Fragrant Herb & Parmesan Skillet Bread Recipe: Homemade Joy

Warm, crusty bread straight from a skillet with herb-infused parmesan dancing through every delectable bite captures the essence of comfort cooking.

Rustic and inviting, this bread speaks directly to the soul of anyone who loves fresh, aromatic baked goods.

Each golden-brown slice promises a symphony of herbal notes and sharp cheese undertones.

The parmesan brings a salty richness that perfectly complements the soft, pillowy interior.

Skilled home cooks can easily master this simple yet impressive side dish that pairs beautifully with soups, salads, or enjoyed all on its own.

Dive into this irresistible recipe and let your kitchen fill with the mouthwatering aroma of freshly baked bread.

Tools You Need for Golden Skillet Bread

• Cast iron skillet: essential for baking and achieving a crispy, rustic bread bottom.
• Large mixing bowl: perfect for combining ingredients and letting dough rise.
• Wooden spoon: great for stirring and mixing ingredients smoothly.
• Sharp knife: needed for creating a decorative X-slash on top of the dough.
• Measuring cups and spoons: crucial for accurate ingredient measurements.
• Plastic wrap: helps cover the dough during rising process.
• Grater: used for preparing fresh Parmesan cheese.
• Pastry brush: helpful for evenly spreading olive oil on the skillet and dough.

Bake This Cheesy Bread with Soft Inside, Crisp Crust

• Yeast Awakening

Warm liquid meets tiny yeast particles, stirring gently until they dance together. Flour joins the party, creating a smooth landscape of potential deliciousness.

• Herbal Symphony

Fresh rosemary and salt weave their magic through the soft dough. The mixture rests in a cozy spot, slowly expanding and developing deep flavors.

• Skillet Preparation

Cast iron becomes the stage for culinary magic. Dough transforms into a rustic round, nestling comfortably in its new home with a drizzle of golden olive oil.

• Aromatic Transformation

Oven blazes to life at high heat. A quick slash reveals artistic flair across the dough’s surface. Rosemary sprinkles like green confetti, while Parmesan cheese waits in the wings.

• Golden Finale

Twenty minutes of initial baking creates a beautiful base. A generous snowfall of Parmesan crowns the bread, returning to the oven for a final golden embrace. The result: a crispy, herb-laden masterpiece that whispers stories of comfort and home.

Tips for Swapping Herbs or Adding Heat

• Quick Herb Boost: Experiment with different fresh herbs like thyme, basil, or oregano to create unique flavor profiles that match your meal's theme.
• Cheese Lover's Twist: Replace Parmesan with other hard cheeses like pecorino romano or aged gruyere for a different taste experience that elevates the bread's richness.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap traditional wheat flour with a gluten-free blend, ensuring you add xanthan gum for better texture and structure in the bread.
• Skillet Size Flexibility: If you don't have a cast iron skillet, use a similar-sized baking dish or ceramic pan, adjusting baking time slightly to ensure even browning and crisp edges.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 90 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes

Calories: 210 kcal

Servings: 9

What’s Inside Herb-Infused Parmesan Skillet Bread

• Lukewarm Water: Activates the yeast and helps develop the bread's soft texture, choose filtered or spring water for best results.
• Olive Oil: Adds richness and helps create a golden crust, opt for extra virgin olive oil for enhanced flavor.

• Instant Yeast: Essential for bread rising, ensure it's fresh and not expired for optimal performance.
• All-Purpose Flour: Creates the bread's structure, look for unbleached flour for better texture and taste.
• Fine Salt: Enhances overall flavor and controls yeast growth, use kosher or sea salt for more depth.

• Fresh Rosemary: Provides aromatic herbaceous notes, choose bright green leaves with strong fragrance.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds savory complexity and crispy topping, select freshly grated for maximum flavor intensity.

What to Serve with Parmesan Skillet Bread

• Rustic Dinner Companion: Pair this aromatic herb-infused bread with hearty beef stews, creamy tomato soups, or roasted vegetable dishes for a comforting meal experience.
• Appetizer Elegance: Slice the bread into wedges and serve alongside olive oil and balsamic vinegar for a sophisticated starter that'll impress dinner guests with minimal effort.
• Breakfast Adventure: Transform leftover bread into savory breakfast toast by toasting thin slices and topping with scrambled eggs, fresh herbs, or creamy avocado spread for a delightful morning treat.
• Wine Pairing Perfection: Complement the rosemary and Parmesan flavors with a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or a light-bodied Sauvignon Blanc to enhance the bread's herbal notes.

Bread Storage Tips to Keep It Fresh

• Fresh Slice Strategy: Cut bread into portions right after cooling, storing individual pieces in airtight containers to maintain optimal moisture and prevent staleness.
• Refrigeration Wisdom: Wrap bread tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, keeping it fresh in the refrigerator for up to 4 days without losing its delightful herb-infused flavor profile.
• Freezing Technique: Slice bread before freezing, placing wax paper between each slice for easy separation. Store in freezer-safe bags, preserving quality for 2-3 months with minimal flavor loss.
• Reheating Magic: Warm refrigerated or frozen slices in a toaster oven or regular oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes, restoring the bread's crispy exterior and soft, aromatic interior.

Rustic Herb-Infused Parmesan Skillet Bread Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 9 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Parmesan skillet bread delivers rustic Italian charm with golden, crispy edges and aromatic herbs. Crusty exterior and tender crumb invite warm companionship around dinner tables near and far.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 ¼ tsps (1 package) instant yeast
• 1 ½ tsps fine salt
• 4 ½ cups (574 g) all-purpose flour
• 2 cups lukewarm water
• 3 tbsps olive oil, divided
• 2 tbsps chopped fresh rosemary, plus more for sprinkling
• ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Yeast Activation: Dissolve instant yeast in tepid water within a large mixing bowl, ensuring complete integration.
2. Dough Formation: Blend half the flour with finely chopped rosemary and salt, stirring methodically until a silky consistency develops. Fold in remaining flour, creating a unified dough mixture.
3. First Fermentation: Cover the bowl with transparent film and rest in a warm environment for 60 minutes, allowing the dough to rise and expand.
4. Skillet Preparation: Coat cast iron skillet generously with olive oil, creating a protective layer. Flour hands and dough surface, then shape the risen mixture into a circular form.
5. Second Proofing: Transfer dough to the prepared skillet, ensuring even distribution. Drape a cloth loosely over the dough and allow to rise for 30 minutes until light and puffy.
6. Initial Baking: Preheat oven to 400°F. Drizzle remaining olive oil across the dough, create a diagonal cross-pattern with a sharp knife, and scatter fresh rosemary leaves on top.
7. Final Baking: Bake for 20 minutes, then remove and sprinkle generously with grated Parmesan cheese. Return to oven and continue baking until achieving a golden, crisp exterior, approximately 20 more minutes.

Notes

• Yeast Activation Tip: Ensure water temperature is between 100-110°F for perfect yeast activation without killing the live cultures.
• Dough Resting Secret: Choose a draft-free, warm spot like near a preheated oven or on top of a refrigerator to help dough rise effectively.
• Skillet Selection Strategy: Use a well-seasoned cast iron skillet for optimal heat distribution and a crispy, golden-brown exterior.
• Scoring Technique: Make shallow, quick diagonal cuts with a sharp blade to allow proper bread expansion and create an artisan-style appearance.

• Prep Time: 90 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 0 g
• Sodium: 190 mg
• Fat: 6 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 7 g
• Cholesterol: 2 mg