Crusty Italian Parmesan Bread

If you’re looking for a golden, crispy loaf with a soft, airy interior, this Crusty Italian Parmesan Bread is the perfect homemade bread recipe. Infused with savory Parmesan cheese, olive oil, and Italian herbs, this rustic-style bread is delicious on its own, served with soup, or used for sandwiches.

With its crunchy crust and chewy texture, this Parmesan-infused bread is simple to make with just a few ingredients. Whether you’re a beginner baker or a seasoned pro, this recipe delivers artisan-style bread without the need for special equipment. It’s the perfect combination of classic Italian flavors and bakery-quality texture—a must-try for bread lovers!

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Large mixing bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon or stand mixer
• Baking sheet or Dutch oven
• Parchment paper
• Sharp knife or bread lame

Ingredients Overview

• Bread Flour: Creates a strong, chewy texture.
• Yeast: Helps the dough rise and develop flavor.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a rich, nutty taste.
• Olive Oil: Enhances moisture and flavor.

Ingredients

For the Bread Dough

• 3 1/2 cups bread flour (or all-purpose flour)
• 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 1/4 cups warm water (110°F)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano (or Italian seasoning)

For Topping (Optional)

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Directions

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

1. In a bowl, mix warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.

Step 2: Mix the Dough

1. In a large bowl, combine flour, salt, oregano, and Parmesan.
2. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil, mixing until a rough dough forms.

Step 3: Knead the Dough

1. Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
2. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

Step 4: Shape & Second Rise

1. Punch down the dough and shape into a round or oval loaf.
2. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
3. Cover loosely and let rise for 30 minutes.

Step 5: Bake the Bread

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Brush the loaf with olive oil, sprinkle with Parmesan, and lightly dust with garlic powder.
3. Score the top with a sharp knife and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown.

Step 6: Cool & Serve

1. Let cool for at least 10 minutes before slicing.
2. Enjoy warm with butter, olive oil, or as a side for pasta!

Prep Time

15 minutes

Rise Time

1 hour 30 minutes

Cook Time

30 minutes

Total Time

2 hours 15 minutes

Nutrition (per slice, ~12 slices)

• Calories: ~180
• Fat: ~5g
• Carbohydrates: ~28g
• Protein: ~6g

Expert Tips

• For an Extra Crispy Crust: Bake with a small pan of water in the oven to create steam.
• For a Softer Bread: Brush with butter right after baking.
• Make It Herbier: Add fresh rosemary or thyme to the dough.

FAQs

Can I make this bread ahead of time?
Yes! Bake and store at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 2 months.

What if I don’t have bread flour?
You can use all-purpose flour, but bread flour gives a chewier texture.

How do I store leftover bread?
Wrap in foil or a cloth and keep in an airtight container for 3-4 days.

Storing & Freezing

• Storing: Keep at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Freeze whole or in slices for up to 2 months.

Substitutions & Variations

• Cheesy Twist: Mix in shredded mozzarella for an even cheesier bread.
• Whole Wheat Option: Substitute half the flour for whole wheat flour.
• Spicy Version: Add crushed red pepper flakes to the dough.

Crusty Italian Parmesan Bread

If you're looking for a **golden, crispy loaf with a soft, airy interior**, this **Crusty Italian Parmesan Bread** is the perfect homemade bread recipe. Infused with **savory Parmesan cheese, olive oil, and Italian herbs**, this rustic-style bread is delicious on its own, served with soup, or used for sandwiches.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Equipment

• - Large mixing bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons
• - Wooden spoon or stand mixer
• - Baking sheet or Dutch oven
• Parchment paper
• - Sharp knife or bread lame

Ingredients

  

• #### **For the Bread Dough**
• - 3 1/2 cups bread flour or all-purpose flour
• - 1 packet 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
• - 1 teaspoon sugar
• - 1 1/4 cups warm water 110°F
• - 1 teaspoon salt
• - 1 tablespoon olive oil
• - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• - 1 teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning
• #### **For Topping Optional**
• - 1 tablespoon olive oil
• - 1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
• - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions

 

• #### **Step 1: Activate the Yeast**
• In a bowl, mix warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for **5-10 minutes** until foamy.
• #### **Step 2: Mix the Dough**
• In a large bowl, combine flour, salt, oregano, and Parmesan.
• Add the yeast mixture and olive oil, mixing until a rough dough forms.
• #### **Step 3: Knead the Dough**
• Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for **8-10 minutes** until smooth and elastic.
• Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for **1 hour**, or until doubled in size.
• #### **Step 4: Shape & Second Rise**
• Punch down the dough and shape into a round or oval loaf.
• Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
• Cover loosely and let rise for **30 minutes**.
• #### **Step 5: Bake the Bread**
• Preheat oven to **425°F (220°C)**.
• Brush the loaf with olive oil, sprinkle with Parmesan, and lightly dust with garlic powder.
• Score the top with a sharp knife and bake for **25-30 minutes**, or until golden brown.
• #### **Step 6: Cool & Serve**
• Let cool for at least **10 minutes** before slicing.
• Enjoy warm with butter, olive oil, or as a side for pasta!