Rustic Parmesan And Basil Bread Made Easy
Description
I use this recipe when I need bread that is uncomplicated to make. It’s wonderfully flavorful and doesn’t require much planning ahead. It was originally inspired by a recipe that took a lot more planning. One morning I realized I had forgotten to get it started the night before. I needed to adjust the recipe so we could have it with dinner. That change, along with boosting the seasonings, turned this bread into one of my go-to recipes. It’s dependable, flexible, and fits easily into a regular cooking rhythm.
Ingredients
Instructions
-
Blend 3 ½ cups flour, salt, and yeast with water in the bowl of a stand blender until the dough is smooth and soft but not sticky. If dough is sticky add remaining (up to ½ cup and 1 tbsp) flour 1 tbsp at a time. However, do not add so much flour that the dough is stiff.
-
Pour olive oil into your hands and rub them together. Using your hands, mold dough into a ball.
-
Lightly coat a medium sized bowl with olive oil, place the dough in the bowl, and cover tightly. The mixing bowl can be used for this.
-
Allow dough to rise for approximately 2 hours (until dough has doubled). If your oven has a proof/warm setting, it works well for this.
-
Turn dough out onto (lightly floured if necessary) smooth surface. Add cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and basil. Knead until additional ingredients are well mixed.
-
Lightly oil dough using method in step 2. Line a bowl with parchment paper. Place dough in the bowl and cover tightly. Let it sit at room temperature for 1 hour.
-
Place a Dutch oven with lid into the oven and preheat to 450 °F.
-
Make 2 to 3 cuts on the top of the dough.
-
Remove the Dutch oven from the oven. Carefully place dough in the Dutch oven, using the parchment to lift it. Handle gently to avoid letting the dough deflate.
-
Return the cover to the Dutch oven. Bake for 20 minutes.
-
Remove the lid. Bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes or until golden brown. The bread will have a hollow sound when tapped. Allow to cool before slicing.
Note
Quick Tips
- Italian seasoning or rosemary may be substituted for the basil in this recipe.
- Mix the basil, garlic powder, and parmesan thoroughly into the dough for the best results.
- Store leftover bread at room temperature or in the freezer, but not in the fridge.
- This bread toasts nicely the next day.
- Serve alongside soup and pasta to soak up every last drop. It can also be served as a simple side for roasted meats or vegetables.
Grocery List (By Department)
- Pantry / Baking
⦁ All-purpose flour
⦁ Salt
⦁ Dry active yeast - Dairy
* Parmesan cheese - Pantry / Oils & Spices
⦁ Olive oil
⦁ Basil
⦁ Garlic powder
⦁ Onion powder
Note
This is the kind of bread that works when you want something homemade without it turning into a project. It’s flavorful without being fussy and flexible enough to adapt to what you have on hand. Whether it’s served with a pot of soup, a bowl of pasta, or toasted the next day, it fits easily into real-life cooking.
