Parmesan Peppercorn Bread
Parmesan Peppercorn Bread
Parmesan Peppercorn Bread
- 1/2 tsp active dry yeast
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 3 cups bread flour (15 oz by weight)
- 1.5 cups warm water
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil (if you want a crustier bre leave the evoo out, but i find it adds a nice flavor/aroma and i
- 1.5 tbsp freshly cracked black pepper
- 4 oz parmesan cheese (try to use authentic parmigiano
- Carbohydrate 1.146 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 0.138 g
- Fiber 0.63 g
- Protein 1.149 g
- Saturated Fat 0.01785 g
- Serving Size 1 1 recipe (476g)
- Sodium 1759.83 mg
- Sugar 0.516 g
- Trans Fat 0.04299 g
- Calories 9 calories
Step-by-step
- Stir the flour, yeast, salt, water, pepper, and olive oil together in a large bowl until well combined. It should look sort of shaggy smooth.
- Cover with plastic wrap and let it rest for two hours.
- Flour your countertop with 1 tbsp flour, turn the dough out, and sprinkle the top with another tbsp of flour.
- Knead for 2 minutes by hand (after that it will start to get too sticky, and we don’t want to add too much flour to the dough, since it will change the identity of the bread).
- Place the dough back into the bowl, and let it rest for another hour, again covered with plastic.
- Break the Parmesan up into little pieces.
- Knead the parmesan chunks into the bread, keeping your hands wet at all times so the dough doesn’t stick to you.
- Knead the dough enough to distribute the parmesan evenly, about 2 minutes.
- Let it rise for an hour (this is the final rise).
- Method 1: 20 minutes before baking, preheat your oven to 450 degrees F. Stick a dutch oven in the oven to heat up. Once the oven reaches 450, place your dough into the pot, cover with a lid, and bake for 30 minutes. Take the lid off, and bake for 15 more minutes, until the bread reaches 200 degrees F on an instant read thermometer. Cool on a wire rack.
- Method 2: Preheat your oven to 425 degrees F. Put a sheet pan filled with boiling water on the bottom shelf of your oven, and spray the walls of your oven with water. Bake your bread on a sheet pan for 20-25 minutes, until the bread reaches 200 degrees F. Cool on a wire rack, and slather with salted whipped butter.
My Parmesan Peppercorn Bread Adventure: A Busy Mom's Baking Journey
Life as a working mom is a whirlwind of schedules, deadlines, and never-ending to-do lists. Between juggling work, carpools, and homework help, finding time for myself feels like a luxury. But there's one thing that always manages to ground me, to bring a sense of calm amidst the chaos: baking. The rhythmic kneading, the comforting aroma of rising dough, the simple act of creating something delicious from scratch – it's my little escape, my moment of peace in the midst of a busy day. And this Parmesan Peppercorn Bread recipe has become a recent favorite.
This bread isn't just another recipe; it's a story. A story of unexpected discoveries, happy accidents, and the rewarding feeling of sharing something homemade with loved ones. It all started with a simple desire: to create something flavorful and satisfying, something that would elevate a simple weeknight dinner or a weekend brunch. The idea of combining the sharp, salty bite of Parmesan with the subtle spice of peppercorns was immediately appealing. I envisioned a bread with a robust crust, a soft interior, and a taste that would linger pleasantly on the palate. The process itself was therapeutic. Kneading the dough felt almost meditative, a chance to disconnect from the constant demands of the day and focus solely on the task at hand. Each step, from measuring the ingredients to carefully shaping the loaf, felt deliberate and meaningful. And the result? Pure magic. The bread was a resounding success, a testament to the power of simple ingredients and a bit of love.
The aroma alone is enough to transport you to a cozy kitchen, filled with warmth and the promise of something delicious. The first bite is a delightful explosion of flavors – the sharp Parmesan, the subtle peppercorn spice, and the slightly sweet taste of the dough all blending beautifully. The crust has a perfect crunch, giving way to a soft, airy interior that is both satisfying and comforting. It's a bread that's perfect for any occasion, from a casual weeknight dinner to a more formal gathering. Served with soup, alongside a salad, or simply toasted with a bit of butter, this bread is the perfect accompaniment to any meal. More than just sustenance, it's an experience. It’s the warm glow of accomplishment, the satisfaction of creating something beautiful and delicious from scratch, the joy of sharing something special with those you love. That’s the magic of baking; it transforms simple ingredients into something extraordinary, reflecting the love and care poured into each step of the process.
But the best part of all? The simplicity of the recipe. It's surprisingly easy to make, even for a busy mom like me. There are no complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients. Just a few simple steps, a little patience, and a whole lot of love. And that, my friends, is what makes this Parmesan Peppercorn Bread more than just a recipe – it's a cherished part of my family's life, a testament to the power of food to bring people together.
Beyond the personal satisfaction, sharing this bread has become a source of joy. Watching my family savor each bite, their faces filled with delight, is a reward beyond measure. It's a way to connect, to share a moment of warmth and togetherness amidst the hustle and bustle of modern life. And that, ultimately, is what matters most.
So, if you're looking for a simple yet rewarding baking project that will bring a touch of comfort and joy to your life, give this Parmesan Peppercorn Bread recipe a try. You won't be disappointed. The process itself is therapeutic, and the end result? A loaf of bread that's as delicious as it is heartwarming.
