Imagine pulling a golden, aromatic loaf of bread from the oven, its surface dotted with melted Parmesan and fragrant herbs that fill your kitchen with an irresistible aroma. This Parmesan Herb Buttermilk Bread isn't just another recipe—it's a culinary adventure that transforms simple ingredients into a mouthwatering masterpiece that will have everyone begging for seconds. Whether you're a novice baker or a seasoned pro, this foolproof recipe promises to deliver a bread so delicious, it'll become your new go-to comfort food.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 60 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 1 loaf
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh herbs (thyme, basil, etc.)
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a 9x5 inch loaf pan by greasing it thoroughly with butter or lining with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Whisk these dry ingredients together until well integrated and free of lumps.
- Finely chop the fresh herbs, ensuring they are uniformly cut to distribute flavor evenly throughout the bread.
- Add the grated Parmesan cheese and chopped herbs to the dry ingredient mixture, stirring to distribute them evenly.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and melted butter until they are well combined.
- Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the buttermilk mixture. Gently fold and mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix the batter.
- Transfer the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula to ensure an even surface.
- Optional: Sprinkle additional grated Parmesan cheese on top of the batter for extra flavor and a golden crust.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the top is golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Slice and serve warm, optionally with additional butter or as a side to soups and salads.
Tips
- Temperature Matters: Ensure your buttermilk and butter are at room temperature for smoother mixing and better texture.
- Don't Overmix: Mix the batter just until ingredients are combined. Overmixing can lead to a tough, dense bread.
- Fresh Herbs Are Key: Use freshly chopped herbs for the most vibrant flavor. A mix of thyme and basil works wonderfully.
- Check for Doneness: Use the toothpick test—if it comes out clean with no wet batter, your bread is ready.
- Cooling is Crucial: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then on a wire rack to prevent soggy bottoms.
- Storage Tip: Wrap cooled bread in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container to maintain freshness for 2-3 days.
- Serving Suggestion: Serve warm with a pat of butter or as a perfect accompaniment to soups and salads.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 22g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 20mg
