and springy crumb that makes fresh homemade Parmesan bread so good.
Tips for the Best Parmesan Bread
Here are some top tips for success when making your Parmesan bread:
- Use bread flour – The higher gluten content gives the best rise compared to all-purpose flour.
- Don’t skimp on salt – The salt enhances the cheese flavor.
- Grate the cheese fresh – Pre-grated cheese won’t distribute or melt as well in the dough.
- Knead thoroughly – This develops the gluten structure. Knead for 5-10 minutes.
- Let it rise sufficiently – Make sure it rises until fully doubled in size before baking.
- Score deep – Scoring helps the bread rise evenly. Cut 1⁄4 to 1⁄2-inch deep.
- Bake hot – The initial high heat sets the structure and gives the crust a crisp, browned exterior.
Follow these tips and your homemade Parmesan bread will have impressive height with an airy interior, crunchy crust, and mouthwatering cheese flavor in every bite.
Serving Ideas for Parmesan Bread
A freshly baked loaf of Parmesan bread just begs to be eaten. Here are some of the best ways to serve and enjoy this cheesy bread:
Garlic Bread
Parmesan bread really shines when transformed into garlic bread. Start by mixing some softened butter with minced garlic, parsley, salt and pepper. Slice a loaf and spread the garlic butter generously on each slice. Bake or broil until golden and bubbly. Crunchy garlic goodness!
Bruschetta
For delicious bruschetta, slice Parmesan bread and brush with olive oil. Grill or broil the slices until nicely toasted. Then top with a mix of diced tomatoes, basil, olive oil, and balsamic vinegar.
Breadsticks
Roll pieces of dough into breadstick shapes before the final rise. Bake until golden brown and crunchy. Breadsticks are amazing served with soup or salad.
Croutons
Day-old Parmesan bread is ideal for making croutons. Simply cube the bread and toss with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Bake at 400°F until crunchy then enjoy on salads or soups.
Bread Bowl
For an edible bowl, carefully hollow out a loaf of Parmesan bread and fill with soup or dip. It adds a deliciously cheesy component to enjoy alongside the filling.
Sandwiches
Parmesan bread makes incredibly flavorful sandwich bread. Use it for paninis, grilled cheese, or slice it thin for tea sandwiches. The cheese baked inside gives every bite extra flavor.
However you choose to use it, Parmesan bread is sure to be a new favorite with amazing versatility. Keep a loaf on hand for quick appetizers, soups and salads, or slice it up for sandwiches or toast any time.
Storing and Freezing Parmesan Bread
Properly stored, a loaf of freshly baked Parmesan bread will stay fresh for 2-3 days on the countertop. For longer shelf life, storage in the fridge or freezer is recommended. Here are some storage tips:
- Countertop – Store in a bread box or paper bag for up to 3 days.
- Fridge – Place in a plastic bag and refrigerate for 5-7 days.
- Freezer – Wrap tightly in foil or plastic and freeze for 2-3 months.
- Reviving – Thaw frozen bread at room temp and refresh in a 300°F oven for a few minutes.
With proper storage, you can enjoy fresh Parmesan bread anytime the craving strikes.
Substitutions and Variations
The basic combination of bread flour, Parmesan cheese, yeast, olive oil, and salt is what gives Parmesan bread its fantastic flavor and chewy yet airy crumb. But you can play around with the recipe to suit your tastes or work with what you have on hand. Here are some possible subs and variations:
Cheese
- Asiago
- Romano
- Manchego
- Gruyère
- A blend of mozzarella and Parmesan
Herbs and seasonings
- Minced garlic
- Dried Italian herb blend
- Chopped rosemary
- Caramelized onions
- Sun-dried tomatoes
Flour
- Whole wheat flour
- All-purpose flour
- Gluten-free flour blend
- Almond flour
Shaping
- Round boule
- Braided loaf
- Rolls or breadsticks
- Monkey bread
Feel free to get creative and make the Parmesan bread your own by tweaking herbs, cheese, shaping, or grain. No matter what, it will have that irresistible Parmesan flavor.
Troubleshooting Parmesan Bread
Parmesan bread is simple to make but there are some possible issues that can come up. Here’s how to troubleshoot some common problems:
| Problem | Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Poor rise/dense crumb | Old yeast, incorrect yeast amount, rising area too cold | Use fresh yeast, check recipe yeast amount, proof yeast before using, ensure rising area is 75-85°F |
| Flat, spread-out loaf | Too much flour when shaping, dough not proofed enough | Use light hand when shaping, allow dough to proof fully |
| Burnt bottom | Oven rack positioned too low | Place rack in middle to upper position in oven |
| Pale, soft crust | Oven temperature too low | Ensure oven is at least 450°F, use baking stone for crispier crust |
| Dense, gummy crumb | Too little flour, under-kneading | Increase bread flour amount, knead thoroughly for 8-10 minutes |
| Dry, crumbly bread | Too much flour | Reduce flour amount |
Paying attention to ingredients, proper shaping, and ideal baking conditions will ensure a picture-perfect loaf every time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of flour is best for Parmesan bread?
Bread flour is ideal because it has a higher protein and gluten content than all-purpose flour. This gives the dough more structure to rise high and hold its shape. The chewier texture of bread flour also stands up well to the Parmesan cheese.
Can I use pre-grated Parmesan?
It’s best to use a block of Parmesan cheese and grate it fresh yourself. The cellulose coating on pre-grated cheese prevents it from melting smoothly. Freshly grated Parmesan has the moisture and flavor that distributes better through the dough.
How much Parmesan cheese should the dough have?
A good rule of thumb is about 3/4 cup to 1 cup of grated Parmesan per 4 cups of flour. But you can adjust the amount to suit your cheese preferences. Just make sure not to exceed 1 1/4 cups of cheese or the dough may not hold together well.
Should the dough be kneaded by hand or mixer?
You can use a stand mixer fitted with the dough hook to knead the dough. But for best gluten development and chewy texture, kneading by hand for 8-10 minutes is recommended.
How long does Parmesan bread last at room temp?
Stored properly at room temperature, Parmesan bread will stay fresh for 2-3 days. Make sure to let the bread cool completely before storing. Keep it in a bread box or paper bag to allow the crust to soften and the interior toremain moist.
Conclusion
With just a few simple ingredients, you can create the amazingly delicious and addictive taste of fresh Parmesan bread. The cheese baked right into the dough gives it incredible depth of flavor and irresistible texture. Choosing high-quality Parmesan and allowing the dough sufficient rising time are keys to success. Baked to a golden crust in a hot oven then served still warm – that’s pure Parmesan bread heaven. From lovely loaf to cheesy garlic bread, Parmesan croutons, or bread bowls, this versatile bread is sure to be a new favorite your whole family will devour. Give Parmesan bread a try and enjoy a little taste of Italy from your own kitchen.