Garlic-Infused Parmesan Sourdough Loaf
This Garlic-Infused Parmesan Sourdough Loaf is a delightful addition to any meal, especially Italian feasts! Imagine pulling a warm, crusty loaf out of the oven, with the rich aroma of roasted garlic mingling with the nutty, salty notes of freshly grated Parmesan. Perfect as an accompaniment to pasta, a base for bruschetta, or simply enjoyed on its own with a drizzle of olive oil, this bread elevates any dining experience. It's the kind of bread that invites your family and friends around the table, and the added depth of flavor from the sourdough starter makes it irresistibly delicious. You'll want to make this a staple in your baking repertoire!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
sourdough starter
1 1/2 cups (active, proofed overnight)
milk
1/2 cup (warm)
cooking oil
2 tablespoons (preferably olive oil)
honey
1 tablespoon (liquid)
bread flour
4 cups (unbleached)
grated Parmesan cheese
2/3 cup (freshly grated)
garlic
3 cloves (minced or pressed)
salt
1 teaspoon (fine sea salt)
egg white
1 (lightly beaten (optional))
water
1 tablespoon (to mix with egg white (optional))
Instructions
1
The sourdough starter must be proofed overnight or for up to 12 hours before starting your bread.
2
In a bread machine, add the ingredients in the order recommended by your manufacturer: sourdough starter, milk, cooking oil, honey, bread flour, grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, and salt.
3
Select the Dough cycle and start the machine. Allow the dough to knead thoroughly.
4
Once the kneading is complete, remove the dough from the machine before it begins the first rise. Shape the dough into your preferred loaf style: standard, free-form round, oval, or elongated.
5
Place the shaped dough on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or in a loaf pan, covering it loosely with a clean cloth. Let it rise until doubled in size, approximately 1 to 2 hours.
6
For an appealing finish, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a small bowl, lightly beat the egg white with 1 tablespoon of water. Brush the mixture over the top of the loaf before sprinkling additional finely shredded Parmesan cheese.
7
Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 45 minutes, or until the loaf is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
8
Allow the bread to cool on a wire rack before slicing. Enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the Garlic-Infused Parmesan Sourdough Loaf special?
This loaf combines the rich aroma of roasted garlic with the nutty, salty notes of freshly grated Parmesan cheese, all within a crusty sourdough base.
How long does the sourdough starter need to be proofed?
The sourdough starter must be proofed overnight or for up to 12 hours before you begin the bread-making process.
Can I use a bread machine for this recipe?
Yes, a bread machine is used to thoroughly knead the dough before it is shaped by hand.
In what order should ingredients be added to the bread machine?
You should add the ingredients in the order recommended by your specific machine's manufacturer, starting with the sourdough starter and milk.
What are the primary ingredients for the dough?
The dough consists of sourdough starter, milk, cooking oil, honey, bread flour, grated Parmesan, minced garlic, and salt.
When should I take the dough out of the bread machine?
Remove the dough once the kneading cycle is complete, specifically before the machine begins the first rise.
What shapes can I form with this sourdough dough?
You can shape the dough into a standard loaf, a free-form round, an oval, or an elongated style.
How should I prepare the surface for the second rise?
Place the shaped dough on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or inside a loaf pan.
How long does the shaped loaf need to rise?
The shaped dough should rise, covered loosely with a clean cloth, for approximately 1 to 2 hours until it has doubled in size.
What temperature is required for baking?
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) for baking the loaf.
How do I prepare the optional egg wash?
Lightly beat one egg white with one tablespoon of water in a small bowl.
When do I apply the egg wash and extra cheese?
Brush the egg wash over the top of the loaf and sprinkle additional Parmesan cheese just before putting it in the oven.
How long does the bread need to bake?
Bake the loaf in the preheated oven for 30 to 45 minutes.
How can I tell if the sourdough loaf is finished baking?
The bread is done when it is golden brown and produces a hollow sound when tapped on the bottom.
Is cooling necessary before slicing?
Yes, you should allow the bread to cool on a wire rack before slicing to ensure the best texture.
How much sourdough starter is used in the recipe?
The recipe requires 1 1/2 cups of active, proofed sourdough starter.
What type of flour works best for this bread?
Unbleached bread flour (4 cups) is recommended for the best structure and texture.
What kind of milk should I use?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of warm milk.
What is the preferred type of cooking oil?
While any cooking oil works, olive oil is preferred for its flavor profile.
How much garlic is included in the loaf?
The recipe uses 3 cloves of minced or pressed garlic.
Is there a sweetener in the recipe?
Yes, one tablespoon of liquid honey is used to add depth and assist the fermentation.
What kind of salt is suggested?
One teaspoon of fine sea salt is suggested for the dough.
How much Parmesan cheese goes into the dough itself?
The dough recipe includes 2/3 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
Can I use this bread for Italian meals?
Absolutely, it is an ideal accompaniment to pasta dishes and Italian feasts.
Is this bread suitable for making bruschetta?
Yes, its savory garlic and Parmesan flavors make it an excellent base for bruschetta.
What is the texture of the crust?
The finished loaf has a warm, crusty exterior.
Can I use pre-shredded Parmesan?
While possible, freshly grated Parmesan is recommended for the best flavor and melting properties.
Does the recipe use yeast or only sourdough?
This is a yeast bread that relies on a sourdough starter for its primary leavening and flavor.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 10 ingredients total, including the optional egg wash and water.
What are the recommended tags for this recipe?
Tags include garlic bread, sourdough, parmesan, homemade bread, and artisan bread.