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Homemade garlic bread topped with melted cheese and fresh herbs
Inga

Homemade Garlic Bread

This homemade garlic bread features a soft, airy yeast dough brushed with olive oil, garlic, parsley, scallion greens, and dill. Cut into squares and covered with melted cheese, it is an easy savory bread perfect for sharing or serving with your favorite meal.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Rise Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 30 Squares
Course: Appetizer, Bread, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 105

Ingredients
  

For the Dough
  • 3⅔ cups (460 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 tbsp (9 g) active dry yeast
  • cups (300 ml) warm water, divided
  • 1 tsp (4 g) granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp (6 g) salt
  • 1 tbsp plus 1 teaspoon (20 ml) olive oil
For the Garlic and Herb Topping
  • ¼ cup plus 2 teaspoons (70 ml) olive oil
  • 3 garlic cloves, finely minced or pressed
  • ¼ cup (15 g) finely chopped fresh parsley
  • 4 scallions, green parts only, finely sliced
  • 1 tsp (3 g) dried dill
  • 7 oz (200 g) shredded mozzarella or another good melting cheese

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Small mixing bowl
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Digital kitchen scale
  • Wooden spoon or dough spatula
  • Large baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Pizza cutter or sharp knife
  • Pastry brush
  • Rolling pin, optional

Method
 

  1. Activate the Yeast

    Pour 5 tablespoons of the measured warm water into a small bowl. Add the sugar and active dry yeast, then stir gently. Let the mixture rest for about 10 minutes, until it becomes foamy and bubbly.
  2. Mix the Dough

    Place the flour and salt in a large mixing bowl and stir to combine. Add the olive oil, activated yeast mixture, and the remaining warm water. Mix until a soft dough begins to form.
  3. Knead and Let the Dough Rise

    Knead the dough in the bowl or on a lightly floured work surface for about 5 minutes, until smooth and elastic. The dough should remain soft and may feel slightly tacky.
    Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl and cover it with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. Let it rise in a warm place for 30 minutes.
  4. Prepare the Garlic and Herb Topping

    While the dough is rising, combine the olive oil, minced garlic, chopped parsley, scallion greens, and dill in a small bowl. Stir well and set aside so the flavors can blend.
  5. Shape and Cut the Dough

    Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
    Transfer the risen dough directly onto the prepared baking sheet. Use your hands to stretch it into a large round or oval shape. A rolling pin can also be used if preferred.
    Use a pizza cutter or sharp knife to cut the dough into approximately 30 squares.
  6. Add the Topping and Cheese

    Brush the garlic and herb oil generously over the entire surface of the dough, allowing some of the mixture to reach the cuts between the squares. Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top.
  7. Bake

    Bake for about 20 minutes, or until the bread is fully baked, the edges are lightly golden, and the cheese has melted.
    Remove the baking sheet from the oven and allow the garlic bread to cool for a few minutes. Separate the squares along the precut lines and serve warm.

Notes

  • Use warm water between 105°F and 110°F (40°C and 43°C). Hot water can damage the yeast and prevent the dough from rising.
  • The 5 tablespoons of water used to activate the yeast are taken from the total 1 1/4 cups (300 ml).
  • Avoid adding too much extra flour while kneading. A slightly tacky dough produces softer garlic bread.
  • Low-moisture mozzarella melts well, but cheddar, Gouda, or a combination of cheeses can also be used.
  • If using instant yeast, mix it directly with the flour and check the dough a little earlier because it may rise faster.
  • Refrigerate cooled leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 to 4 days.
  • Freeze completely cooled squares in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
 
 

Nutrition per Serving

Approximate values for 1 garlic bread square:
  • Calories: 105 kcal
  • Carbohydrates: 12 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Fat: 5 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1 g
  • Cholesterol: 5 mg
  • Sodium: 120 mg
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Sugar: Less than 1 g